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Professor Matthew Leach

Professor of Energy & Environmental Systems and Director of the Centre for Environmental Strategy (CES)

Qualifications: PhD, DIC, CEng, FEI, FRSA

Email:
Phone: Work: 01483 68 9170
Room no: 14 AZ 04

Office hours

Please email to arrange appointments, or see weekly office hours posted on office door

Further information

Biography

Matthew Leach joined the Centre for Environmental Strategy in 2007 and became Director of CES in 2008. An engineer by training, Matthew holds a bachelors in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Southampton, an MSc  in  Environmental Technology from Imperial College London and a PhD in Energy Policy also from Imperial.

Matthew is Vice President of the Energy Institute and past Chair of Council of the British Institute of Energy Economics.

Research Interests

Focus

Matthew's research is focused in two interlinked areas: systems analysis for sustainability appraisal of energy and waste systems; and energy policy analysis and advice. Within systems analysis, he works both in energy and waste systems, and has some experience also with water/wastewater. He connect these sectors through interest in the reducing scale of new processes being developed (eg decentralised/microgeneration energy and gasification/pyrolysis or anaerobic digestion of wastes). 

Projects

Matthew was PI for a Platform Grant (2001- 2005 and refunded for 2005 - 2009) to develop a Decentralised Generation research programme, in collaboration with Imperial College. He was an Investigator in the Sustainable Urban Wastes Consortium of EPSRC’s SUE programme and is a co-Investigator for the ReVISIONS consortium and for the Ashford Integrated Alternatives (AIA) consortium, both within SUE2. In these projects he is looking at the linkage between energy, waste and water systems at the urban scale. Matthew is an investigator in the EPSRC SUPERGEN ‘Flexnet’ Consortium and in the EPSRC/EoN ‘Transitions’ consortium in which he focuses on opportunities for demand side participation, including decentralised generation and load control. The economics of demand side participation is the focus for his contribution to the EPSRC 'REDUCE' project, within the 'Transforming Energy Demand through Digital Innovation' programme.

Matthew has led research and consultancy contracts for government and industry, including inputs to the 2003 UK Energy White Paper on scenarios for energy technology choices; a DTI study on the potential for renewable energy fuels in aviation; an EU study looking at scenarios for the long term development of electricity systems across Europe and two reports on low carbon technologies commissioned by the Prime Minister’s Office as an input to UK participation in G8 activities on renewable energy.

Research Collaborations

EPSRC Flexnet project, led by Imperial College London and with University of Strathclyde, University of Bath, University of Manchester, Cardiff University, University of Exeter, University of Edinburgh, Durham University, University of Birmingham, University of Cambridge. Collaboration with EDF Energy, National Grid, Scottish Power, Scottish and Southern Energy, CE Electric UK, Eon Central Networks

EPSRC/eon Transitions project, led by Cardiff University and University of Bath and with University of East Anglia, University of Leeds, Loughborough University, University of Strathclyde, Imperial College London, University College London. Collaborating with eon UK

EPSRC ReVisions project, led by University of Cambridge and with University of Exeter, University of Leeds, Newcastle University, Aberystwyth University, University of Aberdeen. Collaborating with East of England Regional Development Agency (EEDA)

EPSRC AIA project, led by University of Exeter and with University of Bradford, Imperial College London, Cranfield University. Collaborating with Ashfords Future  

EPSRC REDUCE project at Surrey, led by the Centre for Communication Systems Research and with the department of Psychology. Collaborating with Woking Borough Council, Thales Research and Technology UK
University of Surrey's Estates and Facilities

Publications

Highlights

  • Sadhukhan J, Zhao Y, Leach M, Brandon NP, Shah N. (2010) 'Energy Integration and Analysis of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Based Microcombined Heat and Power Systems and Other Renewable Systems Using Biomass Waste Derived Syngas'. AMER CHEMICAL SOC INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH, 49 (22), pp. 11506-11516.
    doi: 10.1021/ie1011855
    Full text is available at: http://epubs.surrey.ac.uk/60776/
  • Torriti J, Hassan MG, Leach M. (2010) 'Demand response experience in Europe: Policies, programmes and implementation'. PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD ENERGY, 35 (4), pp. 1575-1583.
    doi: 10.1016/j.energy.2009.05.021
  • Hawkes AD, Leach MA. (2009) 'Modelling high level system design and unit commitment for a microgrid'. ELSEVIER SCI LTD APPLIED ENERGY, 86 (7-8), pp. 1253-1265.
    doi: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2008.09.006
  • Hawkes AD, Leach MA. (2008) 'The capacity credit of micro-combined heat and power'. ELSEVIER SCI LTD ENERGY POLICY, 36 (4), pp. 1457-1469.
    doi: 10.1016/j.enpol.2007.12.022
  • Gross R, Heptonstall P, Leach MA, Anderson D, Green T, Skea J. (2007) 'Renewables and the grid: understanding intermittency'. Thomas Telford Proceedings of Institution of Civil Engineers: Energy, 160, pp. 31-41.

Journal articles

  • Bradley P, Leach M, Torriti J. (2013) 'A review of the costs and benefits of demand response for electricity in the UK'. Energy Policy, 52, pp. 312-327.
    doi: 10.1016/j.enpol.2012.09.039
  • Barton J, Thomson M, Huang S, Infield D, Leach M, Ogunkunle D, Torriti J. (2013) 'The evolution of electricity demand and the role for demand side participation, in buildings and transport'. Energy Policy, 52, pp. 85-102.
    doi: 10.1016/j.enpol.2012.08.040
  • Torriti J, Leach M. (2012) 'Making the least active pay: A simulation of rewards and penalties under demand side participation programs'. International Journal of Green Energy, 9 (7), pp. 584-596.
    doi: 10.1080/15435075.2011.625582
  • Chalmers H, Leach M, Chalmers H, Gibbins J, Chalmers H. (2012) 'Valuing power plant flexibility with CCS: The case of post-combustion capture retrofits'. Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change, 17 (6), pp. 621-649.
    doi: 10.1007/s11027-011-9327-5
  • Hong J, Johnstone C, Torriti J, Leach M. (2012) 'Discrete demand side control performance under dynamic building simulation: a heat pump application'. Elsevier Renewable Energy, 39 (1), pp. 85-95.
    doi: 10.1016/j.renene.2011.07.042
    Full text is available at: http://epubs.surrey.ac.uk/110203/

    Abstract

    This study presents the findings of applying a Discrete Demand Side Control (DDSC) approach to the space heating of two case study buildings. High and low tolerance scenarios are implemented on the space heating controller to assess the impact of DDSC upon buildings with different thermal capacitances, light-weight and heavy-weight construction. Space heating is provided by an electric heat pump powered from a wind turbine, with a back-up electrical network connection in the event of insufficient wind being available when a demand occurs. Findings highlight that thermal comfort is maintained within an acceptable range while the DDSC controller maintains the demand/supply balance. Whilst it is noted that energy demand increases slightly, as this is mostly supplied from the wind turbine, this is of little significance and hence a reduction in operating costs and carbon emissions is still attained.

  • Jensen PD, Basson L, Hellawell EE, Leach M. (2012) ''Habitat' Suitability Index Mapping for Industrial Symbiosis Planning'. Wiley Journal of Industrial Ecology, 16 (1), pp. 38-50.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1530-9290.2011.00438.x
  • Jensen, P.D , Basson, L. , Leach M. (2011) 'Reinterpreting Industrial Ecology'. Journal of Industrial Ecology, 15 (5), pp. 680-692.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1530-9290.2011.00377.x
  • Jensen PD, Basson L, Hellawell E, Bailey MR, Leach M. (2011) 'Quantifying ‘geographic proximity’: Experiences from the United Kingdom's National Industrial Symbiosis Programme'. Elsevier Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 55 (7), pp. 703-712.
    doi: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2011.02.003
    Full text is available at: http://epubs.surrey.ac.uk/29718/

    Abstract

    Geographic proximity is said to be a key characteristic of the resource reuse and recycling practice known as industrial symbiosis. To date, however, proximity of symbiont companies has remained an abstract characteristic. By conducting a statistical analysis of synergies facilitated by the United Kingdom's National Industrial Symbiosis Programme during their first five years of operation, this article attempts to quantify geographic proximity and in the process provide practitioners with an insight into the movement trends of different waste streams. Among other it was found that the median distance materials travelled within a symbiotic relationship is 20.4 miles. It is argued that quantitative information of this form is of practical value for the effective deployment of industrial symbiosis practitioners and wider resource efficiency planning. The results and discussion presented within this article are specific to industrial symbiosis opportunities facilitated within the United Kingdom; the methodology and assessment of resource movement influences are, however, expected to be relevant to all countries in which industrial activity is similarly mature and diversified.

  • Kapila RV, Chalmers H, Haszeldine S, Leach M. (2011) 'CCS prospects in India: Results from an expert stakeholder survey'. Elsevier Energy Procedia, 4, pp. 6280-6287.
    doi: 10.1016/j.egypro.2011.02.642
    Full text is available at: http://epubs.surrey.ac.uk/29721/
  • Chalmers H, Leach M, Gibbins J. (2011) 'Built-in flexibility at retrofitted power plants: What is it worth and can we afford to ignore it?'. Energy Procedia, 4, pp. 2596-2603.
    doi: 10.1016/j.egypro.2011.02.158
  • Chalmers H, Gibbins J, Leach M. (2011) 'Valuing power plant flexibility with CCS: the case of post-combustion capture retrofits'. Springer Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change,
    doi: 10.1007/s11027-011-9327-5
    Full text is available at: http://epubs.surrey.ac.uk/29720/

    Abstract

    An important development in recent years has been increased interest in retrofitting CO2 capture at existing power plants. In parallel, it has also been suggested that flexible operation of power plants with CO2 capture could be important in at least some jurisdictions. It is likely that retrofitted power plants could have significant ‘built-in’ flexibility, but this potential is often not considered in studies of the economic performance of power plants with CO2 capture. This paper makes a contribution to filling this gap by developing methods for first order screening analysis of flexible operation of power plants with CO2 capture and applying them to the case study example of an appropriately integrated retrofit of post-combustion capture at a coal-fired power plant. The quantitative analysis suggests that rich solvent storage could be an attractive option on a short-run basis for some fuel, CO2 and electricity price combinations. Results from first order analysis can then be used to determine which operating modes should (and shouldn’t) be included in further, more detailed design studies.

  • Sadhukhan J, Zhao Y, Leach M, Brandon NP, Shah N. (2010) 'Energy Integration and Analysis of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Based Microcombined Heat and Power Systems and Other Renewable Systems Using Biomass Waste Derived Syngas'. AMER CHEMICAL SOC INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH, 49 (22), pp. 11506-11516.
    doi: 10.1021/ie1011855
    Full text is available at: http://epubs.surrey.ac.uk/60776/
  • Torriti J, Hassan MG, Leach M. (2010) 'Demand response experience in Europe: Policies, programmes and implementation'. PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD ENERGY, 35 (4), pp. 1575-1583.
    doi: 10.1016/j.energy.2009.05.021
  • Staffell I, Baker P, Barton JP, Bergman N, Blanchard R, Brandon NP, Brett DJL, Hawkes A, Infield D, Jardine CN, Kelly N, Leach M, Matian M, Peacock AD, Sudtharalingam S, Woodman B. (2010) 'UK microgeneration. Part II: Technology overviews'. Proceedings of Institution of Civil Engineers: Energy, 163 (4), pp. 143-165.
    doi: 10.1680/ener.2010.163.4.143
  • Candelise C, Gross R, Leach MA. (2010) 'Conditions for photovoltaics deployment in the UK: the role of policy and technical developments'. PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING PUBLISHING LTD PROCEEDINGS OF THE INSTITUTION OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS PART A-JOURNAL OF POWER AND ENERGY, 224 (A2), pp. 153-166.
    doi: 10.1243/09576509JPE768
  • Sealy I, Wehrmeyer W, France C, Leach M. (2010) 'Sustainable development management systems in global business organizations'. Management Research Review, 33 (11), pp. 1083-1096.
    doi: 10.1108/01409171011085912
  • Hawkes AD, Leach MA. (2009) 'Modelling high level system design and unit commitment for a microgrid'. ELSEVIER SCI LTD APPLIED ENERGY, 86 (7-8), pp. 1253-1265.
    doi: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2008.09.006
  • Castillo-Castillo A, Leach M, Yassin L, Lettieri P, Simons SJR, Ryu C, Swithenbank J, Sharifi V. (2009) 'Thermal technology scales in future waste management strategies'. Proceedings of Institution of Civil Engineers: Waste and Resource Management, 162 (3), pp. 151-168.
    doi: 10.1680/warm.2009.162.3.151
  • Chalmers H, Lucquiaud M, Gibbins J, Leach M. (2009) 'Flexible Operation of Coal Fired Power Plants with Postcombustion Capture of Carbon Dioxide'. ASCE-AMER SOC CIVIL ENGINEERS JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING-ASCE, 135 (6), pp. 449-458.
    doi: 10.1061/(ASCE)EE.1943-7870.0000007
  • Bergman N, Hawkes A, Brett DJL, Baker P, Barton J, Blanchard R, Brandon NP, Infield D, Jardine C, Kelly N, Leach M, Matian M, Peacock AD, Staffell I, Sudtharalingam S, Woodman B. (2009) 'UK microgeneration. Part I: Policy and behavioural aspects'. Proceedings of Institution of Civil Engineers: Energy, 162 (1), pp. 23-36.
    doi: 10.1680/ener.2009.162.1.23
  • Exarchakos L, Leach M, Exarchakos G. (2009) 'Modelling electricity storage systems management under the influence of demand-side management programmes'. JOHN WILEY & SONS LTD INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH, 33 (1), pp. 62-76.
    doi: 10.1002/er.1473
  • Chalmers H, Leach M, Lucquiaud M, Gibbins J. (2009) 'Valuing flexible operation of power plants with CO(2) capture'. ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV GREENHOUSE GAS CONTROL TECHNOLOGIES 9, Washington, DC: 1 (1), pp. 4289-4296.
    doi: 10.1016/j.egypro.2009.02.241
  • Yassin L, Lettieri P, Simons SJR, Castillo-Castillo A, Leach M, Ryu C, Swithenbank J, Sharifi V. (2009) 'From incineration to advanced fluid-bed gasification of waste'. Proceedings of Institution of Civil Engineers: Waste and Resource Management, 162 (3), pp. 169-177.
    doi: 10.1680/warm.2009.162.3.169
  • Hawkes AD, Leach MA. (2008) 'The capacity credit of micro-combined heat and power'. ELSEVIER SCI LTD ENERGY POLICY, 36 (4), pp. 1457-1469.
    doi: 10.1016/j.enpol.2007.12.022
  • Keirstead J, Leach M. (2008) 'Bridging the Gaps Between Theory and Practice: a Service Niche Approach to Urban Sustainability Indicators'. JOHN WILEY & SONS LTD SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, 16 (5), pp. 329-340.
    doi: 10.1002/sd.349
  • Hawkes AD, Leach MA. (2008) 'On policy instruments for support of micro combined heat and power'. Energy Policy, 36 (8), pp. 2963-2972.
    doi: 10.1016/j.enpol.2008.04.011
  • Skea J, Anderson D, Green T, Gross R, Heptonstall P, Leach M. (2008) 'Intermittent renewable generation and the cost of maintaining power system reliability'. INST ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY-IET IET GENERATION TRANSMISSION & DISTRIBUTION, 2 (1), pp. 82-89.
    doi: 10.1049/iet-gtd:20070023
  • Di Castelnuovo M, Leach M, Pearson P. (2008) 'An analysis of spatial pricing and renewable generation in the British electricity system'. International Journal of Global Energy Issues, 29 (1-2), pp. 199-220.
    doi: 10.1504/IJGEI.2008.016349
  • Hawkes AD, Leach MA. (2007) 'Cost-effective operating strategy for residential micro-combined heat and power'. PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD ENERGY, 32 (5), pp. 711-723.
    doi: 10.1016/j.energy.2006.06.001
  • Hawkes AD, Aguiar P, Croxford B, Leach MA, Adjiman CS, Brandon NP. (2007) 'Solid oxide fuel cell micro combined heat and power system operating strategy: Options for provision of residential space and water heating'. ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES, 164 (1), pp. 260-271.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2006.10.083
  • Gross R, Heptonstall P, Leach MA, Anderson D, Green T, Skea J. (2007) 'Renewables and the grid: understanding intermittency'. Thomas Telford Proceedings of Institution of Civil Engineers: Energy, 160, pp. 31-41.
  • Hawkes AD, Aguiar P, Hernandez-Aramburo CA, Leach MA, Brandon NP, Green TC, Adjiman CS. (2006) 'Techno-economic modelling of a solid oxide fuel cell stack for micro combined heat and power'. ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES, 156 (2), pp. 321-333.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2005.05.076
  • Exarchakos L, Leach M. (2006) 'Electricity storage and demand-side management: Is their co-existence possible?'. Series on Energy and Power Systems, 2006, pp. 207-212.
  • Hawkes A, Leach MA. (2005) 'Solid oxide fuel cell systems for residential micro-combined heat and power in the UK: Key economic drivers'. ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV Journal of Power Sources, 149, pp. 72-83.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2005.01.008
  • Hawkes A, Leach M. (2005) 'Impacts of temporal precision in optimisation modelling of micro-combined heat and power'. PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD ENERGY, 30 (10), pp. 1759-1779.
    doi: 10.1016/j.energy.2004.11.012
  • Knight O, Leach MA. (2005) 'The development of concentrating PV-thermal technologies and their potential to reduce the cost of solar power'. Solar Energy, (April)
  • Anderson D, Leach MA. (2005) 'The Costs of Mitigating Climate Change'. World Economics: the journal of current economic analysis and policy, 6 (3), pp. 71-90.
  • Anderson D, Leach M. (2004) 'Harvesting and redistributing renewable energy: on the role of gas and electricity grids to overcome intermittency through the generation and storage of hydrogen'. ELSEVIER SCI LTD ENERGY POLICY, 32 (14), pp. 1603-1614.
    doi: 10.1016/S0301-4215(03)00131-9
  • Gross R, Leach M, Bauen A. (2003) 'Progress in renewable energy.'. Environ Int, United States: 29 (1), pp. 105-122.
    doi: 10.1016/S0160-4120(02)00130-7
  • Butler D, Jowitt P, Ashley R, Blackwood D, Leach MA. (2003) 'SWARD: decision support processes for the UK water industry'. Management of Environmental Quality, 14 (4), pp. 444-459.
  • Barnes-Regueiro F, Leach M, Ruth M. (2002) 'The Mexican energy sector: integrated dynamic analysis of the natural gas/refining system'. ELSEVIER SCI LTD ENERGY POLICY, 30 (9) Article number PII S0301-4215(01)00137-9 , pp. 767-779.
    doi: 10.1016/S0301-4215(01)00137-9
  • Karakoussis V, Brandon NP, Leach A, Leach M, van der Vorst R. (2001) 'The environmental impact of manufacturing planar and tubular solid oxide fuel cells'. ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES, 101 (1), pp. 10-26.
    doi: 10.1016/S0378-7753(01)00482-7
  • Grimston MC, Karakoussis V, Fouquet R, van der Vorst R, Pearson P, Leach M. (2001) 'The European and global potential of carbon dioxide sequestration in tackling climate change'. CLIMATE POLICY, 1 (2), pp. 155-171.
    doi: 10.3763/cpol.2001.0120
  • Jones E, Leach M, Wade J. (2000) 'Local policies for DSM: the UK's home energy conservation act'. ELSEVIER SCI LTD ENERGY POLICY, 28 (3), pp. 201-211.
    doi: 10.1016/S0301-4215(00)00002-1
  • Hart D, Leach MA, Bauen A, Fouquet R, Pearson P. (2000) 'Methanol infrastructure - will it affect the introduction of SPFC vehicles?'. ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV Journal of Power Sources, 86 (1-2), pp. 542-547.
  • Foxon TJ, Butler D, Dawes JK, Hutchinson D, Leach MA, Pearson PJG, Rose D. (2000) 'An assessment of water demand management options from a systems approach'. Journal of the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management, 14 (3), pp. 171-178.
  • Jones E, Leach MA. (2000) 'Devolving domestic energy efficiency responsibility to local government: the case of HECA'. Local Environment: the international journal of justice and sustainability, 5, pp. 69-81.
  • Foxon TJ, Butler D, Foxon TJ, Leach M, Dawes J, Pearson P, Rose D, Hutchinson D. (1999) 'Useful indicators of urban sustainability: Some methodological issues'. Local Environment, 4 (2), pp. 137-149.
  • Leach M. (1997) 'Not for burning?'. NEW SCIENTIST PUBL EXPEDITING INC NEW SCIENTIST, 156 (2112), pp. 56-56.
  • Leach MA, Bauen A, Lucas NJD. (1997) 'A Systems Approach to Materials Flow in Sustainable Cities. Case study of paper'. Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, 40, pp. 705-723.
  • LEACH M, LUCAS N. (1993) 'ENERGY INTENSITY AND STRUCTURAL-CHANGE IN EASTERN-EUROPE - METHODOLOGY AND CASE-STUDY OF HUNGARY'. JOHN WILEY & SONS LTD INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH, 17 (9), pp. 873-884.
    doi: 10.1002/er.4440170908

Conference papers

  • Zhang J, Basson L, Leach M. (2009) 'Review of Life Cycle Assessment Studies of Coal-fired Power Plants with Carbon Capture and Storage'. IEEE 2009 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SUSTAINABLE POWER GENERATION AND SUPPLY, VOLS 1-4, Nanjing, PEOPLES R CHINA: International Conference on Sustainable Power Generation and Supply, pp. 2108-2114.
  • Hawkes A, Leach M. (2005) 'Solid oxide fuel cell systems for residential micro-combined heat and power in the UK: Key economic drivers'. ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES, San Antonio, TX: Fuel Cell Seminar 2004 149, pp. 72-83.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2005.01.008
  • Hart D, Leach MA, Lucas NJD, Hutchinson D. (1996) 'Strategies and system concepts for hydrogen utilisation in an urban environment'. DECHEMA HYDROGEN ENERGY PROGRESS XI, VOLS 1-3, STUTTGART, GERMANY: 11th World Hydrogen Energy Conference (11 WHEC), pp. 329-332.

Teaching

Within Surrey

Electronic Engineering Level 3, Business Administration: coordinating half module in Sustainable Development

Chemical Engineering MSc in Renewable Energy: seminar on energy policy

CES MSc Transitions module: coordinating the module and variety of teaching

CES MSc Environmental Economics module: lecture on project appraisal

CES MSc Environmental Science & Society module: lecture on climate change and energy

Externally

MSc in Energy at City University: lecture on sustainable development and energy

MSc in Environmental Technology at Imperial College London: full day introduction to electricity systems

Departmental Duties

Director of CES

Co-Chair of the cross-faculty Energy Network 

Member of the University's Estate's Committee

Member of the University's Honour Degrees Committee

Affiliations

Fellow and Vice President of the Energy Institute

Member of Council of the British Institute of Energy Economics

Member of the International Association of Energy Economics