Did You Know?
Energy + transportation
Who's helping innovate clean energy and improved transportation methods?
The UC system is fostering important discoveries in renewable energy and transportation improvements, from solar and wind energy to hydrogen fuel cells, biofuels, and biomaterials. These contributions to green and sustainable innovation are providing a smarter, cleaner and more energy efficient future for California and the world as we address the very real issues of global warming. These innovations will also help foster economic growth and competitiveness as we invest in "green" technologies, and protect our environment as we implement essential climate-change solutions. For example, it was UC Berkeley researchers who pioneered the CFL table lamp, while UC Davis faculty and students are busy designing more energy-efficient cars and fuel cells today.
Featured Facts
Who opened a world-class institute for energy efficiency?
UC Santa Barbara opened up a unique world-class institute for energy efficiency to help create breakthroughs in clean tech innovation.
Who's making advances in energy efficient lighting technology?
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory invented the florescent Berkeley Lamp, which uses less energy and saves more money than standard light bulbs. Berkeley Lab and UC Davis have done CFL research, while UC Santa Barbara is studying LED lighting.
Who's pushing alternative fuels to lead a more energy independent nation?
UC Davis' Biomass Collaborative will help to greatly increase biofuel production and the generation of electricity from biomass.
Who's helping commuters become more energy-efficient?
UC Davis researchers are testing plug-in hybrid cars.
Who's taking sustainability to our nation's capitol?
Berkeley Lab gives this U.S. Capitol building a green hand in going sustainable.
Who's pioneering cleaner cars through research and grant support?
PG&E donated $1 million, two natural gas cars to spark growth for UC Merced engineering students.
Who's bringing alternative fuels to a wider audience?
UC Irvine establishes the first public hydrogen fueling station in Orange County.
Who's the first university to start a program in photovoltaic research and solar energy?
UC Merced is the first to begin this program concentrating solar power systems.
Who's helping turn garbage into useful fuel to power the energy of tomorrow?
UC Davis professor Ruihong Zhang sees a vast untapped resource in yard clippings, household table scraps and other biodegradable materials: enough methane and hydrogen to power the trucks that collect the waste from our curbsides, or to keep the lights burning in thousands of California homes.
Who's studying power systems for hybrids and fuel-cells?
UC Davis research engineer Andrew Burke studies electric and hybrid vehicle design and analysis to help students learn about advanced electric driveline technologies.