Our Work
The Energy Transitions Working Group is accelerating the adoption of new forms of clean energy, such as smart-grid technology and solar and wind installations. Focused on the integration of engineering solutions and social science across a range of topics, this working group is advancing technology development and adaptation, urban-rural connections, innovation in operation and business models, and community engagement. Specific challenges to be addressed include renewable fuel sources, smart technologies, demand-response programs, distributed controls, issues of fairness and accessibility, co-optimized systems, and education.
Projects
Cornell University leads research, guides policymakers, and engages communities to explore the deployment of solar energy solutions.
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Earth Source Heat is Cornell's version of a geothermal system that would use the Earth's internal heat to warm the Ithaca campus and it is a major component of the university's goal of achieving carbon neutrality.
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Engineered bacteria may solve the challenges of extracting rare earth elements from ore, which are vital for modern life but refining them is costly, environmentally harmful.
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Solar-power developers should explore using lower-quality agricultural land and engage communities early to meet NYS green energy goals, according to new research co-funded by Cornell Atkinson.
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A new article presents a conceptual model that provides a framework for when and how energy income could improve farm viability. The research was supported by a Cornell Atkinson grant.
Learn MoreFaculty Fellow Highlight
Leading researchers in pioneering a novel method that uses programmed microbes to mine rare-earth metals, Buz Barstow is moving knowledge-to-impact by making smart energy systems more sustainable.
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Steven Grodsky, Meredith Holgerson, Marian Schmidt, and Aaron Rice
Sara Pryor, Lindsay Anderson, Rebecca Barthelmie, Maha Haji, and Bruce Monger
Matthew Reid, Karin Olson Hoal, Ken Roberts, and Louisa Smieska
Investigators: Sriramya Nair, Geoffrey Coates, Rick Geddes