In the area of energy technology, Harvard benefits from its strength in natural sciences combined with an innovative engineering and applied sciences program. Research in energy technology cuts across mechanical, electrical, environmental, and biological engineering, earth and planetary sciences, physics, chemistry, biology, materials science, and fluid mechanics. At many universities, these disciplines exist in separate departments with institutional barriers of various sorts. At Harvard, the barriers are lower, enabling engineers and scientists to easily collaborate and communicate, expanding the capacity for innovation.

Biofuels

Biologically-inspired systems to mimic or harness photosynthesis are of great interest, as well as genetic enhancement of plants for biofuel conversion. There are important questions in the area of sustainability, including what the impact of biofuel production will be on natural ecosystems and nutrient cycles.

Carbon Capture and Storage

A critical area of research is carbon capture from fossil fuel plants followed by sequestration in geologic reservoirs. Expanding the capacity to capture carbon from power plants fueled by our abundant and inexpensive coal supply requires expertise in geology, geophysics, and fluid mechanics.

Energy and Design

Collaborative research on energy efficient design will bridge the gap between engineers and architects, allowing leaders in energy efficient technologies to train a new generation of designers and planners.

Energy Materials

Materials science is an important area of investigation with applications to everything from fuel cells to wind turbines. Specific research areas include solar photovoltaics, photochemistry, electrochemistry, catalysis, solar thermal and thermoelectric materials, and electrochemistry related to energy storage.