Powering up for a pivotal moment
From a nuclear revival to qubits, the MIT Energy Initiative’s annual research conference tracked deployment of today’s technologies to discovery of tomorrow’s breakthroughs.
Solving the solvent problem
By focusing on electrolytes, MIT scientists are making sodium-metal batteries a more practical energy storage option.
Building energy security through more sustainable batteries
PhD student Hugh Smith works to develop sodium-ion batteries, whose components are more abundant and accessible than those of conventional lithium-ion technology.
For energy systems that power a reliable grid, the future is all about location
MIT researchers find that where new energy projects are built could be key to avoiding blackouts in a future with hotter weather and other challenges.
Discovery helps explain why solid-state batteries often fail
New research could help prevent the formation of tiny seeds of lithium metal within the electrolyte, enabling batteries that charge faster and last longer.
Startup’s nuclear-inspired cooling system could make data centers more sustainable
Founded by two researchers from MIT, Ferveret reduces the amount of energy and water required to cool the chips that power AI.
MIT researchers develop a low-cost technique to get lithium out of rocks
The low-temperature process could unlock cleaner lithium from America’s abundant hard rock while minimizing waste.
Why solid-state batteries keep short-circuiting
New insights into metallic cracks that harm battery performance could advance the longstanding quest to develop energy-dense solid-state batteries.
Turning extreme heat into large-scale energy storage
Fourth Power, founded by Professor Asegun Henry, is developing thermal batteries for efficiently storing excess electricity from utility grids and power producers.
3 Questions: How AI could optimize the power grid
While the growing energy demands of AI are worrying, some techniques can also help make power grids cleaner and more efficient.
Driving American battery innovation forward
At MITEI’s Fall Colloquium, General Motors’ battery development expert emphasized how affordability, accessibility, and commercialization can position the US as a leader in battery tech.
How artificial intelligence can help achieve a clean energy future
AI supports the clean energy transition as it manages power grid operations, helps plan infrastructure investments, guides development of novel materials, and more.
MIT Energy Initiative conference spotlights research priorities amidst a changing energy landscape
Industry leaders agree collaboration is key to advancing critical technologies.
From nanoscale to global scale: Advancing MIT’s special initiatives in manufacturing, health, and climate
MIT.nano cleanroom complex named after Robert Noyce PhD ’53 at the 2025 Nano Summit.
Burning things to make things
Sili Deng, the Doherty Chair in Ocean Utilization and associate professor of mechanical engineering at MIT, is driving research into sustainable and efficient combustion technologies.