The MIT Energy Initiative (MITEI), MIT’s hub for energy research, education, and outreach is advancing zero- and low-carbon solutions to combat climate change and expand energy access.
MITEI is a crucial rallying point for MIT researchers and educators who share our vision and commitment to dramatically reduce emissions through the development of novel technologies and delivery of science-based analysis. Together we are dedicated to decarbonizing global energy systems and building upon MIT’s long tradition of working collaboratively and transparently with industry, government, and civil society.
MITEI and its member companies and organizations support hundreds of research projects across the Institute, including those awarded through the MITEI Seed Fund Program for innovative early-stage energy research projects. MITEI contributes to the goals of MIT’s Climate Project through these efforts, as well as by supporting technology innovation for deep decarbonization and providing techno-economic analyses to inform the successful scaling of low- and no-carbon technologies.
The Future Energy Systems Center is a consortium-funded research portfolio that aims to foster and inform interdisciplinary energy research across MIT, accelerating our progress toward a net-zero carbon future. The Center is another vital component of MIT’s climate action plan and MITEI’s research program. Usingtechnoeconomic and life cycle analysis to examine energy pathways in different sectors, the Center enables its members to explore and develop strategic energy plans, taking into consideration technology, economics, and policy. There are 37 Center members—companies spanning four continents and involved in many industries, including energy, utilities, automotive, semiconductors, mining/metals, chemicals, telecommunications, infrastructure, insurance, and engineering/construction.
The Initiative also delivers comprehensive analyses for thought leaders, policy makers, and regulators, such as the “Future of” study series, the latest of which is The Future of Energy Storage, published in May 2022. This report, the ninth in the series, focuses on the role of energy storage in getting electricity systems to net-zero by mid-century by making them cleaner, more efficient, and more affordable. Another series of reports, which includes Insights into Future Mobility (2019) and Utility of the Future (2016), examines rapidly changing segments of the energy sector.
MITEI leads Institute energy education efforts and has engaged with thousands of students through sponsored research opportunities and other programs—preparing the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and policy makers to collaborate on solutions to global energy challenges. Energy education programs include the Energy Studies Minor, Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program in energy, short modules during the Independent Activities Period, an energy-focused first-year pre-orientation program, the graduate Society of Energy Fellows, and online energy classes open to a global audience. Faculty associated with MITEI help shape energy education at both the undergraduate and graduate levels by teaching, advising, and developing new curricula.
MITEI’s outreach efforts foster dialogue within the research community and across the academic, industry, and government sectors and provide the public with context on current energy issues. In addition to informing public policy through research reports, MITEI facilitates this exchange of information by hosting and sponsoring events and by supporting faculty and staff participation in external events. The MITEI communications team also develops content to highlight MIT energy researchers, students, and their work across print and digital platforms, such as MITEI’s website, podcasts and audio articles, and social media, as well as through media outreach.
