Energy Innovation and Decarbonization

The world energy system is in the early stages of transformation, driven by concerns about climate change and other environmental issues, by geopolitics and security, and by technological innovation and changing prices and social costs. The broad goal of this project is to understand the interactions between policies and technologies as the world struggles to decarbonize the energy system, while simultaneously addressing concerns about security, reliability, and cost. Innovation is the key driver of the transition to a low carbon economy and it will require close coordination between policy, technology, capital, and society; as well as much deeper integration across the entire value chain.

Fellows will conduct research that will provide actionable insights to policy makers, companies, investors, and society on how technology and policy innovation can accelerate progress towards a decarbonized energy system. We expect fellows to work in collaboration with each other, with our affiliated faculty and staff, and engage with relevant stakeholders across sectors.

We will accept proposals on several topics including, but not limited to:

Hydrogren: As countries around the world consider options to transition to low-carbon transportation systems while simultaneously investing in intermittent sources of power generation, there is a growing interest in hydrogen fuel. We will consider proposals focusing on the technological, economic, environmental, safety, and/or strategic value of hydrogen. How can hydrogen help to achieve a clean, secure and affordable energy future? Would adoption at scale spur integration or segmentation across the energy value chain? How can technology innovation enable and enhance the role of hydrogen in the energy systems of the future? What technological scenarios will emerge?

Large-scale carbon management: Lack of clear policies on the cost of carbon and low oil prices remain a deterrence to investment in carbon capture, use, and sequestration (CCUS). While there are several ongoing demonstration projects around the world, investors are skeptical that these technologies are commercially viable. Simultaneously, there is a growing consensus that some form of CCS and/or CCUS will be essential for deep decarbonization. These technologies will be important for a wide range of carbon-emitting facilities including natural gas, biomass, ammonia, and coal-to-liquids. We will accept research proposals on a wide range of strategies and policies that address the economic viability, public perception, and political implementation of CCS and CCUS technologies. Assessment and analysis of new ideas that will spur innovation are encouraged. Would adoption at scale spur integration or segmentation across the energy value chain? How can technology innovation enable and enhance the role of CCS? We will accept proposals focusing on the United States, China, and European Union countries.

Biofuels/Low-carbon fuels: Liquid fuels, because of energy density, cost, and chemical properties, continue to be the predominant transportation fuel and an important industrial feedstock. As countries consider options to transition to non-fossil fuel petrochemical and transportation systems there is a growing interest in biofuels. At the same time, manufacturing alternatives that can directly replace petrochemical-based products requires an extensive overhaul of traditional processes and infrastructure. We will accept research proposals on a wide range of strategies and policies that address the economic viability, public perception, and political implementation of biofuel technologies.

Stipend 

Fellows are provided with a stipend, benefits, and some support for research and travel expenses. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply for other sources of funding. All applicants should clearly indicate on their application form whether they are seeking full or partial funding, and indicate other potential funding sources.