The rapid development and deployment of sustainable low-carbon energy solutions is necessary to the avail of affordable, reliable and environmentally-responsible energy, and to address the challenge of global climate change. The advancement of the science and engineering of energy and sustainability – including carbon management, renewable energy, electrification, alternate fuels such as methanol and hydrogen, energy transmission and storage, and the circular economy – is necessary for driving energy transition. Integration of the latter science and engineering advances with policy, social drivers and cyber-physical security pave the way to a reimagined energy system of the future.

One of the strongest accelerators for the energy transition relies on developing cross-disciplinary tools. These include advanced technologies, big data analytics, and the integration of real-time artificial intelligence and machine learning with virtual and augmented reality to advance decision-making. These must be complemented by aligning regulatory policy, public policy and business policy to enhance the rapid adoption of such a sustainable energy paradigm.

UH is uniquely positioned to lead the way in energy sustainability and transition. Being part of the fabric of the Energy Capital of the World, we are playing a leadership role in the scientific, technological and policy communities to address the global energy transition at a scale that brings meaningful societal change.

Tools

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  Data

  Optimize performance, productivity and efficiency; Grid reliability and stability; Multi-scale modeling: from quantum to macroscale; Real-time artificial intelligence and machine learning with virtual and augmented reality to advance decision-making
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  Imaging

  Subsurface imaging; Advanced material characterization including force, electron and x-ray microscopy/li>
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  Automation

  Automation and robotics for hazardous environments; Integration of VR and AR
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  Materials

  Smart materials; Energy storage materials; Electrochemical systems; Catalysis; Sustainable materials; Bio-derived and compostable; Alternate fuels; Low carbon materials
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  Advanced Manufacturing

  Carbon capture, carbon utilization; Modularization; Process intensification; Clean energy technologies; Supply chain security