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.
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.

Energy Transition & Decarbonization Symposium, Feb. 10-11
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Scientists develop a cheaper method that might help create fuels from plants
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Energized: Student Entrepreneurs Share Portable Battery Invention
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Ohio State Trustees approve construction for Energy Advancement and Innovation Center
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Developing the Next Generation of Sustainable Energy Leaders
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Sustainability Research Seed Grant Program Seeks Pre-Proposals
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Capturing Carbon from Fossil Fuel Energy: Ohio State Membrane Technology Moves Closer to Commercialization
Learn more about Capturing Carbon from Fossil Fuel Energy: Ohio State Membrane Technology Moves Closer to Commercialization
Sustainability Institute Affiliated Faculty Members Awarded $2.1M from Sloan Foundation
Learn more about Sustainability Institute Affiliated Faculty Members Awarded $2.1M from Sloan Foundation
Multi-institution geothermal energy research project earns Sloan Foundation support
Learn more about Multi-institution geothermal energy research project earns Sloan Foundation support
Four years later, Ohio State research boosts Smart Columbus
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Ohio State joins $2.44 million DOE electric efficiency initiative
Learn more about Ohio State joins $2.44 million DOE electric efficiency initiative
Solar development expanding in rural Ohio
Learn more about Solar development expanding in rural Ohio
Chemistry finding could make solar energy more efficient
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Funding Available for New Interdisciplinary Research Teams
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Thought Leadership: Ohio State Experts Share Opinions on EPA Power Plant Pollutants Rule
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Scientists see defects in potential new semiconductor
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Finding the “magic angle” to create a new superconductor
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A New Way to Turn Heat into Energy
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Department of Energy award will advance plasma energy technology
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Stardust and Ohio State’s next-generation electric machine
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University sees sustainability improvements from energy partnership
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Energy storage could reduce emissions that cause climate change
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Buckeyes Place First in the EcoCAR Mobility Challenge Year One Competition
Learn more about Buckeyes Place First in the EcoCAR Mobility Challenge Year One Competition
Ohio State Lima and Rhodes State Announce Energy Results, Special Recognition
Learn more about Ohio State Lima and Rhodes State Announce Energy Results, Special Recognition
Medical Center Improves Power Efficiency, Reduces Printing
Learn more about Medical Center Improves Power Efficiency, Reduces Printing
DOE Funding to Energize Electric Power Research at Ohio State
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Another Step Forward for a Promising New Battery to Store Clean Energy
Learn more about Another Step Forward for a Promising New Battery to Store Clean Energy
New Federal Award Will Advance Power Electronics Research
Learn more about New Federal Award Will Advance Power Electronics Research
Researchers discover new material to help power electronics
Learn more about Researchers discover new material to help power electronics
Nightlights for Stream Dwellers? No, Thanks
Learn more about Nightlights for Stream Dwellers? No, Thanks
Utility customers overestimate cost savings with energy-conservation plans
Learn more about Utility customers overestimate cost savings with energy-conservation plans