Fei Liu’s paper explored opportunities using existing water infrastructure and renewable energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from domestic heating in the UK. It explored the potential and limitations of these solutions under future climate scenarios. Simulations optimised energy use to minimise emissions at a scale applicable to most UK towns.
This approach could mean that using existing water systems and local renewable energy for heating could be a very effective way to reduce emissions, and it would cost less to set up than building large-scale renewable energy projects.
Results showed that this integrated water–energy system could provide enough heating for most of the year - about 70% of the time - and theoretically reduce emissions from heating homes by half (around 50%). Future scenarios were also tested, and it was found that the projected annual emissions reduction was similar across all scenarios, suggesting this would be a robust approach.
Fei Liu said: “I am honoured to receive the James Watt Medal. This recognition is a testament to our team's hard work and dedication. It is incredibly inspiring and motivates me to continue advancing our research and contributing further to the field.”
Joby Boxall, Professor of Water Infrastructure Engineering, said: “It is fantastic that this paper presenting research on one of the really innovative, across infrastructure systems concepts from TWENTY65, is being recognised by this award.”
Fei was a Postdoctoral Researcher at 91̽ working on Theme 2 of the project for almost four years and the paper is linked to her work with 91̽. The Twenty65 project jump started a collaborative, innovation-fueled water future, delivering sustainable solutions for public health, environment, and the economy.
Read Fei’s paper on the : the most comprehensive online civil engineering resource in the world, and will be promoted to the wider community.
Every year, papers are recognised as being of exceptional quality and benefit to the civil engineering, construction and materials science community, and are celebrated at the ICE Publishing Awards Ceremony which will take place in London later in the year.