In the face of global challenges like water scarcity and climate change, Northumbria University is at the forefront of pioneering solutions and training the next generation of leaders committed to environmental stewardship. With initiatives like harnessing solar power to create water solutions and nurturing carbon champions, the university is making significant strides towards a more sustainable future.
The statistics are staggering: an estimated 1.8 billion people lack access to clean water, a basic necessity of life. In many regions, particularly in developing countries and areas affected by conflict or climate change, obtaining water is a daily struggle. However, Dr. Muhammad Wakil Shahzad, an associate professor in Northumbria University’s department of mechanical and construction engineering, and his team are working to change that narrative.
Their innovation, the portable Solar2Water system, utilizes solar energy to extract moisture from the air and convert it into clean, safe drinking water. With the capacity to produce up to 500 liters per day, this technology is a potential game-changer for communities in refugee camps, disaster zones, and remote areas where access to clean water is limited. What's remarkable is its independence from air humidity levels, ensuring a reliable water source even in arid conditions.
Northumbria University's commitment to engineering research excellence provides a fertile ground for such groundbreaking innovations. Through collaborations like the Northern Accelerator program, research endeavors with commercial potential, such as Solar2Water, are nurtured into spinout businesses, fostering economic growth while addressing pressing global challenges.
The success of Shahzad's project is evident, with Solar2Water attracting attention and accolades, including energy technology and social impact awards, and garnering orders from around the world. This success underscores the importance of university-industry partnerships in driving innovation and delivering tangible solutions to real-world problems.
However, the quest for sustainability extends beyond water scarcity to encompass broader environmental concerns, notably the imperative to decarbonize our future. Prof. Neil Beattie, professor of energy innovation at Northumbria University, is leading efforts in this arena, exploring novel applications of solar power and integrating photovoltaic materials into various products, from windows to car roofs.
Beattie's research exemplifies the transformative potential of renewable energy technologies, offering not only cleaner alternatives but also opportunities for decentralized energy production and enhanced energy security. Moreover, through initiatives like Renewable Energy Northeast Universities (ReNU), Northumbria University is grooming the next generation of renewable energy leaders.
ReNU's holistic approach to doctoral training combines academic rigor with practical innovation, equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the complex landscape of renewable energy research and development. Industry partnerships, such as those with Johnson Matthey, further enrich this educational experience, providing students with hands-on exposure to real-world challenges and opportunities.
The expansion of programs like ReNU, with increased funding and broader access, reflects Northumbria University's commitment to inclusivity and diversity in addressing the climate crisis. By engaging a diverse range of stakeholders, including industry, government, and civil society, the university is fostering a collaborative approach to sustainability that recognizes the urgency and magnitude of the challenge ahead.
As we confront the monumental task of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, Northumbria University's innovative research, interdisciplinary collaborations, and commitment to education are beacons of hope. By harnessing the power of academia to drive positive change, the university is not only shaping a greener future but also inspiring a new generation of carbon champions to lead the way.
More information and image credits: https://newsroom.northumbria.ac.uk/pressreleases/new-portable-system-produces-drinking-water-from-just-air-and-sunlight-3253314
Vimeo credits: https://vimeo.com/northumbriauni