The global transition to an all-electric society is reshaping our world, driving advancements in how we live, work, and connect.
At the heart of this transformative movement lies power electronics (PE) - a critical technology enabling efficient energy conversion and control.
In November 2024, 'The UK Power Electronics Opportunity - a strategic position paper for UK industry', was published.
Prof. Volker Pickert from Newcastle University played a pivotal role in contributing to and writing this roadmap with UK power electronics industries.
This blog explores the vital role of PE in this evolution, and how engineers at Newcastle University are contributing to the UK’s strategy to harness its potential for a more sustainable future.
Contents:
- Responding to the challenge
- The Electric Revolution
- What is power electronics and why is it the pillar of all electrification?
- Looking forward: How the sector can support UK economic growth and deliver on key Government policy objectives
- A sustained call
1. Responding to the challenge
The strategic paper informs the UK Government, funding agencies, and industry stakeholders about the current landscape of the power electronics sector.
It then looks to the future, providing recommendations to support and foster the growth of this critical technology within the UK, ensuring there is a strong vision for progress and ensuring that the UK remains globally competitive.
2. The Electric Revolution
Electrification has fundamentally transformed how we live, travel, communicate, and collectively improve our wellbeing. Although electrification has been with us for over a century, the next hundred years will witness a significant transition towards an all-electric society. Most have already witnessed the fundamental shift from fossil fuel powered energy production and combustion engine powered cars to renewable energy and electric vehicles, respectively. However, electrification does not only take place in the energy and transport sector.
In the healthcare sector, electrification empowers advancements in delivery, ensuring the proper functioning of life-saving medical equipment, from surgical tools and diagnostic machines, to life support systems. This enhances the quality of patient care and improves access to healthcare services, particularly in remote or underserved areas.
The communications sector thrives on electrification, enabling the seamless flow of information and connectivity. From powering telecommunications networks and data centres to facilitating the widespread use of smartphones and the internet, electrification underpins the modern communications infrastructure that connects people and businesses worldwide.
The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is inextricably linked to electrification. AI algorithms require immense computational power, which is provided by vast networks of interconnected computers and servers, all reliant on a stable and abundant supply of electricity.
In agriculture, electrification enables the adoption of precision farming techniques, such as automated irrigation systems, controlled-environment agriculture, and the use of drones for monitoring and data collection. These technologies enhance agricultural productivity, reduce resource consumption, and contribute to more sustainable and efficient food production.
Manufacturing is driven by electrification. The integration of advanced technologies like robotics, automation, and the Internet of Things into industrial processes requires a reliable and efficient power supply. Electrification empowers industries to optimise production, improve efficiency, and enhance product quality, while simultaneously reducing their environmental impact.
Professor Volker Pickert
3. What is power electronics and why is it the pillar of all electrification?
Power Electronics (PE) is not merely about providing power; it is a catalyst for innovation, progress, and sustainable development across diverse sectors, by harnessing the power of electricity responsibly and efficiently.
From everyday electronics to large-scale systems, PE is indispensable in modern life. It ensures the reliable and efficient delivery of power to a vast array of applications, for example:
- electric vehicles,
- robots,
- CT scanners,
- data centres,
- vacuum cleaners,
- dishwashers,
- mobile phones, and many more
PE systems typically integrate a combination of power semiconductor devices, electronic components, software, cooling systems, and mechanical packaging. These systems often leverage advanced and emerging materials to optimise efficiency and control performance. The fundamental objective of a PE system is to effectively deliver electrical energy to the intended application, such as an electrical machine, drive, actuator, or any other energy-consuming device.
While often hidden from view, PE is a crucial component of any electrical system, akin to the foundation of a house. Just as a poorly designed foundation can lead to the collapse of a house, inadequate or inefficient PE systems can severely impact the performance and reliability of electrical devices and systems.
The importance of Power Electronics is undeniable, yet its critical role often goes unrecognized in everyday life.
PE is a cross-sector technology that requires collaboration among diverse players to achieve precise control and maximise energy efficiency. The UK boasts a thriving PE industry with numerous companies possessing unique capabilities and strengths across various sectors. This includes a strong foundation in end-to-end systems expertise and a history of developing world-leading products.
4. Looking forward: How the sector can support UK economic growth and deliver on key Government policy objectives
A recent strategy paper, led by Power Electronics UK which is part of TechWorks, underscores the pivotal role of PE in achieving both electrification goals and the ambitious Net Zero targets.
Recognising PE as indispensable for efficient energy conversion and control across a spectrum of applications, from small-scale devices to large-scale infrastructure, the paper presents five key recommendations for formulating a robust UK Industrial Strategy for Power Electronics.
These recommendations advocate:
- for coordinated growth within the UK PE sector,
- a strengthened supply chain,
- accelerated digitalisation,
- strategic investments to stimulate technological advancements and product development,
- and a concerted effort to enhance the talent pool and skills within the UK PE workforce.
The recommendations resonate strongly with the UK Government’s core missions, including establishing Britain as a clean energy superpower, revitalising economic growth, and strategically identifying and nurturing critical technologies.
The document further emphasises the profound significance of PE in facilitating the energy transition and digital transformation, particularly within three pivotal sectors:
- energy,
- transport, and
- industry.
It also delves into the evolving landscape of the national electrical grid, highlighting the critical need for advanced PE solutions to support this transformative shift.
Professor Pickert’s role in developing – and co-writing - the report included aspects like:
- facilitating collaboration between academic and industry partners, serving as the primary liaison to ensure effective knowledge exchange and ideas alignment.
- leading the entire "Industry" sector's activity by providing strategic leadership, ensuring transparent communication with stakeholders, cultivating a feedback-driven culture, and empowering the team with robust data and narrative analysis capabilities.
- directing comprehensive SWOT analyses across all sectors, integrating data from online surveys and existing reports to ensure strategic alignment and informed decision-making.
Image of the Energy Storage Laboratory that's part of the Urban Sciences Building at Newcastle Helix.
5. A sustained call
The paper concludes with a resounding call for sustained support for the UK PE sector, enabling it to effectively capitalise on the burgeoning opportunities presented by the escalating electrification challenge and the substantial economic rewards that accompany it.
You might also like:
Read other strategy and position papers on electrification and power electronics:- European Centre for Power Electronics (ECPE) Position Paper - The All Electric Society
- Department for Science, Technology and Technology – National Semiconductor Strategy
- Power Electronics UK – Driving Innovations in Power Electronics Across the Community, A Route Map to Success, White Paper, March 2017
- Volker Pickert's profile
- Director of EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Sustainable Electric Propulsion
- Editor-in-Chief IET Power Electronics
- Conference Co-Chair ECCE Europe 2025
Discover more about Professor Pickert's publications and research group:
- read Professor Pickert’s publication list
- read more about Professor Pickert’s research group
- discover research within electronic engineering at Newcastle University
