Powering change: the role of energy innovation in protecting communities and the planet
From solar-powered water in Yemen to geothermally heated cities in the UK, Professor AbuBakr S. Bahaj shares how sustainable energy solutions can tackle climate change, protect lives, and spark economic growth worldwide.
In a revealing interview for episode 34 of The Decarbonisation Dialogue, Professor AbuBakr S. Bahaj opens up about his three-decade journey in sustainable energy research.
From a chance conversation on a flight to Yemen that inspired solar-powered water projects, to pioneering heat networks in Southampton, Professor Bahaj discusses the innovations, challenges, and global impact of his work in our latest podcast episode.
As head of the Energy & Climate Change Division and the Sustainable Energy Research Group (ECCD) at the University of Southampton, he has spent more than 30 years pioneering sustainable energy research.
Beyond changing individual lives, his work has shaped the futures of entire communities, reflecting a lifelong dedication to global impact.
From completing his PhD at Southampton to attaining a personal chair in sustainable energy, Professor Bahaj has helped establish the university’s energy theme while shaping climate policy locally and internationally.
In 2012, he became the first UK chief scientific advisor to a city council, advising Southampton, and in 2014 was named one of the UK’s 100 leading practicing scientists by the Science Council. He also founded the International Marine Energy Journal and has published hundreds of scientific papers, influencing the field globally.
He has initiated and managed research in ocean energy conversion, photovoltaics, energy in buildings and impacts of climate change on the built environment.
In our podcast the professor explains how his passion for energy solutions began on a flight to his homeland, Yemen – a plan was devised on a ‘napkin.’
He says: “I sat next to somebody from the Save the Children Fund who was traveling to Yemen and he asked me, what could UNICEF do for isolated villages? I said, give them water… but deliver it through solar power rather than diesel generators. You see the linking between renewables as well as water, health, and food.”
This experience inspired him to establish the energy theme at Southampton, connecting local research with global impact.
Addressing rising sea levels
Professor Bahaj stresses the immediate risks climate change poses to coastal cities like Southampton.
“Southampton is really at a level where we need additional strengthening and protection,” he says.
To bring the issue home, he offers a stark image of what rising sea levels could mean if action is delayed.
“Even the Southampton football ground could become like a swimming pool with a two-degree rise,” he explains. “Rather than play football, you’d be swimming.”
He warns that without intervention, vital infrastructure like the city’s port could be underwater, affecting local economies and livelihoods.
He stresses individual and community action: “Behaviour change is really important… using heat pumps rather than gas boilers, electric vehicles, reducing our energy consumption.
“But we also need government incentives and community engagement to link renewable energy projects to real-world benefits like flood protection.”
Whilst 2050 is a key deadline – action must be unified across the world as well as locally with impact and consequences clearly communicated.
Behaviour change is really important… using heat pumps rather than gas boilers, electric vehicles, reducing our energy consumption.
But we also need government incentives and community engagement to link renewable energy projects to real-world benefits like flood protection.
Innovating for global impact
Professor Bahaj’s work extends to East Africa, where he has helped deliver electricity to communities without access, often integrating solar power with water collection and mini grids.
“Electricity allows smaller businesses to grow, schools to run IT programs, and communities to thrive,” he explains.
His initiatives in Kenya and Uganda now serve as models for hundreds of mini-grid projects, combining energy access with health and mobility improvements.
Back home, Southampton benefits from a geothermally driven heat network, demonstrating how sustainable infrastructure can decarbonise cities at scale while supporting economic feasibility.
Professor Bahaj’s career reflects the interplay of science, policy, and social impact.
His drive and ambition have made a difference to lives across the world and he urges us all to think carefully about how we tap into our energy and the lasting impact on our planet.
“Our impact on international emissions is small, but we must lead by example and influence global change,” he says.
The Decarbonisation Dialogue
Let us know what you think of The Decarbonisation Dialogue. If you have ideas for guests or other podcast suggestions, please contact us at podcast [email protected]
We’d love to know what you think.
All episodes are available for streaming or download from your preferred podcast platform including Apple, Amazon and Spotify. The recordings are also available from our website.
