At the Center for Energy Research (CER), our mission is to create solutions for the growing challenges of energy supply, distribution, and utilisation.
With the industrialisation of emerging nations, the world’s demand for energy is on track to increase manifold in the next 50 years. To meet this demand and enhance national security and global standards of living, advanced energy policy and technologies are critical at the local, regional, national, and global levels.
CER fosters interdisciplinary research, develops visibility and recognition as a leading institution in energy studies, and advances educational programmes in energy technologies.
The UC San Diego Energy Center commenced operation informally in the autumn of 1972 under the impetus of Professor Sanford (Sol) Penner and has evolved to meet the energy challenges of the 21st century.
Our members include internationally recognised scientists, faculty from multiple UCSD departments, visiting scholars from all over the world, and students.
Together they perform basic and applied energy research in fusion, solar energy, fuel cells, energy storage, and related disciplines.
Research from all aspects of the energy spectrum
CER is the largest research department on the UC San Diego campus and houses a wide range of experimental research and technology development laboratories. Each focuses on one aspect of the energy solution and coordinates with related programmes.
Renewable energy programmes work with smart network development studies and energy storage programs to maximise technology penetration.
Fusion energy research programmes include both magnetic and inertial confinement and look to develop and integrate reliable baseload sources.
Carbon capture studies design methods to mitigate present power generation CO2 loads, enabling scientific and legislated targets to be met.
Various sources, including extensive collaborations with national laboratories, private companies, and federal programmes, support these programmes.
Supporting careers in STEM with energy research
Alongside research efforts, CER develops and supports programmes through its award-winning Outreach Council. Most of the 30 fastest-growing occupations in the next decade will require a STEM background, and studies have shown that cities with more STEM workers do better economically and demonstrate higher job growth, employment, and income.
To support this need for STEM education, CER engages with local school districts at all levels and develops and presents science-based curricula at school and local events.
CER also sponsors energy-related lectures, symposiums, and academic conferences. These efforts educate students and the wider public about energy issues and offer opportunities for middle school, high school, and college students to engage in energy-related research programmes.
Areas of expertise
- Wide portfolio of energy research
- Internationally recognised leaders in academic and applied research
- Engaged with national and international public, private and academic programmes
- Active in STEM outreach programme support and development
Research interests
- Solar energy research
- Fusion energy research
- Energy storage
- Smart grid installation and performance
- Fuel cell research
- Carbon management
