The Reef-UKC Network is a pioneering initiative designed to address the urgent need for integrating next-generation renewable energy sources with efficient and clean cooling technologies.
About Reef-UKC
REnewable Energy for Future UK Net-Zero Cooling (Reef-UKC) network is one of a kind in UK and works with academia, industry, government and societal stakeholders to develop sustainable cooling systems that support the UK’s transition to an affordable, resilient, low-carbon energy future.
Brief overview of its objectives and significance
At Reef-UKC, our mission is to redefine the future of cooling by developing innovative, renewable energy-powered solutions that address the growing demand for cooling in a sustainable and efficient way.
Develop Integrated Solutions
Focus on designing renewable-driven cooling systems that meet growing demand in sectors like hydrogen production and data centres, while enhancing energy efficiency and reducing reliance on grid electricity.
Maximize Environmental Benefits
Explore sustainable business models, behavioral shifts, and environmental impacts to promote social acceptance and mitigate the carbon footprint of cooling systems.
Support UK Policy Goals
Align with the UK's energy and decarbonization targets by providing cutting-edge research that fosters resilience in industries, communities, and utilities dependent on efficient cooling.
Clean Energy Solutions
We bring together interdisciplinary research, leveraging renewable energy potential while addressing key challenges such as technical feasibility, environmental impact, and social acceptance. Through our collaborative approach, pump-priming funds, and networking activities, Reef-UKC aims to create holistic, low-carbon cooling solutions for industries, communities, and utilities—strengthening the resilience of sectors critical to food and data security.
Renewable Cooling Innovation
Transforming cooling with renewable energy integration
Collaborative Approach
Bringing together diverse expertise for impactful solutions
Global Connections
Partnering worldwide to advance sustainable cooling
Research
Funding
Supporting groundbreaking projects for a low-carbon future
Driving Innovation in Renewable Cooling
By aligning with the EPSRC’s mission to meet the UK’s decarbonization goals, we are committed to advancing excellence in renewable-powered cooling technologies for a sustainable future.
Reef-UKC has been funded £0.5 million by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) for 2 years to carry out research for this initiative.
Reef-UKC aims to develop innovative, renewable-powered cooling solutions that support the UK’s transition to a low-carbon energy future. The network focuses on integrating next-generation renewable energy sources with efficient cooling technologies, addressing technical feasibility, environmental impact, and social acceptance.
The project is funded by a £500,000 grant from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and is managed by Aston University under the leadership of Dr. Ahmed Rezk, with guidance from the Project Management Group and contributions from 20 academics across 14 universities.
Reef-UKC facilitates interdisciplinary research, seed funding for new projects, and networking activities. It organizes workshops and events that bring together academia, industry, policymakers, and societal stakeholders to advance sustainable cooling technologies and promote global partnerships.
Reef-UKC Research Network Workshop
19th June 2025, Conference Aston, Aston University, Birmingham, B4 7ET Reef-UKC Research Network Workshop Marking Our First Year of Progress Join us for the Reef-UKC
International Collaboration
Get In Touch With Us
Thank you for expressing your interest to join Reef-UKC network. Please complete the following fields and we will get back to you as soon as we can. Please email us if you would like to know more about the project or if you are interested to join the network.
Email Us
reefukc@aston.ac.uk