Researchers at UMASS generate the foundational knowledge underpinning the next generation of clean energy technologies. Technology targets for clean energy research underway at UMASS include:

• Floating, offshore wind turbines

• “Green” gasoline, diesel and jet fuel

• Inexpensive and efficient light-harvesting materials

• Affordable hydrogen-powered fuel cells

• Wireless self-powered sensor networks for large wind energy farms

• Autonomously powered deep-ocean monitoring systems

• Carbon-free municipal heat and power

• Zero-energy homes and buildings

• Ultra high-capacity solid-state batteries

The University creates knowledge that cuts across many clean energy application areas. Some areas of research, such as advanced polymers and nanomaterials, can be applied to nearly the full range of clean energy technologies: photovoltaics, fuel cells, biofuels, wind, and efficiency. Others, such as agronomy, plant/microbial biotechnology, chemical catalysis, and process design, are vertically integrated to span the entire pipeline of one important clean energy application: biofuels.

Key areas of UMASS clean energy research include:

• Offshore Wind Energy: Massachusetts’ Greatest Natural Resource

• Advanced Polymers and Nanomaterials for Photovoltaics, Fuel Cells, and Batteries

• Integrated Technologies for Development and Deployment Residential Photovoltaic Systems

• Cellulosic Biofuels and the Integrated Biorefinery

• Microbial Fuel Cells: Waste to Electricity

• Geothermal Energy: The Untapped Potential of New England Bedrock

• Marine Renewable Energy

• Climate System Science
• Smart Growth, Sustainable Design, and Green Construction

• Energy Management Systems and Efficiency Technologies

• Economic and Policy Analysis of Clean Energy and Climate Change

LINKS:

UMass Amherst Advanced Energy Research Directory

Licensable Technologies - UMass Amherst Office of Commercial Ventures and Intellectual Property (CVIP)

Clean Energy for the Commonwealth: A Report of the UMASS Clean Energy Working Group [PDF - 3.5MB]