News archives
MIT Tests Unique Approach to Fusion Power
An MIT and Columbia University team has successfully tested a novel reactor that could chart a new path toward nuclear fusion, which could become a safe, reliable and nearly limitless source of energy. March 2008
Researchers Boost Thermoelectric Efficiency
Researchers at Boston College and MIT have used nanotechnology to achieve a major increase in thermoelectric efficiency, a milestone that paves the way for a new generation of products - from semiconductors and air conditioners to car exhaust systems and solar power technology — that run cleaner. March 2008
MIT, Portugal sign energy agreement
MIT and the government of Portugal have formed a partnership to address critical energy issues and strengthen transatlantic cooperation in energy research. March 26, 2008
Energy-producing partnership
Paolo Scaroni, chief executive officer for Italian energy company Eni, discusses his company's multimillion-dollar research partnership with MIT during a Feb. 26 press conference. 29 February 2008
High-level panel gives advice to MIT Energy Initiative
The MIT Energy Initiative received critical input, advice and insights in the first meeting of its External Advisory Board. The board, chaired by former U.S. Secretary of State George Shultz, emphasized the importance of an international focus. 30 January 2008
MIT and ABB announce energy research partnership
MIT and Switzerland-based ABB, a global leader in power and automation technology, have formed a partnership to conduct and support a variety of energy research projects with the aim of helping meet the world's need for clean electricity and energy efficiency. 24 January 2008
Recipients of first round of seed grants for MIT energy research
A list of recipients of MITEI's first round of seed grants for energy research, totaling $1.94 million and covering projects including solar technology, climate change impacts and power transmission. 22 January 2008
MIT, Eni announce energy research partnership
MIT and Italian energy company Eni today announced a major energy research partnership, including a program focusing on the development of advanced solar technologies, from novel photovoltaic materials to the design of solar power plants. 15 January 2008
MIT Energy Initiative announces first seed grant winners for energy research
From harnessing microbes to developing new materials, from curbing pollution to harvesting wasted watts, a wide variety of MIT research projects were chosen to receive more than $1.6 million in the MIT Energy Initiative's first round of campus seed grants. 15 January 2008 (Updated press release, 22 January 2008)
MITEI Energy Salon eyes opportunities
The challenges represented by energy-global warming, pollution, supply problems and security issues-also provide a wealth of exciting opportunities, said panelists at the recent Energy Salon at MIT. 12 December 2007
UK's Stern eyes economic and policy responses to climate change
As difficult as adapting to climate change will be for rich countries, developing countries will be much more deeply affected, British government adviser Nicholas Stern told an MIT Energy Initiative (MITEI) colloquium Monday, Nov. 19. 28 November 2007
MIT Clean Energy Entrepreneurship Prize established to drive innovative ideas to market
The goal of the MIT Clean Energy Entrepreneurship Prize of $200,000, announced Nov. 28 by MIT, NSTAR and the DOE, is to spark the next generation of energy entrepreneurs. 28 November 2007
Former ExxonMobil chief is optimistic on oil supply, wary on energy independence and global warming
The world is not running out of oil, but getting it out of the ground to meet a projected global energy demand of 120 million barrels a day by 2030 will be a major challenge on several fronts, former ExxonMobil chief Lee R. Raymond said at MIT Nov. 6. 19 November 2007
Students get charge out of pedal power
MIT students have come up with a way to recharge your laptop without plugging it in. Rather than consuming electricity, you'll be burning calories--your own--while pedaling a much-altered, electricity-producing exercise bicycle. 8 November 2007
MIT women invited to apply for fellowship
The MIT Energy Initiative invites applications for the Clare Boothe Luce Postdoctoral Fellowships for Women in Energy at MIT. 31 October 2007
Human-generated ozone will damage crops, according to MIT study
A novel MIT study concludes that increasing levels of ozone due to the growing use of fossil fuels will damage global vegetation, reducing production by 10 percent or more by 2100 and resulting in serious costs to the world's economy. 26 October 2007
Hockfield reports on state of the Institute
A record number of applications, an all-time high in fundraising and the launch of several new campus-wide and global initiatives helped make the past year a strong one for MIT, President Susan Hockfield reported Oct. 2. 2 October 2007
MIT, Ford announce energy partnership
MIT and the Ford Motor Company have announced today a major new energy research partnership that will focus on new powertrain, fuel and energy technologies to deliver sustainable transportation for consumers. 1 October 2007
Freshmen get DEEP into energy and environment
It was uncharacteristically cool during the day last month when MIT atmospheric chemistry graduate student Matthew J. Alvarado found himself talking about global warming to a troupe of newly arrived MIT freshmen. 27 September 2007
Students help MITEI 'walk the talk' on energy
Dan Wesolowski looked out from the second floor of MIT's Building E25, watching in dismay as students and faculty alike ignored signs to use the revolving door below him and save energy. 27 September 2007
BP-MIT partnership to focus on energy conversion technologies
MIT and BP plc have announced a major research partnership around energy conversion technologies. BP also becomes the inaugural Founding Member of the MIT Energy Initiative (MITEI), which was created in 2006 to address global energy issues. 25 September 2007
Kabcenell Foundation awards MITEI $1 million for new curricula
Thanks to a $1 million gift from the Dirk and Charlene Kabcenell Foundation, the MIT Energy Initiative's (MITEI) Energy Education Task Force will gain a big boost in its ability to develop new curricula and strengthen existing programs, said task force co-chair Jefferson W. Tester. 13 June 2007
Tech Day focuses on improving today's energy sources and tools
Energy--particularly the opportunity for near-term efficiencies and sustainable change--takes center stage at Tech Day 2007 on Saturday, June 9. Tech Day is the intellectual highlight of the alumni reunions held each year at MIT. 6 June 2007
Former secretary of state is external advisory chair of MITEI
George P. Schultz, MIT alumnus and former faculty member, secretary of state in the Reagan administration and now professor emeritus at Stanford's Graduate School of Business, has agreed to serve as chair of the MIT Energy Initiative's External Advisory Board. 9 May 2007
Initiative leadership guides energy goals
MIT President Susan Hockfield's aspiration to harness MIT's capabilities to meet global energy challenges has become the MIT Energy Initiative. MITEI is led by Ernest J. Moniz and Robert C. Armstrong, and supported by students, faculty, and international collaborations. 9 May 2007
Task force forges energy curriculum
A primary focus for the Education Task Force, which held its first meeting April 26, is to develop and coordinate a robust energy curriculum for undergraduate and graduate students that integrates expertise and perspectives from all five schools at MIT. 9 May 2007
Energy initiative web site launches
The MIT Energy Initiative today launches a new web site (web.mit.edu/mitei) that will enable users inside and outside the Institute to learn about the full range of MIT's energy research, education and campus activities. 9 May 2007
Multidisciplinary work in energy engages individuals, industry
From science and technology to systems analysis and economics, management and social science, MIT pursues the energy-environment agenda in more than 40 laboratories, programs, departments and centers. 9 May 2007
Group leads 'greening' of Institute
MIT has launched a Campus Energy Task Force aimed at greening the campus that enlists the help of the entire community, including the campus itself. The goal: major reductions in campus-wide energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. 9 May 2007
Institute serves as 'honest broker' on groundbreaking energy reports
MIT energy reports are making a difference, providing both Congress and the executive branch with detailed recommendations to shape and influence policy debate and responses to the weighty questions surrounding energy supply. 8 May 2007
MIT provides blueprint for future use of coal
Leading academics from an interdisciplinary MIT panel issued a report today that examines how the world can continue to use coal, an abundant and inexpensive fuel, in a way that mitigates, instead of worsens, the global warming crisis. 14 March 2007
Solar power, clean energy inspire Norwegian entrepreneur
The fact that darkness prevails over northern Norway for months at a time did not stop Norwegian entrepreneur Alf Bjørseth from starting a solar energy company. 7 March 2007
Regenerator event focuses on student energy initiatives
Dozens turned out for the Re-Generator, the second event seeking to broaden student involvement in a variety of energy-related campus initiatives. Attendees shared the goal of making MIT a more environmentally and energy-friendly place. 21 February 2007
Physicist recommends US develop 'portfolio of fuels, electricity and efficiency'
President Bush called on fuel makers to produce 35 billion gallons of alternative fuels a year by 2017. That's not going to happen using corn as the basis for ethanol, said Ernest J. Moniz, director of the MIT Energy Initiative. 29 January 2007
Leaders at MIT explore innovation-driven 'enertech' future
Massachusetts governor-elect Deval Patrick joined more than 80 representatives of industry, finance, government, higher education and nonprofits from around the region at the first Massachusetts Energy Summit at MIT Dec. 13. 15 December 2006
EnergyNight shines a bright light on new work
A voltmeter hooked up to the MIT Museum Friday night would have registered a giant two-hour spike during the second annual MIT EnergyNight. Hundreds turned out for the event, which showcased campus energy initiatives. 18 October 2006
MIT center to tackle energy crisis
MIT President Susan Hockfield has announced the establishment of the MIT Energy Initiative (MITEI), in line with the recommendations of an Institute-wide group of faculty convened in June 2005 to help MIT understand how best to tackle the world's energy crisis. 20 September 2006
