London Renewable Energy Lab (LREL)
Introduction and purpose
The University of East London is committed to offering a cutting-edge teaching and research experience, the London Renewable Energy Laboratory (LREL) brings together a whole array of equipment that empowers our students' learning experience. The laboratory aims to focus on the full energy spectrum, encompassing equipment that can be used to test renewable energy technologies, understand the concepts of energy conversion, and identify how this energy can be stored in the long term.
Location
RDG03, Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability, UEL
Our mission
The LREL aims to:
- Establish facilities for testing solar cells and assembling lab-scale solar modules.
- Enhance the learning experience for students across various engineering disciplines.
- Support UEL’s commitment to sustainability engineering.
- Serve as a focal point for developing new technologies and increasing research outputs.
- Aid in course accreditation and form new partnerships.
- Improve visibility in renewable energy technologies.
- Provide training and support for solar installers, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, and consultancy opportunities
Research areas
Solar technology
- Solar panels
- Building integrated solar
Fuel cell technology
- Electrolysers
- Hydrogen
Energy storage
- EV (Electric Vehicles)
- Battery storage
Energy efficiency
- Net- zero buildings
- Decarbonisation
Energy generation
- Renewable energy sources
- Waste to energy generation

Summary of technical infrastructure
Solar technologies
- Solar simulator: Simulates solar radiation to test solar photovoltaic (PV) technology, meeting IEC standards.
- IV tracer: Characterises the electrical performance and efficiency of solar cells/panels.
- Large area simulator and electroluminescence: Tests standard and upcoming solar PV technologies with uniform solar illumination.
- Solar panel fabrication: Facility to develop and manufacture customised solar panels
- Solar accessories: Includes calibrated solar cells, pyranometers, weather stations, solar panel samples, data logging equipment, air quality measuring stations, and vacuum chambers.
Fuel cell and hydrogen technologies
- Fuel cell testing station: Fuel cells convert chemical energy directly into electrical energy, with heat generated as a by-product. The system uses high-purity hydrogen and ambient air to operate polymer-membrane fuel cells. Our test station is designed to analyse any fuel cell devices up to 100W.
- MicroLabBox: MicroLabBox lets you set up your control, test or measurement applications quickly and easily, and helps you turn your new control concepts into reality. More than 100 I/O channels of different types make MicroLabBox a versatile system that can be used in mechatronic research and development areas, such as robotics, medical engineering, electric drive control, renewable energy, vehicle engineering, or aerospace.
Digital technologies
- Multiphysics software: Used for computer simulations in R&D, learning, and teaching across various engineering fields.
- High-performance computing machine: Supports the extensive computational needs of MULTIPHYSICS simulation
Energy storage
- Battery simulator and precision DC bench power: Develops and tests new energy-efficient batteries in partnership with external academics and industrial partners.
Our team
Dr Hasan Baig (Lead for the Laboratory)
Dr Hasan leads the London Renewable Energy Laboratory, bringing extensive expertise in renewable energy technologies and a passion for advancing sustainable engineering solutions.
Dr Adnan Adnan
Dr Adnan contributes to the lab’s research initiatives, focusing on innovative ways to harness thermal energy conversion and energy from waste.
Dr Paola Falugi
Dr Paola specialises in digital technologies and simulations, enhancing the lab’s capabilities in computational research and development.
Dr Komal Saleem
Dr Komal's work in electrical technologies supports the lab’s mission to explore and develop cutting-edge renewable energy solutions.
Researchers
- Adithia Nayarussery Sunil
- Athira Manglavuparampil Shibu
- Ayushi Rushi Kapadia
- Jabeen Hamza Neduvanchery
- Meera Nalinkumar Patel
- Narmadha Vellora Veetil
- Prasadini Abhirandika Uhanovitage
- Rafia Mahmud
- Rukhieya Osman
- Swetha Karasala
- Gaurang Rasikbhai Parmar
- Ankan Mitra
- Hardikkumar Digvijaysinh Rathod
- Hari Sai Prasad Nagireddy
- Hibat Allah Mounir
- Hissan Qadri
- Jatinbhai Ramjibhai Moradiya
- Joel Crowther
- Joel Kuruvilla John
- Ketankumar Mansukhbhai Kanani
- Muhammad Haroon Azhar
- Mussa Djalo
- Rabah Aissou Baraka
- Santosh Gandhari
- Stephen Okoekpen
- Tanka Nath Ojha
- Uthman Opeyemi Abdullahi
- Yashpalsinh Pradipsinh Rana

Partnerships and collaborations
The London Renewable Energy Laboratory (LREL) at the University of East London is dedicated to advancing renewable energy technologies through robust collaborations and partnerships. Industry collaborations involve technology transfer, joint research projects, consultancy services, and training programmes, all aimed at developing and testing new renewable energy products. These partnerships not only enhance the lab’s research capabilities but also provide practical training and consultancy opportunities for industry professionals.
Academic partnerships are another cornerstone of LREL’s collaborative efforts. By partnering with national and international academic institutions, the lab engages in collaborative research projects, student exchange programs, and joint degree initiatives. These partnerships facilitate the sharing of expertise and resources, enhancing the scope and impact of renewable energy research. Additionally, shared resources and facilities promote a collaborative environment that fosters innovation and maximises the utilisation of equipment and knowledge.
LREL also emphasises community and stakeholder engagement, startups, and international partnerships. The lab organises educational programmes, workshops, and community-based renewable energy projects to raise awareness and promote the adoption of renewable energy solutions. Collaborations with startup incubators and accelerators support the development and commercialisation of innovative renewable energy technologies. International partnerships facilitate global knowledge exchange and joint research, contributing to the development of sustainable energy solutions worldwide. Through these diverse models of collaboration, LREL continues to drive innovation and contribute to the global advancement of renewable energy technologies.



