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Revolutionizing Energy Systems

Breadcrumb
  1. UC Davis College of Engineering
  2. Research
  3. Revolutionizing Energy Systems

We make significant contributions to climate mitigation through innovations in energy efficiency, generation and storage.

Mitigating climate change requires substantial decarbonization of building, industrial and transportation systems for the century to come. Our research focuses on alternative and renewable energy and storage systems, creating new ways to keep indoor environments healthy while reducing energy consumption, and incorporating environmental and social justice to ensure our research impacts the areas where it’s most needed.

Explore the Next Level Research Vision

Support Next Level Engineering

Eclipsing the Limitations of Solar Energy

College of Engineering researchers aim to make around-the-clock solar energy a reality with a novel thermophotovoltaic device. Paired with an optical emitter, the device converts the sun’s heat into a concentrated light spectrum that can then be transformed into usable energy.

Read More

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Research in Action

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New Method Significantly Boosts AI Speed, Energy Efficiency on Existing Hardware

Research led by a UC Davis Ph.D. student shows that AI models can maintain response quality while using far less energy on existing hardware. The work received the Best Paper Award at MLSys 2026, a leading machine learning and AI systems conference.

Digital illustration of robotic hand holding glowing neural-network cube

Machine Learning Accelerates Search for Longer-Lasting Materials for Solar Cells

A new study from UC Davis materials science and engineering researchers shows how combining AI with laboratory experiments could speed up the development of more durable, stable materials, ultimately leading to reliable, low-cost solar energy technologies.

Grid of solar panels.

Researchers are Creating a Brighter Future for Solar Cells — Without the Sun

Electrical and computer engineers at UC Davis have theoretically demonstrated a thermophotovoltaic system, a renewable energy method whereby heat is turned into electricity, that can achieve a power conversion efficiency rate of 50%, more than double that of commercially available solar cells.


Read more research in action

Harnessing UC Davis’ Power of Collaboration

Revolutionizing Energy Systems

  • The Policy Institute for Energy, Environment, and the Economy leverages world-class expertise and engages with policymakers and stakeholders to inform effective energy and environmental policy
  • The Western Cooling Efficiency Center is an authoritative and objective research center that accelerates the development and commercialization of efficient heating, cooling and energy distribution solutions
  • The Center for Water-Energy Efficiency works toward solutions that help utilities deliver resources more efficiently to customers, saving both energy and water

Engineering a better world calls for solutions of a different caliber, demanding innovation across disciplines using a design-centric approach.

We employ and develop intelligent systems and automation, tools at the nano-and-micro- scales and engineering for all that will revolutionize energy systems, strengthen climate resilience, advance human health and transform mobility to bring a sustainable, healthier and more resilient world within reach.

Revolutionizing Energy Systems

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Strengthening Climate Resilience

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Transforming Mobility

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Advancing Human Health

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UC Davis College of Engineering
Kemper Hall
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