Solar Electric
A major societal challenge is to generate electricity with minimal environmental impact. One way to do this is by using the power of the sun. ASU is working to provide efficient, low-cost, and scalable solar electric systems.
What are the Initiatives?
These are areas in which ASU offers capabilities and expertise that could significantly advance energy technology and policy.
Social Sciences
Critical facets of energy system change are not amenable to research in the natural sciences and engineering, requiring instead social science and humanistic approaches; therefore ASU is launching a new initiative to support social and humanistic studies of energy change.
Solar to Fuels
Solar panels can produce electricity from sunlight, but what about the liquid fuels that power our vehicles? ASU scientists are working to create renewable transportation fuels from sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water.
Algae / Cyanobacteria
Photosynthetic microorganisms are outstanding candidates for producing biofuels because they are more efficient at capturing sunlight energy than terrestrial plants, can achieve very high concentrations of oily components within their cells, and can operate without large consumptions of water and nutrients.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is currently the least costly energy opportunity in our economy. ASU is working toward a cultural transformation where society has the knowledge and tools to make energy efficiency a consideration in everything it does.
Arizona's Energy Future
Many people see energy as a technical challenge, but it is not–it is a social, policy, and business opportunity with significant technical dimensions. ASU already envisions energy in these larger terms. We are defining ourselves as a global leader in this critical field.
Energy Education
U.S. educational institutions have helped our country be a world leader for well over 100 years. Yet, now, as ASU President Michael Crow has consistently argued in his vision for ASU as a New American University, our educational institutions must change if the U.S. is to meet the energy challenges of the 21st century.
Partnering with Industry
ASU has a compelling opportunity to partner with energy industry leaders to advance the industry, create an energy ecosystem with widespread benefits to all participants, and quickly commercialize the resulting technology.
Policy Engagement
Energy policy outcomes develop explicit links between advanced technologies; conservation and sustainable buildings; and underlying economic, social, and cultural behavior. ASU is using system dynamics and agent-based approaches to develop both micro- and macro-scale energy outcome models.
