In the media

Arizona fire highlights challenges for energy storage

Donald Sadoway, professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, explains the benefits of battery storage in an Associated Press article about energy storage in Arizona.

Innovating a Green Real Deal

Ernest Moniz, former U.S. Secretary of Energy and founding director of MITEI, writes about the broad principles of his concept for a Green Real Deal. This plan would translate the aspirations of a Green New Deal for socially just greenhouse gas reductions into action within the constraints of technical, cost, and social realities.

The decline of trust in science “terrifies” former MIT president Susan Hockfield

MIT President Emerita Susan Hockfield talks about topics in energy and founding MITEI on Vox's Podcast, Recode Decode.

Cold fusion remains elusive—but these scientists may revive the quest

National Geographic reporter Michael Greshko writes about a new effort by researchers from a number of institutions, including MIT, to reassess the possibility of cold fusion. Prof. Yet-Ming Chiang explains that he hopes to be able to create a “‘reference experiment’ for other labs to also advance research into lower-energy nuclear physics.”

These glowing plants could one day light our homes

Profs. Michael Strano and Sheila Kennedy have developed an exhibit for the Cooper Hewitt Design Triennial, which explores how Strano’s glowing plant research could be part of a sustainable energy future. “The pair is one of 62 design teams involved in the [Triennial], which highlights innovative ways humans are engaging with nature,” writes Emily Matchar for Smithsonian.

New surface treatment could improve refrigeration efficiency

Research from Kripa Varanasi and other MIT researchers yields a slippery surface for liquids, which promotes droplet formation to facilitate heat transfer. This surface treatment could lead to efficiency improvements in industrial processes like refrigeration.

A critical step to reduce climate change

In an article on effective climate change fighting technologies, Bill Gates mentions a study published by MIT researchers on Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS).

Norway is rapidly adopting electric vehicles

Apurba Sakti, MITEI research scientist, says that a combination of policies and incentives has accelerated the transition to EVs in Norway.

Cobalt for 500,000 electric cars could be harvested from the oceans

Strings of plastic balls dangled in the ocean could harvest enough cobalt for hundreds of thousands of electric car batteries. The heavy metal is a key battery ingredient, but onshore reserves are running low. So engineers from MIT want to mine it from brine.

Elon Musk and the Tesla automation strategy: A disruptor in vehicle safety or not?

In Forbes opinion piece, MIT research scientist and "Mobility of the Future" study member Bryan Reimer says driver attention and behavior remain critical elements.

Mass researchers find a way to produce biofuels ‘greener’

Isobutanol has been hailed as a possible green replacement for fossil fuels like gasoline, but producing it has proven difficult and costly. In a paper in Nature Communications, researchers from MIT and WPI show how a novel process may make producing this and other biofuels more economical.

MIT says we’re overlooking a near-term solution to diesel trucking emissions

Researchers Daniel Cohn and Leslie Bromberg have developed a concept for a new hybrid, flex-fuel truck with the potential to drastically reduce the gas emissions of traditional diesel trucks

Storing CO2 underground could help the fight against climate change. But cost is a big problem

Professor T. Alan Hatton and Senior Research Engineer Howard Herzog on the role that carbon capture, utilization, and storage technologies could play in addressing climate change.

Engineers develop concept for hybrid heavy-duty trucks

Researchers Daniel Cohn and Leslie Bromberg have developed a concept for a new hybrid, flex-fuel truck concept that runs on gasoline. This alternative has potential to drastically reduce the gas emissions of traditional diesel trucks.

All the ways recycling is broken—and how to fix them

MIT startup Renewlogy is working on technology that turns otherwise recyclable plastics into a low-carbon fuel source.

MIT professor’s quest to solve the worlds battery needs

A profile on Professor Yet-Ming Chiang, founder of six companies (including three battery startups) on his life-long passion for batteries and MIT.

Carbon capture is a policy problem, not a technology problem

Learn about the politics behind carbon capture technology in a recent interview with MITEI Research Scientist Howard Herzog on local NPR station WCAI.

Don’t expect car ownership to become obsolete

An opinion piece in Bloomberg on generational driving trends cites a working paper by MIT professor Christopher Knittel and MIT alumna Elizabeth Murphy, both members of the upcoming Mobility of the Future report.

Chemical engineer Paula T. Hammond on discovery and diversity

Paula T. Hammond, head of the Chemical Engineering Department, talks about diversity and her scientific journey.

College students will spend spring break installing solar panels for low income families in long beach

MIT undergrad students are installing solar panels for low-income communities over spring break. For the past three years, MITEI has collaborated with the nonprofit Grid Alternatives to provide students with this impactful service-learning experience.