Clean Energy

University of Massachusetts > University of Massachusetts Clean Energy

Clean energy is a defining issue for the 21st century. Massachusetts' public and private leaders are committed to making the Commonwealth a global leader in clean energy. 

At the University of Massachusetts, researchers and scholars are leaders in fields such as offshore wind and fuel cells, as well as in emerging areas such as marine renewable energy. In addition to answering fundamental scientific questions, UMass is helping translate the latest discoveries into real-life solutions and economic development opportunities for the Commonwealth.  This is illustrated in the University's strong technology commercialization track record, including spinning-off the Massachusetts-based clean energy companies Konarka and SunEthanol.

The University is developing strategic partnerships with organizations such as the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to develop cooperative research, education, and economic and workforce development activities.

In February 2008, the University of Massachusetts' Clean Energy Working Group, comprised of representatives from the University's campuses (excluding the Medical School) and chaired by UMass Amherst Vice Provost for Research Paul Kostecki, released "Clean Energy for the Commonwealth Powered by The University of Massachusetts."

This report:  

• Outlines the University's commitment to developing clean energy alternatives.
• Notes that at least 120 University of Massachusetts faculty members are engaged in clean energy-related research and teaching and that clean energy-related sponsored research funding at UMass reached $18.5 million in 2006. 
• Highlights ten strategic areas of clean energy-related research underway at UMass campuses, and 
• Identifies specific technology targets for future clean energy R&D such as "green" gasoline, hydrogen powered fuel cells, and autonomously powered deep-ocean monitoring systems.

Massachusetts Governor Deval L. Patrick has declared that Massachusetts will be a global leader in clean energy technology. The University of Massachusetts is committed to helping to make this a reality by providing talent and innovation in clean energy across the Commonwealth.

The PDF files on this page require the free Adobe Acrobat Reader.