Professor Richard Blanchard

PhD, PGCE, SMIEEE, FHEA

Pronouns: He/him
  • Professor of Energy Systems
  • Academic Community Lead Energy and Sustainability
  • Acting Director Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology

Research groups and centres

Publications
Richard Blanchard

Background

I am a renewable energy systems researcher focused on addressing two of the defining challenges of our time:

  1. Delivering affordable, reliable and sustainable energy access for underserved communities.
  2. Accelerating the transition to net zero energy systems through innovative renewable energy technologies and system design. 

I lead the Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology (CREST), and undertake research that bridges engineering innovation, sustainability assessment and real-world implementation. My work spans renewable electricity systems, bioenergy, energy resilience, resource assessment, energy access and environmental sustainability.

I am also the lead and line manager for energy and sustainability academics in the Wolfson School.

Over the past two decades, I have worked with researchers, governments, NGOs and industry partners across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East to develop practical energy solutions that improve livelihoods while supporting climate action.

Qualifications and Awards

  • PhD Renewable Energy, University of Wales, UK.
  • Senior Member of Institute of Electronic and Electrical Engineers
  • Fellow of Higher Education Academy

Key awards

  • 2011, Baker Medal - Best paper Institution of Civil Engineers
  • 2016, Finalist Times Higher Education Awards

Outline of main research and interests 

The global energy transition must be both low-carbon and equitable.

My research seeks to ensure that technological innovation not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also contributes to poverty reduction, economic development and societal resilience. This includes developing energy systems that are technically robust, environmentally sustainable and accessible to those who need them most. A key focus of my research is understanding how renewable energy can act as an enabler of wider sustainable development outcomes, including improved health, education, water access, productivity and economic opportunity.

Research themes

  • Renewable energy system design and assessment (Solar, thermal, bioenergy, storage, hydrogen),
  • Energy system transition towards resilient low-carbon solutions (Energy system modelling, resilience analysis, climate adaption within energy infrastructure).
  • Developing evidence-based approaches to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7 – Affordable Clean Energy (Solar microgrids, rural electrification, clean cooking, productive uses of energy, monitoring and evaluation).

Research Impact

Combining laboratory research, field deployment, modelling and policy analysis; my research has contributed to:

  • Development of renewable energy solutions supporting climate mitigation and adaptation.
  • Integration of sustainability assessment into energy technology design.
  • Energy access initiatives across Africa, Asia and Latin America.
  • Improved understanding of productive energy use and livelihoods.
  • Capacity building through partnerships with universities, governments and industry worldwide.

I am particularly interested in translating research into practical solutions that achieve measurable societal and environmental benefits.

20+ PhDs supervised

Prospective PhD students

Research areas include:

 Net zero energy systems, energy system resilience, energy infrastructure, energy access and livelihoods, sustainable bioenergy, hydrogen systems and clean cooking.

Grants and contracts

  • 2023-26 Low-Cost, Circular, plug & play, off grid Energy for Remote Locations including Hydrogen (LOCEL-H2), Horizon Europe.
  • 2023-24 Testing of newly designed highly efficient small fridges for Africa, InnovateUK.
  • 2019-23 Modernising energy cooking services, FCDO.
  • 2019-22 Productive uses of DC power, InnovateUK.
  • 2019-20 Novel batteries, EPSRC.
  • 2018 Decentalisation, EPSRC.
  • 2017-2019 Sustainable Energy and water, Newton Fund.
  • 2016-2022 UK-India JVCEC, EPSRC.
  • 2016-17 Energy from waste, Newton Fund.
  • 2016 Solar nanogrids enhancement, EPSRC.
  • 2016 Breaking barriers: Enhancing local governance in renewable energy delivery in Malawi, EPSRC.
  • 2015 Methanation of food waste, UKIERI.
  • 2014-2017 Solar nanogrids, EPSRC.
  • 2012-15 Rural hybrid energy enterprise systems, EPSRC.
  • WSP036 Bioenergy
  • WSP147 Renewable Energy Technology in Society
  • WSB419 Project Design and Management
  • WSC555 Project
  • WSP502 Project

External links

  • Association of European Renewable Energy Research Centres (EUREC)
  • Energy Research Accelerator (ERA)
  • UK India Business Council (UKIBC)
  • Africa Power Ltd

External roles and appointments

  • External Examiner for the BEng/MEng in Renewable Energy Engineering at University of Exeter.
  • Former external examiner for master’s degrees at University of Reading, University of Newcastle, Coventry University (x2)
  • External examiner for 20+ PhDs.