The Wolfson Foundation has awarded the School of Engineering a £2 million grant for pioneering research equipment in a new Institute for Energy Systems (IES) Lab. The IES Lab will provide an innovative research environment to advance the development of sustainable energy technologies in offshore renewables. Featuring state-of-the-art equipment that simulates real-world environmental conditions, the IES Lab will improve the quality of research focused on electrical machines and power electronics to produce renewable energy. Opportunities for students to train as future researchers in the renewable energy sector will be created through practical, lab-based research into emerging power conversion technologies, including superconducting electrical machines. Set to be hosted in the new School of Engineering building, which is due to open in spring 2026, the IES Lab will contribute to the University’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and technological innovation. We are very grateful for the Wolfson Foundation's generous support. The new equipment, to be installed in our newest engineering building, will fuel our pursuit of excellence in energy systems research and unlock new possibilities in sustainable energy technologies. Professor Guangzhao Mao Head of the School of Engineering Making renewable energy more efficient and more affordable will be an essential part of the UK’s move towards Net Zero. This grant will ensure that the team at the Institute for Energy Systems has access to world-class infrastructure to underpin their ambitious programme of research and development in offshore wind, tidal and wave power. We are delighted to continue our longstanding support for the University. Paul Ramsbottom Chief Executive of the Wolfson Foundation The Wolfson Foundation is an independent charity with a focus on research and education. Its aim is to support civil society by investing in excellent projects in science, health, heritage, humanities and the arts. Since it was established in 1955, some £1 billion (£2 billion in real terms) has been awarded to more than 14,000 projects throughout the UK, all on the basis of expert review. Related links The Wolfson Foundation The Institute for Energy Systems Tags Energy Systems Mechanical Engineering This article was published on 2025-01-30
