Sustainable Energy
Improving environmental outcomes of the energy transition through strategic scientific advice
Decarbonisation of the energy sector will be essential if our species is to avoid the most extreme scenarios of climate change. This energy transition is well underway, but the rollout of new infrastructure risks exacerbating two further planetary crises: biodiversity loss and pollution. While this risk is substantial, negative outcomes are not inevitable. Policymakers are therefore striving to chart a course which delivers a clean energy supply alongside an improved marine environment. Success in this effort will depend upon the application of robust scientific evidence and strategic scientific advice.
The Sustainable Energy Transition theme provides such evidence and advice, drawing together expertise from across Cefas to assess trade-offs and opportunities for aquatic ecosystems, fisheries and the physical environment. Working with key stakeholders including Defra, The Crown Estate, MMO, and DESNZ, we identify critical evidence needs to deliver the UK’s Net Zero ambitions. We then coordinate with other Arms-Length Bodies to address these needs through evidence gathering and advice. Our ambition for this theme is to serve as a scientific think tank, convening stakeholder events on the key questions and co-creating evidence-based solutions to the many policy dilemmas ahead.
To achieve this, we:
Provide scientific advice directly to government, regulators and intergovernmental and scientific agencies such as OSPAR and ICES.
Lead and participate in research programmes to address critical evidence gaps.
Work with overseas governments on reducing environmental impacts of the energy transition.
Deliver scientific support for the development of new nuclear builds on the UK coastline.
