This module investigates the need for low-carbon systems in urban areas and investigate the introduction of available renewable technologies.

The following topics will be covered:

The review different forms of renewable energy, such as kinetic, chemical, thermal, and potential energy. Energy flow, energy use, clean energy, net-zero targets and associated challenges.
Wind energy, onshore and offshore wind turbines power calculations and their integration with the electricity network.
Photovoltaics (PV) technologies, PV system design, modelling and integration.
Hydroelectricity system, including pump storage.
Ocean energy, including wave, tidal, and thermal energy.
Green H2 generation and storage and fuel cells.
Biomass and geothermal energy systems.
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) in energy industry.
Decentralized cogeneration technologies including combined heat and power (CHP) systems.
Grid integration challenges, impact of intermittencies, forecasting, curtailments, energy balance issues, and frequency problems.
Life cycle assessment applications on renewable energy systems and their role in the overall process of environmental management.

1. An individual Renewable Energy laboratory-based assignment with a specific focus on technical and environmental analysis of clean energy systems. Assessing AHEP 4 Outcomes M1, M2, M4, M7, and M17.

2. A closed-book examination will assess understanding of low carbon and renewable energy technologies, including their applications and related technical calculations. The exam evaluates AHEP4 master's level outcomes M1, M2, M3.

Formative assessment and feedback will be undertaken during the module to assess and develop your learning.

Professional Body requirements mean that a minimum overall score of 50% is required to pass the module with a minimum mark of 40% on a component.

Whole‑group lectures will introduce new concepts and reinforce material covered previously. Group tutorials, featuring activities designed to deepen understanding, will help you apply the knowledge and skills gained in the lectures. A combination of classroom‑based tasks and practical laboratory sessions, supported by academic staff, will further enhance your learning experience. Formative opportunities for informal assessment and feedback will be embedded throughout the module to help you monitor your progress and support your ongoing development.

1. Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of renewable energy technologies and their applications. (AHEP 4: M1, M2)

Knowledge & understanding

2. Analyse complex problems in integrating renewable energy systems into existing energy infrastructure to achieve net zero emission targets. (AHEP 4: M2, M3)

Application & problem-solving

3. Select and critically analyse a range of technical literature and practical experimental works on renewable energy systems (e.g., solar, wind) and H2 generation, storage and fuel cell technologies. (AHEP 4: M1, M2, M4)

Digital literacy
Research skills

4. Critically evaluate low-carbon and renewable energy systems through working in a group to integrate environmental, economic and social impact indicators for sustainable energy decision-making. (AHEP 4: M7, M16, M17)

Critical reasoning & collaboration

Engineering Laboratory Spaces – Experimental Lab Facilities in the Renewable Energy Laboratory

Standard engineering software

- Nelson, V. C. and Starcher, K. L. (2025). Introduction to renewable energy. 3rd edition. London: Routledge.

- Kiessling, S., Gohari Darabkhani, H., Soliman, A. (2026). Circular Steel Production: Pathways to Net Zero Carbon Emissions. WIELY, ISBN: 978-3-527-35315-6, 512 pages.

- Jenkins, N. and Ekanayake, J. (2024) Renewable energy engineering. 2nd edn. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

- Gohari Darabkhani, H., Varasteh, H., Bazooyar, B., (2022). Carbon Capture Technologies for Gas-Turbine-Based Power Plants. Elsevier, 1st Ed.

- Hauschild, M., Rosenbaum, R. and Olsen, S.I. (2018) Life Cycle Assessment: Theory and Practice. Cham: Springer. (This is the most recent prominent text in this area)

This module explores the role of energy efficiency and renewable technologies in the modern energy industry. You will study key renewable systems, including solar PV, wind power, hydro and marine energy, biomass, geothermal technologies, and energy storage, alongside low‑carbon solutions such as carbon capture and combined heat and power (CHP). You will examine how these technologies are integrated into industrial processes and energy networks to support cost‑effective, net‑zero pathways. The module also addresses the technical and economic challenges associated with deploying these systems at commercial and utility scale. Laboratory‑based experimental work provides hands on experience with renewable and low‑carbon technologies, including PV performance testing, wind turbine evaluation, fuel cells, hydrogen systems, and thermal energy analysis.