MIT Energy Initiative

A new MITEI-funded study found that a disproportionate number of people in the southern United States experience energy poverty—when over 6% of a household’s income is spent on energy. These findings also show a disconnect between areas with increased energy burden and the flow of federal aid. “As the climate warms, we’re going to need to use more and more energy on air-conditioning, and that’s going to increase the burden on low-income households,” states co-author Christopher Knittel. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eE_Vnku7

🌎 The MIT Energy and Climate Club (MITEC) has hundreds of members from every major at MIT, both undergraduate and graduate. As one of the largest clubs on campus, MITEC is a hub for climate leadership and relationship-building across the Institute. "We think of MITEC as the umbrella of all things related to energy and climate on campus. Our goal is to share actionable information and not just have discussions," states co-president and MIT doctoral candidate Laurențiu Anton. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eQs-s5Wm

How do we ensure a durable energy transition that benefits everyone? At the 2024 MITEI Annual Research Conference, speakers highlighted the need for collective action in order to build an energy transition capable of withstanding growing energy demand and unpredictable obstacles. Read more: https://lnkd.in/e_FHnuGt

☀️ MIT engineers have created a desalination system that works with the intermittency of the sun, rather than against it. “Conventional desalination technologies require steady power and need battery storage to smooth out a variable power source like solar. By continually varying power consumption in sync with the sun, our technology directly and efficiently uses solar power to make water," states co-author Amos Winter. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eHmurp7N

🎧 “What if it works?”—MITEI’s new podcast looking at the energy solutions to climate change—is live! And you can listen to the first two episodes now! Episode 1: Making the case for climate optimism Climate anxiety is real—and if you are feeling it, you aren’t alone. Hosts Rob Stoner and Kara Miller are demystifying our current energy landscape, sharing what can be done and what solutions are already underway as we combat the climate crisis and eliminate the harmful emissions stemming from our global energy systems. Episode 2: Decarbonizing energy: The government’s role What is the role of government and policy in decarbonizing our energy systems? As the former U.S. Secretary of Energy, Ernest Moniz helps us understand what its role has been so far and what government’s role can and should be in the future. Listen and subscribe for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Transcripts and show notes at: energy.mit.edu/podcasts Never miss an episode by subscribing for podcast updates: bit.ly/wiiw-subscribe #energy #podcast #whatifitworks #climatechange #aroundmit

💥 MITEI, in collaboration with the MIT Plasma Science and Fusion Center, has released a new multidisciplinary study examining the role fusion could play as a major part of future electric power systems.  "Right now, there is great interest in fusion energy in many quarters,“ states Robert C. Armstrong, the study's PI and MITEI's former director. "In undertaking this study, our goal was to provide a balanced, fact-based, analysis-driven guide to help us all understand the prospects for fusion going forward." Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dadBgwuC

Live tomorrow! MITEI is launching “What if it works?”—a new podcast looking at the energy solutions to climate change. Energy powers our homes, our cars, and our lives. But the kinds of energy we use—and the ways we use it—are rapidly changing our climate. We need new and clean energy, now. In MITEI’s new podcast, “What if it works?” we’ll talk with energy experts about the science, technology, and policies that can transform our energy systems and give us a more sustainable future. Hear from those testing new ideas and working on breakthroughs in labs, industry, and government—the one’s who aren’t afraid to ask, “What if it works?” Listen to the trailer and subscribe for free in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. https://lnkd.in/dbdMGtyS Never miss an episode by subscribing for our podcast updates: https://lnkd.in/dS_xZEmw #energy #podcast #whatifitworks #climatechange

🫧 A new MIT study sheds light on a decades-long misunderstanding about the interference of bubbles on electrode surfaces. Once thought to block the entire reaction area, these bubbles are now understood to block a much smaller area. This research "ushers a new set of design rules for high-performance electrodes," states co-author Kripa Varanasi (Mechanical Engineering). The findings have implications for gas-evolving electrodes, which are used in the production of "green" hydrogen and in carbon capture processes. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/evv7Sse4 #energy #hydrogen #electrodes #research #carboncapture

Microsoft has plans to reopen Three Mile Island, a currently dormant nuclear power plant, to power their growing artificial intelligence efforts using nuclear energy. This revitalized low-carbon energy source could aid technology companies as they attempt to balance energy-intensive AI data centers and their ongoing climate pledges. “It’s further confirmation of the value of nuclear, and, if the deal is right—if the price is right—then it makes business sense, as well,” states MIT professor Jacopo Buongiorno. Read more via Nature: https://lnkd.in/eDQPXJXV

Vineyard Offshore CEO Alicia Barton recently joined us for our new speaker series to discuss the role of offshore wind in a decarbonized energy system. Watch the full event: https://lnkd.in/dueqF3tg 📌 Join us October 16 at 5:15pm for the next seminar in our “MITEI Presents: Advancing the Energy Transition” speaker series! U.S. Representative Sean Casten will discuss the role of government policy in the energy transition and the biggest challenges facing the United States’ ability to meet its climate and energy goals. This event is open to the MIT community. Location and more at: bit.ly/mitei-seancasten