News

The Energy of the Future: Jad Abou Ali

Growing up in Lebanon and experiencing power crises firsthand, Jad saw how critical battery energy storage is to the viability of solar-powered electricity. As a part of his MITEI Energy UROP, Jad tested recycling and rejuvenation methods for lithium-ion batteries, advancing the development of less wasteful, more efficient energy storage systems.

September 22, 2026

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Climate Reveal podcast: Climate modeling

Jennifer Morris, principal research scientist at MITEI and the MIT Center for Sustainability Science and Strategy, shares her expertise in a conversation with Boston College's Climate Reveal podcast. She discusses how climate modeling works, its benefits and challenges, and how to best communicate its findings so the world can adapt and prepare.

February 12, 2026 In the media Boston College Creative Communication Lab

Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) and MIT convene regional policy workshop on data-driven energy transition in Asia

At a policy workshop in Bangkok, Thailand, Christopher Knittel, MIT associate dean for climate and sustainability, emphasized that analytical tools must be paired with engagement by decision makers. “Effective climate action depends not only on strong analysis, but on sustained dialogue with policy makers and industry leaders,” said Knittel. “Partnerships like this help bridge research and real-world implementation.”

February 12, 2026 In the media The Nation

Electrifying boilers to decarbonize industry

AtmosZero, co-founded by Addison Stark SM ’10, PhD ’14, developed a modular heat pump to electrify the centuries-old steam boile

February 10, 2026 MITEI MIT News

This battery company from MIT helps factories ditch fossil fuels for cheap renewable power

Electrified Thermal Solutions—a startup with MITEI ties—developed a new “thermal battery” capable of helping power the manufacturing of energy-intensive materials like steel and cement. “We’re talking about massive emissions reductions—to the tune of several gigatons per year of CO2—reduced through this transition,” said co-founder and CEO Daniel Stack SM ’17, PhD ’21, who, as a student, was a research associate on a MITEI-funded energy storage project.

February 3, 2026 In the media Fast Company

The 5 big reasons why electricity bills are so high right now

Christopher Knittel, MIT associate dean for climate and sustainability, cites aging electrical grid infrastructure and the increasing number of data centers across the United States as key factors in rising electricity costs.

January 28, 2026 In the media Time

Fusion power still may save the world

When the federal government announced that it would cut funding for an experimental fusion reactor at MIT in 2012, campus researchers responded by developing new fusion techniques. This set the foundation for the creation of MIT spinout Commonwealth Fusion Systems, according to CEO Bob Mumgaard SM '15, PhD '15.

January 23, 2026 In the media Boston Globe