Policy and Pathways

Policy

Impacting and influencing policy is a key output for many researchers in the low carbon technologies DTC, as well as understanding the interactions between policy and technology uptake and roll out. The policy background is essential in providing research context for low carbon technologies, as the 2008 UK Climate Change Act and, subsequent legislation, stimulate demand for this kind of research, and additionally, international policy mechanisms provide context for further work.

The Feed-in-Tariff is a key policy element to a number of studies, as it is the primary mechanism for funding of renewable micro-generation. Research into wind energy potential incorporates the FIT rate in order to establish the pay-back times for installations of small scale wind energy.

Green Deal is a UK policy mechanism that enables consumers to make improvements to their homes by providing financial support. For research into energy service contracting, this can overcome one of the most significant barriers to change.

Examples of international policy mechanisms within the research of low carbon technology students include examination of international transport policy within the context of the aviation sector and an assessment of the potential of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) for stimulating low carbon energy in China.

Additionally, students have undertaken placements in government departments and institutions such as The Royal Society to gain greater understanding of the formation of policy and use of scientific evidence in these processes.

Pathways

Exploring the pathways for a low carbon future is a key element of research in the low carbon technologies DTC. The DECC 2050 pathways, as well as alternative pathways that have been developed, formed the basis for first year mini projects and remain an integral part for some student’s work. For example, exploring the transition to a low carbon transport sector includes scenarios for the ways that this transition might take place, the technologies that could be adopted and how they could be supported by socio-cultural changes.