Sustainable Energy

Developing the technologies, infrastructure, institutions and behaviors needed to transition energy systems toward improved energy efficiency, a greater mix of renewable resources and an affordable, resilient and reliable power grid

A transition to sustainable energy resources and systems is necessary to meet environmental goals while preserving social and economic conditions. We are developing technologies, models and approaches to improve energy efficiency, management and behaviors. Our researchers are partnering with private and public sector stakeholders to foster renewable energy, smart grid and transportation innovations that reduce fossil fuel use and carbon emissions. We assess the costs and benefits of sustainable energy policies and the transition to a low-carbon economy.

SI Research Leads 

Jeffrey Bielicki (bielicki.2@osu.edu), Department of Civil, Environmental and Geodetic Engineering; Glenn College of Public Affairs 

David Cole (cole.618@osu.edu), School of Earth Sciences

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INTEGRATION OF ADVANCED ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES

Developments in renewables, energy storage and electric transportation must be integrated into energy systems. We are researching the efficiency of and optimal locations for electric-vehicle charging stations as part of Smart Columbus — the Smart City program partly funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation that aims to improve the city’s transportation options.

SEMICONDUCTORS AND THE POWER GRID

Wide Band Gap semiconductors are used globally to improve efficiency and reduce power consumption in systems such as power supplies, solar inverters and motor drives. Our researchers are addressing the technical challenges of these devices for eventual commercialization and wide-scale integration of renewable energy in the grid.

SUSTAINABLE ENERGY BEHAVIOR

Ohio State researchers are making discoveries about the intersection of behavior, decision making and sustainability. We have found that though consumers may be motivated by environmental stewardship and other factors aside from savings, their faulty impression about their savings is key to whether a they want to continue in time-of-use programs where consumers pay more for energy when it’s in highest demand and less when usage typically dips.