Linking Science, Innovation, and Policy to Transform the World s Energy Systems

Transcription

1 Linking Science, Innovation, and Policy to Transform the World s Energy Systems

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3 With global energy demand projected to nearly double in the first half of the 21st century, the world urgently needs clean, plentiful, affordable, and reliable energy solutions that dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change. At the MIT Energy Initiative (MITEI), we re discovering, developing, and implementing groundbreaking technologies that are vital components of the transition to a low-carbon energy future. Our education programs for undergraduate and graduate students provide foundational knowledge and hands-on experience that prepares tomorrow s energy innovators for exciting careers. Since MITEI s founding in 2006 as an Institute-wide initiative, our outreach to policymakers, industry leaders, and the public has provided in-depth, quantitative analysis on current energy topics through briefings, publications, events, and other initiatives.

4 TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MITEI s funding opportunities for MIT faculty and student researchers, visit energy.mit.edu/funding RESEARCH As MIT s hub for multidisciplinary energy research, MITEI links world-class research teams with industry members to address the energy challenges of today and tomorrow, and associated environmental concerns. We advance technology development and deployment through programs for early-stage research of promising energy concepts and innovations through a member-supported Seed Fund, sectorspecific consortium research initiatives such as the Utility of the Future and Mobility of the Future studies, and our Low-Carbon Energy Centers in eight key technology areas. Our research focus areas range from basic energy science to renewable energy, energy efficiency, policy, and related areas in an environmental and climate context. The MIT Tata Center for Technology and Design is MITEI s premier program for research and entrepreneurship to advance solutions in the developing world that improve quality of life and sustainably meet people s needs for energy, water, and other vital resources. Focus Areas T to B, L to R: Conventional Energy, Developing World, Basic Energy Science, Nuclear Energy, Built Environment & Infrastructure, Energy Efficiency, Power Distribution & Energy Storage, Climate & Environment, Transporation, Policy & Economics, Renewable Energy

5 Advancing scientific research and engineering in low-carbon technology areas is critical for facilitating the transition to a carbon-neutral energy landscape. YANG SHAO-HORN W.M. Keck Professor of Energy; Co-director, Low-Carbon Energy Center for Energy Storage MITEI S LOW-CARBON ENERGY CENTERS In 2015, MIT announced its five-year Plan for Action on Climate Change, outlining Institute-wide steps for advancing solutions to global climate change. A core element of the plan, MITEI s Low-Carbon Energy Centers accelerate development and deployment of low- and zero-carbon energy technologies and related enabling technologies in eight specific focal areas key to addressing climate change. The Centers bring together MIT faculty from across the Institute, facilitating research with the collaboration and support of diverse companies and government entities. CARBON CAPTURE, UTILIZATION, & STORAGE ELECTRIC POWER SYSTEMS ENERGY BIOSCIENCE ENERGY STORAGE MATERIALS IN ENERGY & EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS ADVANCED NUCLEAR ENERGY SYSTEMS FUSION & MAGNETS SOLAR ENERGY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT becoming a MITEI member and joining the Low-Carbon Energy Centers, visit energy.mit.edu/membership

6 TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MITEI s energy education programs, visit energy.mit.edu/education EDUCATION For students interested in exploring a wide range of energy interests and preparing for careers leading the transition to a low-carbon economy under the guidance of world-renowned energy experts, MITEI s energy curriculum and customized research programs provide unmatched opportunities. Undergraduates The interdisciplinary Energy Studies Minor open to students of all majors integrates energy science, social science, technology, and engineering. Undergraduate students can also benefit from special initiatives such as the summer Energy Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP), which provides an immersive sponsored research experience with one-on-one mentoring and skill-building workshops. Graduate students MITEI s member-supported Society of Energy Fellows and sponsored research assistantships provide a framework for graduate students and postdocs to deepen their knowledge and skillsets, along with opportunities to publish their work and mentor undergraduates. Education leadership Faculty and students lead the Energy Education Task Force to maintain and enhance MIT s energy programs, including the Energy Studies Minor, and to communicate the Institute s interdisciplinary energy education model. I realized it doesn t really matter what major you are, you can still go into whatever you want. There are a million different paths to pursue in energy. FIONA GRANT 17 Mechanical Engineering; Energy Studies Minor

7 OUTREACH MITEI s fact-based analysis of current energy topics informs public policy, fosters dialogue within the academic research community, and provides the public with context on vital issues. Convening events throughout the year, we host thought leaders from across the energy value chain. MITEI staff, faculty affiliates, and graduate students also share their research and perspectives at events throughout the country. The Future of series of studies and reports is produced by multidisciplinary teams of MIT faculty and researchers. Each report from The Future of Nuclear Power to The Future of Solar Energy examines the role of energy technologies in meeting future demand under carbon dioxide emissions constraints. Our Utility of the Future and Mobility of the Future studies examine challenges identified by diverse consortia of leading international companies to address emerging issues in the electric power sector and transportation sector, respectively with the aim of providing guidance to industry, regulators, and policymakers. Within MIT, the Initiative fosters a sense of community among those interested in energy, and provides funding opportunities for faculty and students. We also support student-led energy groups such as the MIT Energy Club. Our staff members participate in Institute-wide efforts focused on addressing climate change. Our researchers and students are working to solve one of our greatest global challenges: how to bring affordable, plentiful energy to people around the world while dramatically reducing our greenhouse gas emissions to address climate change. ROBERT ARMSTRONG Director, MIT Energy Initiative; Chevron Professor of Chemical Engineering

8 STAY CONNECTED Keep up with MITEI s latest research, news, and events: To sign up for MITEI s weekly newsletter, visit: energy.mit.edu/subscribe Events calendar: energy.mit.edu/events Energy Futures Magazine: energy.mit.edu/energyfutures The Future of studies: energy.mit.edu/futureof Latest MITEI publications: energy.mit.edu/publications Connect with us on social media: Contact us: askmitei@mit.edu Mailing address: 77 Massachusetts Avenue, E Cambridge, MA 02139