Case Studies

Smart grids are a key component in the energy infrastructure needed to meet Europe’s target of 20% of energy consumption from renewable sources by 2020. But widespread adoption of smart grids is dependent on investor and consumer confidence in their ability to provide a stable high-quality electricity supply. This is underpinne...

The next generation of nuclear reactors currently under development, known as Generation IV, will use a closed fuel cycle, where spent fuel is reprocessed and reused. This conserves natural resources, minimises nuclear waste and hinders nuclear proliferation. Generation IV reactors will operate at higher radiation levels and t...

One way to significantly increase plant efficiency is through better measurement of water temperature and flow rate. In nuclear power plants, water is taken in from natural sources (such as lakes and rivers) and pressurised and heated, before being converted into steam in the reactor vessel and used to generate electricity in t...

Harvesting waste heat from vehicles could reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Most major automotive companies are currently developing thermoelectric generators, which capture waste heat from a car’s exhaust and turn it into electricity. This harvested energy can be used to power a car’s electrical system, reducing the l...