iNetZ+ Net Zero and Beyond

Our leading expertise in decarbonisation, energy and the circular economy is already accelerating the race to net zero. Now we embark on a transformative journey as we direct our world-leading research through the prism of iNetZ+, our global research institute focused on achieving net zero and beyond.

Through our global research institute, we’re pioneering groundbreaking solutions that will redefine environmental stewardship and propel us toward a carbon-neutral future; achieving net-zero carbon emissions and innovating for the future beyond.

Our commitment extends beyond research to policy advocacy, influencing sustainable transition at local, national and international levels. Through applied research and collaboration with business and industry, we intend to make a profound impact on the global shift towards a carbon-neutral future.

Harnessing green hydrogen

We're developing hydrogen production technologies, establishing new methods of transporting fuel and advancing storage solutions. Our researchers champion the use of hydrogen as a renewable energy source across industrial and domestic realms.

Decarbonising transport and logistics

By integrating agent-based modelling, data science, operations research, and behavioural change tactics, we'll develop an understanding and implement the necessary technological and operational shifts for new sustainable solutions.

GeoEnergy

Delving into the synergy between low-carbon energy and the subsurface, we investigate geothermal energy production, hydrogen storage, CO2 sequestration, and radioactive waste disposal.

Nature-based solutions

Collaborating with nature, we tackle key societal challenges. Our focus spans the protection, restoration, and management of natural and semi-natural ecosystems and the sustainable stewardship of aquatic systems and working lands such as croplands and timberlands.

Energy in buildings

We're addressing the significant role buildings play in worldwide greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption; focusing on pioneering technologies and policies to guide buildings towards net zero, contributing to the global decarbonisation effort.

Manufacturing and industry

We're collaborating with industry to digitally map manufacturing processes. This approach will help to develop universally applicable solutions, enhancing sustainability across various sectors, such as the brewing and distilling industries.

Developing sustainable and circular materials

We're pioneering the exploration and application of diverse materials, central to achieving net zero. Our focus spans from the atomistic to the macroscopic, blending fundamental insights with applied studies and industry collaboration.

Green business and finance

The non-technical facets of business and finance are pivotal in embracing transformation for a net zero future. We'll design groundbreaking models in harmony with social, economic, and political demands - smoothing the path towards a circular economy.

How do we create impact?

From creating new talent and innovation to supporting start-ups and etsablished organisations; find out how our globally connected ecosytem benefits everyone.

By promoting cross-disciplinary collaboration, we are not merely envisioning a net-zero future but actively shaping the responsible technologies and policies needed for a sustainable, globally equitable energy transition.Professor Raffaella Ocone OBE, Academic Co-Lead for Hydrogen Research

Our projects

Silhouetted oil rigs at sea during sunset with cranes

New research will enhance strategic confidence in Scotland’s Carbon Storage potential

The relationship between long-term carbon dioxide storage and legacy oil and gas wells in Scotland’s North Sea is to be explored in a new study sponsored by Crown Estate Scotland.

Graphic of a train and its digital twins. Digital twins replicate the physical world using data collected in real time.

UK transport decarbonisation hub secures £46 million from UKRI EPSRC and partners

The UK's new TransiT hub, backed by UKRI EPSRC and 67 partners, will lead the use of digital twins to rapidly decarbonise transport in the UK, including road, rail, air & maritime.

A train carrying numerous containers, transporting goods efficiently across the tracks.

Bridging the digital skills gap in logistics - Heriot-Watt's innovative approach

The logistics industry stands at a pivotal juncture faced with the unprecedented challenge of a widening digital skills gap

Heriot-Watt’s Global Research Institutes (GRIs) are centres of excellence and collaboration, created to address global challenges by leveraging our global reach, our significant international collaborations and our long-standing connectivity to business and industry.
Professor Richard A. Williams, Principal and Vice-Chancellor

Our global research institutes

Since 1821 we have been at the forefront of new ideas and solutions, creating radical innovations that make a difference in the real world. Heriot-Watt has an established reputation as a dynamic facilitator of successful strategic alliances. The University aims to solve problems of real significance to society by excelling in business and enterprise.