The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and ABB, a provider of power and automation technology, have formed a partnership on energy research to help meet the world's need for clean electricity and energy efficiency. ABB will join MIT's Energy Initiative (MITEI) and will support research in a variety of areas including nanofluids, power electronics, intelligent robotics and equipment heat management.
"New technology is the key to tapping the potential of energy efficiency in the face of the soaring demand and increasing environmental concerns," said Peter Terwiesch, ABB's chief technology officer
ABB spends $1.1 billion per year on research and development. Soaring energy demand has also placed a premium on energy efficiency, a key area of ABB's research and development activity, comprising about half of its research investment.
In addition to supporting the research program, ABB's five-year, $5-million collaboration will support graduate fellowships and MITEI's energy research "seed fund." The fund was set up to promote the development of a broad range of innovative energy technologies and concepts from researchers across the Institute.
MITEI is an Institute-wide initiative designed to help transform the global energy system to meet the challenges of the future. The MIT Energy Initiative includes research, education, campus energy management and outreach activities, and an interdisciplinary approach that covers all areas of energy supply and demand, security and environmental impact.
