New solar absorber could improve efficiency of solar thermal technology
Masdar Institute-MIT team develops device that harnesses more sunlight, enhancing efficiency of heat production.
![“Researchers and practitioners have struggled to compare the costs of different [energy] storage technologies, because of the multiple dimensions of cost and the fact that no technology dominates along all dimensions," says Jessika Trancik, the Atlantic Richfield Career Development Assistant Professor of Energy Studies at MIT.](/sites/default/files/styles/term_page__news_article/public/images/201606/MIT-Econ-Storage.jpg?itok=f7Nve4NG)
Energy storage for renewables can be a good investment today, study finds
Systems that bank energy can add value to solar and wind projects.
Researchers discover new way to turn electricity into light, using graphene
By slowing down light to a speed slower than flowing electrons, researchers create a kind of optical “sonic boom.”
Making cities smarter
MIT researchers are creating tools that synthesize and collect data so that urban planners can vastly improve the quality of urban life.
Biofuels: Too early or too late?
Professor Kristala Prather engages undergrads in a discussion about the future of biofuels.
Finding a new formula for concrete
Researchers look to bones and shells as blueprints for stronger, more durable concrete.
New concept turns battery technology upside-down
Pump-free design for flow battery could offer advantages in cost and simplicity.
Carbon pricing under binding political constraints
Grad student Jesse Jenkins and professor Valerie Karplus discuss challenges of emissions pricing in a new paper.
Hot new solar cell
System converts solar heat into usable light, increasing device’s overall efficiency.
MIT joins Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition
Led by World Bank and IMF, coalition seeks to price emissions to tackle climate change.
Original MIT building restored for another 100 years
Century-old campus “Main Group” gets first major modernization, including efficient modern windows.
J-WAFS awards $1.3 million in second round of seed grant funding
Principal investigators will receive grants of up to $100,000 per year for up to two years for innovative research on food and water challenges.
Metals aficionado
A new faculty member in materials science and engineering is creating healable metals.
New model from Masdar Institute-MIT collaboration to support a cooler, more sustainable Abu Dhabi
Tool will help urban planners reduce Abu Dhabi’s heat island and carbon footprint.