Beijing skyline at dusk with illuminated roads and buildings, overlaid with digital lines symbolizing connectivity.

Research

Explore our research vision and areas of focus.

Electricity – the main driver for decarbonisation – sits at the core of CRAFT and it is the unifying theme across our research.

Renewable energy

We explore novel approaches to environmentally friendly electricity generation, advancing renewable energy solutions such as solar photovoltaics, wind power, hydropower, geothermal systems, and emerging bio‑energy technologies.

Electrification

From emerging battery technologies to the electrification of traditionally fuel‑based sectors, we develop solutions that accelerate the shift to an all‑electric future. Our work spans electric transport, including electric vehicles, aircraft and railway systems, as well as the electrification of heating and a wide range of industrial processes.

Smart grids

We study how smart grids advance sustainability by integrating decentralised renewables and engaging consumers as active prosumers. Our research explores stability challenges brought by renewable generation, demand‑side flexibility, AI‑driven forecasting and control, advanced metering and cybersecurity.

Sustainability and efficiency

Beyond electricity generation itself, we examine sustainability across the entire energy lifecycle - from production to end‑use - to reduce the overall carbon footprint. Our key focus areas include advanced materials for energy conversion, storage and insulation, enabling higher efficiency, longer lifetimes and more sustainable resource use throughout the system.

Digitalisation and AI

We study how artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalisation can responsibly improve energy distribution and maximise greenenergy use in multisource systems. We also examine how digital tools, such as smart meters and userfocused platforms, enhance human interaction with the grid, enabling more informed decisions and more active consumer/prosumer participation.