September 15, 2009 –
CALIT2 will play a key role in a new partnership that will establish the UC Irvine campus as a living laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency.
The Advanced Power & Energy Program at The Henry Samueli School of Engineering has been awarded $2 million over three years to create a blueprint for a cost-effective and reliable energy infrastructure. The research is part of a statewide program designed to make electricity generation and transportation safer, cleaner and more affordable for Californians.
Managed by APEP director Scott Samuelsen, the endeavor will involve APEP faculty, staff and students; the National Fuel Cell Research Center; CALIT2; and the Institute of Transportation Studies.
UCI, which currently boasts energy-efficient design and operations, will work to maximize use of renewable resources such as solar photovoltaics, wind and biomass fuels, while improving transportation, waste management and energy efficiency. Research results will be used to help communities improve their own energy infrastructures.
The California Energy Commission awarded UCI nearly $1 million for the project. The balance includes in-kind support from partners such as Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. and CTG Energetics.
The project will build on UCI’s existing research and commitment to sustainable energy practices. Scientists will identify issues that policymakers and industry leaders must address to encourage changes in the way Californians generate and use electricity.
“The living laboratory will include the existing 1-megawatt solar installation, building-efficiency practices and energy infrastructure,” said Samuelsen. “Our research also will involve the city of Irvine and the Orange County Great Park.”
