Energy Tech Cluster

A go-to location

Harwell’s Energy Tech Cluster builds on more than 70 years of energy innovation, from atomic energy research to world-leading facilities including ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, the Central Laser Facility and Diamond Light Source.

Launched in 2018 around the Faraday Institution, the cluster now connects more than 80 organisations on campus and over 100 across the wider network. Businesses here can access expertise, funding, partnerships, facilities and dedicated cluster support to help ideas move faster.

With strong links across Harwell’s Space, Quantum and Life Science clusters, the Energy Tech Cluster gives organisations the connections and capability to test, scale and commercialise technologies with real-world impact.

Rising to the renewable challenge

Clean, carbon-free energy is one of the defining challenges of our time. At Harwell, organisations are working across energy storage, battery research, photovoltaics, wind energy, clean fuels and net zero technologies.

Through initiatives such as the Net Zero Living Laboratory, the campus acts as a real-world testbed where new systems can be developed, trialled and refined in a live environment.

Bringing investment closer

The Energy Tech Cluster helps businesses access the funding, facilities and partnerships needed to grow. From Proof of Concept support to connections with investors, banks and wider funding networks, Harwell brings the right people closer to the right ideas.

Delivering real success

The Jet Zero project brings together Reaction Engines and STFC to explore zero-carbon ammonia as a cleaner alternative to kerosene jet fuel.

QDot, backed by the Faraday Institution, is using technology inspired by nuclear fusion research to help reduce electric vehicle battery charging times by up to two thirds.

Together, these projects show how Harwell helps turn bold energy ideas into practical, scalable solutions.