Research

Materials underpin almost all elements within the energy industry, from the infrastructure and processes used in energy generation, to the systems used to store and transport energy to the end user.

At ICAM we are creating a platform to access, convene and develop leading-edge skills in the advanced materials field across the broader energy industry and associated supply chains.

To maintain consistency with bp’s technology strategy and communictae its research more effectively, the ICAM portfolio has shifted to Focus Areas, the majority of which are aligned with bp’s transition growth engines: Bioenergy, Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging, Hydrogen, Renewables and Power and a final focus area, Safe and Reliable Technologies, to cover other advanced materials research within ICAM.

Hydrogen

Hydrogen will play a vital role in a net zero energy system. When pure hydrogen is used as fuel, it combines with oxygen to produce water, emitting no CO2. If we can decarbonize its production, it becomes a great energy choice for industries that are hard to abate, such as, iron, steel and chemicals. And for heavy transport – trucks, ships and aircraft – which need fuels that can manage the load while fitting into a small space on board.

 

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Bioenergy

Bioenergy is a lower carbon fuel and power option, and it’s renewable – coming from sources such as used cooking oil, sugarcane and gas captured from landfill sites. It’s already in use today, fuelling transport, heating homes and powering businesses. Sometimes, bioenergy can be used interchangeably with fossil fuels, working as a ‘drop-in’ fuel, as with renewable natural gas. And sometimes, it works alongside fossil fuels to create a lower carbon blend, as with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

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Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging

Battery technology is a rapidly growing sector, especially as a storage system for energy generated from low carbon/renewable sources. Adoption of battery powered electric vehicles is increasing and presents an opportunity for materials science to deliver new value to the charging infrastructure.

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Renewables and Power

According to the IEA’s World Energy Outlook 2023, the share of wind and solar power in total generation is set to rise from 12% to about 30% by 2030. bp are helping to build that supply in onshore and offshore wind, where they are building capability in major markets worldwide, and by scaling solar power.

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Safe and Reliable Technologies

Research projects which align with bp strategy outside of the Hydrogen, Bioenergy, EV Charging and Renewables and Power transition growth engines are classified as Safe and Reliable Technologies.

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Scientist Working In Labratory

ICAM is comprised of
talented scientists

The ICAM Governance Board, which is chaired by Vernon Gibson, ICAM’s Executive Director, with senior representatives from each bp business and each academic partner.

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Publications

Advanced materials research covers a spectrum of academic fields and disciplines. The scientific publications authored by our researchers showcase some of the ground-breaking work taking place across the ICAM partnership.

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