Energy
Chemical Engineers are not just concerned with the production of chemicals. Their skills are also in demand in the energy-producing industries. In particular, in Newcastle, we are interested in producing energy in more efficient, and hence cleaner, ways than conventionally.
Energy from biomass: We are developing novel gasifier technologies to produce energy (and chemicals) from domestic and industrial waste. The resulting Newcastle University start-up, ITI Energy, has a significant forward order book for gasifier technology. We are also developing new processes to produce biodiesel and other biofuels more efficiently.
Fuel cells: Fuel cells come in many shapes and sizes. As CEAM is one of the leading centres in Europe for the study of fuel cells, we work on most types. We investigate the effect of new materials on performance, develop new models and commercialise our work through various spinout companies.