MIT Energy Initiative (MITEI)

Harnessing the Earth, the atom and the leafThere are many sources that can make a contribution to our energy supply, but likely not at a major scale in the near future.

Shining brightlyVast amounts of solar energy radiate to the Earth constantly, but tapping that energy cost-effectively remains a challenge.

Where the wind blowsHow far can wind power go toward reducing global carbon emissions from electricity production?

What can make a dent?Given the enormous scale of worldwide energy use, there are limited options for achieving significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

At your service in the Stratton Student Center: one Greenbean recycling machineZoe is the Greenbean recycling machine near the stairs on the first floor of W20. Part of a pilot program sponsored by the MIT Department of Facilities, Zoe is taking community recycling to the next level.

Bristly particles could be boon for powerplantsMulti-scale material may have applications in heat transfer, potentially helping powerplants be more efficient.

MIT and Cyprus Institute expanding collaborative research, education

Undergraduate energy research ‘fueled’ by team approach

MIT signs international charter, deepening commitment to campus sustainability

A shared success story points to a hopeful energy future for Massachusetts

Sun-free photovoltaicsMaterials engineered to give off precisely tuned wavelengths of light when heated are key to new high-efficiency generating system.

A national push for energy innovationAt MIT, former Michigan governor touts new bipartisan initiatives to make the U.S. the world’s clean-energy champ.

Report: Natural gas can play major role in greenhouse gas reductionThe cleanest of fossil fuels, it is far more abundant than previously thought and can have significant impact at little cost, MIT study finds.

MIT signs international charter, deepening commitment to campus sustainability

Ian Waitz on the future of engineering education and researchNew dean reflects on MIT’s School of Engineering, cites ever-growing role for collaboration and outreach.

Report: Storage for spent nuclear fuel more crucial than everJapanese nuclear crisis adds to the urgency of dealing with radioactive used fuel, and may raise cost of new plants, MIT study says

Solar power goes viralMIT researchers use genetically modified virus to produce structures that improve solar-cell efficiency by nearly one-third.

Moving climate change regulation forwardU.S. chief climate negotiator, MIT panel examine the science and policy of global warming.

Energy Initiative announces new seed grant awardsMore than $2 million awarded to 14 projects

Universities can lead in development, USAID head says during MIT visitDiscusses how new ideas are needed for battling disease, extending education and improving lives in poor nations.

The big picture on energy lossMIT system, tested in Cambridge, gives comprehensive view of energy inefficiency across large areas.

Electrifying transportation: Devil is in the detailsMIT symposium finds electric vehicle technology capabilities are way ahead of policy and infrastructure needs.

Solar leader sees bright futureFounder of Chinese company that is world’s leading maker of silicon photovoltaic panels says the technology is close to grid parity.

Fine-tuning photosynthesisMIT analysis shows how synthetic systems for capturing the sun’s energy could be made more efficient.

Catching the sun’s heatStoring thermal energy in chemical form has the potential to make it indefinitely storable and transportable.

3 Questions: George Shultz on nuclear disarmamentThe former secretary of state (and former MIT professor) discusses his ongoing campaign to rid the world of nuclear weapons.

3 Questions: ARPA-E chief on the energy challengeDuring MIT visit, Arun Majumdar issues a wake-up call but says his agency alone cannot solve the energy problem.