Windmills at sunset

Revolutionizing Energy Systems

We make significant contributions to climate mitigation through innovations in energy efficiency, generation and storage.

Mitigating climate change requires substantial decarbonization of building, industrial, and transportation systems for the century to come. Our research focuses on alternative and renewable energy and storage systems, creating new ways to keep indoor environments healthy while reducing energy consumption, and incorporating environmental and social justice to ensure our research impacts the areas where it’s most needed.

The Power of
Nighttime Solar

When you think of solar power, you might imagine the sun shining down on a group of black cells on your neighbors’ rooftops. You think of the power of the sun saving you money during the day, but probably not saving you much once it sets. What if there was a way to run your house on solar power all day long, even at night?

Electrical and computer engineering professor Jeremy Munday and his team are working to develop photovoltaic cells that can do just that.

UC Davis water tower and solar panels

Research in Action

Tackling Nuclear Waste Challenges One Atom at a Time

UC Davis chemical engineering Ph.D. student Rajat Goel is using supercomputing and quantum chemistry to study how hydrogen binds to uranium oxide — a step toward safer nuclear waste storage. His work could help make next-gen nuclear energy cleaner and more reliable.

EV Battery Recycling Key to Future Lithium Supplies

UC Davis researchers model the future of lithium supplies and find battery recycling could dramatically reduce the need for new mines. The team calls for smarter policies and faster action to make EV adoption greener, cleaner and more resilient.

A Layered Approach to New Paths in Solar Power

UC Davis Ph.D. student Declan Kopper is using high-temperature optical simulations to unlock materials for more efficient photovoltaic energy conversion. His research lights the way for thermophotovoltaic innovation.

Engineering a better world calls for solutions of a different caliber, demanding innovation across disciplines using a design-centric approach.

We employ and develop intelligent systems and automation, tools at the nano-and-micro- scales and engineering for all that will revolutionize energy systems, strengthen climate resilience, advance human health and transform mobility to bring a sustainable, healthier and more resilient world within reach.