MIT centers, laboratories, departments and programs provide a multi-faceted approach to solving the world's energy challenge.
Energy
conversion alternatives
While many existing technologies can change energy from one form to another, improved and innovative energy conversion systems will play a critical role in meeting future energy needs. The economic conversion of coal and biomass to "syngas" and further conversion to liquid fuels could significantly expand the world's energy options. Fuel cells and batteries, which convert chemical to electrical energy, represent another "family" of conversion technologies that could provide potential benefits ranging from reduced environmental impacts to higher efficiency to more secure and reliable infrastructures. However, the high costs of advanced materials, first-mover barriers, inadequate regulatory structures and a range of technical barriers must be addressed to realize the full potential of these and other promising conversion technologies.
