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The Energy of the Future: Danielle Knutson

Energy of the Future
Danielle researched the correlation between distributed energy resources (DERs) and characteristics such as population, education, and race to identify underserved areas in California where infrastructure is needed to increase DER accessibility.
September 22, 2026
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Energy-hungry AI is eating the planet. But is it also humanity's best hope?

MITEI’s Rob Stoner discusses AI’s unsustainable energy consumption. Even with the introduction of renewable energy sources—through the use of power purchase agreements (PPAs)—Stoner states that tech firms are pulling electricity from the grid faster than they can add to it.
April 23, 2024 In the media PCMag

Seizing solar’s bright future

With laser-based precision tools for measuring and tuning materials, MIT-spinout Optigon aims to rev up the energy transition
April 22, 2024 MITEI

The pros and pitfalls of hydrogen power, according to MIT energy expert

MITEI's Rob Stoner discusses hydrogen energy and the seven hydrogen "hubs" created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act. "[The hubs are] trying to create investment...and at the same time, they're trying to create demand for hydrogen so that will be the basis for buying and consuming hydrogen within a range of industries."
April 18, 2024 In the media Boston Public Radio

Kornbluth cheers for MIT to tackle climate change

MIT President Sally Kornbluth is “determined to harness MIT’s considerable brainpower” to tackle climate change through the Climate Project at MIT. Kornbluth asserts that MIT’s “culture of entrepreneurship” uniquely positions the Institute to take on climate challenges.
April 18, 2024 In the media Boston Globe

Woburn-based battery maker raises $78 million

Alsym Energy—cofounded by Kripa Varanasi (Mechanical Engineering)—is developing rechargeable batteries that match the performance of lithium-ion cells without using lithium or cobalt. Instead, the batteries use manganese oxide for one of its electrodes and a water-based electrolyte solution. 
April 9, 2024 In the media Boston Globe

The ’90s are over: 5 reasons to embrace carbon pricing today

Cowriting for The Hill, Catherine Wolfram (MIT Sloan) presents evidence arguing for U.S. politicians to embrace carbon pricing: “2025 will be a big year for Congress to tackle longstanding fiscal issues and further climate policy efforts.” 
April 4, 2024 In the media The Hill

A growth spurt in green architecture

In the green building revolution, architects are increasingly using renewable, organic, and carbon-absorbing materials to decrease the environmental impact of their structures. “At this critical moment, what we architects do matters more than ever. [...] Every kilowatt-hour of solar power, every unit of zero-carbon housing, and every calorie of sustainably sourced vegetables will be multiplied across history,” states Carlo Ratti (Urban Studies and Planning). 
March 13, 2024 In the media New York Times

"Once-unthinkable" ways we can cool the planet

Carbon capture and storage technologies can be used to address climate change, but MITEI Senior Research Engineer Howard Herzog warns they aren’t a “silver bullet.”
March 13, 2024 In the media Newser

Solar hits a renewable energy milestone not seen since WWII

Last year, solar accounted for more than half of the nation’s energy additions to the grid—the first time grid additions have been dominated by a renewable source since hydropower during WWII. The growth of renewable energy projects is “very likely to continue because solar and wind are now very well established. Solar costs continue to fall far below where we ever thought they would,” states MITEI Director Robert Stoner.
March 7, 2024 In the media Grist

U.S. energy transition policy is leaving vulnerable workers behind

A new analysis—co-authored by MITEI Deputy Director for Policy Chris Knittel—shows areas in the United States with the highest concentration of jobs that may be most impacted by the renewable energy transition.
February 28, 2024 In the media The Hill

Green energy, EV sales are growing remarkably in the U.S. as emissions fall. Is it enough?

The Clean Investment Monitor database—developed by the MIT Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Research and the Rhodium Group—has found that the “U.S. is generally heading in the right direction to achieve its energy goals to combat climate change, but it could still face headwinds due to siting and permitting delays, backlogged electric grid connection requests, and supply chain challenges.”
February 28, 2024 In the media USA Today

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