About Us
Welcome to the REnewable Energy for Future UK Net-Zero Cooling (Reef-UKC) Network, a pioneering research initiative spearheaded by Aston University, UK.
About Us
Empowering the Future of Cooling with Clean Energy Solutions
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.
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.
At Reef-UKC, our vision is to lead cutting-edge research that transforms how we integrate next-generation renewable energy with efficient, clean cooling technologies. As global demand for cooling continues to rise, traditional grid-powered solutions threaten decarbonization efforts. Our network is focused on developing innovative strategies to ensure resilient, sustainable cooling solutions that align with the UK’s energy and environmental targets.
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.
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.
Join us as we transform cooling through innovation, integration, and impact.
Brief overview of its objectives and significance
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. Through interdisciplinary and evidence-based research, Reef-UKC will tackle key challenges such as technical feasibility, environmental impact, and social acceptance. The network will engage in system-level research and networking activities, drawing from expertise in energy, socio-economic frameworks, and public policy to create transformative, sustainable cooling systems.
Objectives
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.
Meet The Team
The Reef-UKC network project is a collaborative and interdisciplinary project by a diverse and dedicated team of academics collaborating with industry who bring unique skills, expertise, and perspectives to address the growing demand for cooling in the UK.
The team comprises a directing group and a wider core team of 20 academics from 14 universities in the UK and overseas.
It is a growing network and we welcome members of academia, industry and policy working in cooling, heating and energy domains to join the network.
UK Academic Partners
- Dr. Luciano Batista, Aston University
- Dr. Abed Alaswad, Aston University
- Dr. Amir Amiri, Aston University
- Prof. Harjit Singh, Brunel University London
- Prof. Andrew Smallbone
- Dr. Salvador Acha Izquierdo, Imperial College
- Dr. Catarina Marques, London South Bank University
- Dr. Henrique Lagoeiro, London South Bank University
- Dr. Christopher Brown, British Geological Survey
- Prof. Judith Evans, London South Bank University
- Prof. Neil Hewitt, Ulster University
- Dr. Moura Mehravar, University of Birmingham
- Prof. Daniel Friedrich, University of Edinburgh
- Prof. Gioia Falcone, University of Glasgow
- Dr. Khoa Le, University of Oxford
- Prof. Malcolm McCulloch, University of Oxford
- Dr. Binjian Nie, University of Oxford
- Dr. Steven Metcalf, University of Warwick
- Dr. Stan Shire, University of Warwick
- Prof. Asaad Faramarzi, University of Birmingham
International Academic Partners
Non Academic Partners – UK & International
- Zafer URE, Phase Change Materials Products Ltd (PCM Products Ltd)
- Simon Shackley, Clean Heat Edinburgh Forum (CHEF)
- Dave Pearson, Star Refrigeration Ltd
- Paul Humphries, Kinder Energy Ltd
- Paul Kerby, P.A.K Engineering Ltd
- David Horsfall, Tyseley Energy Park
- Tommy Allsopp, Tyseley Energy Park
- Derrick Taylor, Birmingham City Council
- Tonia Clark, Birmingham City Council
- Debbie Caldwell, Belfast City Council
- Beecham Koonjah, Unitech Synergies
- Daniel Cartter, Specialist Computer Centres PLC (SCC)
- Yusuf Bilesanmi, Eja-Ice Limited
- Florian Schabus, Barocal
- Vibha Bhardwaj, Environment Laboratories, UAE
- Paul Humphries, Paul Humphries Architects
- Tim Hordley, Mechatherm International Limited
- Connor Smith, K2 Engineering (Cooling) Ltd
Project Management Group
Dr. Ahmed Rezk
Senior Lecturer, Aston University
Prof Patricia Thornley
Dir. of Supergen Bioenergy Hub, Aston U.
Dr. Xinfang Wang
Associate Prof, University of Birmingham
Prof Graeme Maidment
Professor, London South Bank University
Durga Prasad
Project Manager, Aston University
Project Funding
A team of Aston University researchers has been awarded a prestigious £500,000 grant to lessen the environmental impact of cooling – one of the UK’s fastest-growing energy needs. It is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and supports a consortium of several UK Universities led by Dr Ahmed Rezk.
The Reef-UKC network will fund £100K in seed funding to support eight to ten new research projects, aimed at fostering larger, multidisciplinary, and impact-driven initiatives.
Throughout the funding duration the network will conduct several workshops and events to bring academia, industry and policy people together to discuss the cutting-edge research in the area of sustainable cooling.
International Collaboration
Reef-UKC will partner with international academic institutions and industry leaders in the cooling sector. We have already built connections in countries such as India, China, Norway, and Middle East countries. This network aims to actively engage international partners in both virtual and in-person events and activities. Additionally, we will pursue joint funding opportunities to support collaborative international research.