ENERGY TODAY

The energy economy is at a pivotal point. The entire sector is engaged in an ambitious pursuit of abundant, affordable, and safe energy — and the challenge is global and urgent. Scientific research and development is necessary to ensure that the new energy economy will also support national security, economic growth and social stability. We believe that the American research university will be the most significant disruptor and driver of the new energy economy. “There is an astonishing depth of sub-sector knowledge and disruptive energy research across and throughout the U.S. research university landscape,” says AES President Eric Vettel. “Quite honestly, we were more than a little shocked — and thrilled — that so many are doing so much. Their contributions deserve to be recognized."

This issue of Energy Today looks beyond the "Elites" (like NCSU and the School of Mines) and focuses on some of the "Influencers" driving the new energy economy. This could have been a book-length issue, given the scope and scale of research being conducted, which made the selection process difficult. The following stories highlight a sample of programs that span a range of sectors and geographic regions — confirming the breadth and depth of the commitment of higher education to this noble endeavor.

Table of Content

University of California, Davis
Leading Change in Energy Efficiency

The University of California-Davis (UC Davis) became the first institution of higher learning in the nation to form an academic research center exclusively dedicated to energy efficiency.

Rice University
Zero Emissions

Rice University's Carbon Hub envisions a zero-emissions future, where clean hydrogen energy and advanced carbon materials are co-produced efficiently and sustainably from natural gas and oil.

Columbia University
Interactive Oil and Gas Transformation Map

Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy partners with the World Economic Forum to create an incredible interactive map that allows users to learn more about everything from oil and gas demand, innovation, workforce and the industry's impact on the environment. It also has nifty audio notes.

Yale University
Floating Turbines New Wave of Offshore Wind

Yale University's School of the Environment's E360 is one of the best higher education magazines out there. This article by Paul Hockenos explores companies deploying floating turbines out at deep sea that could boost the wind industry.

A Few More Under the Radar

University of Wisconsin, Madison
Howard University
University of Florida
Colorado State University
Arizona State University

When AES unveiled its report on Top Energy Universities 2020, there were just too many admirable energy initiatives to choose from. So Energy Today highlights a sample of innovative, under-the-radar programs.

Did you miss the energy news you needed to know last week?

Check out Energy Matters (September 28, 2020)

In case you missed the previous issue of Energy Today: The SISE-AES Gigaton Challenge Conference

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