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Energy Efficiency

Generating new findings for a brighter future. We’re exploring how to improve energy production, storage, distribution and consumption that leads to efficient and effective energy use. 

A youthful man with short hair, mustache and beard wears a blue shirt and smiles, with a pale stone wall behind him
Photo Credit
Lilli Walker
J. Tyler Mefford

UCSB chemical engineer to develop low-cost technologies for renewable energy storage

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One person ascending outdoor stairs of a modern building with a sunburst overhead
Photo Credit
Matt Perko
The Interactive Learning Pavilion, opened in 2023, is UCSB’s first all electric facility.

Reaching net zero for emissions will bring major cost savings to campus
Bright colors and different shapes meant to illustrate a photonic array
Photo Credit
Brian Long
Artist's concept illustration of a photonic memory array

A new optical memory platform for super fast calculations
image of lab instrument
Photo Credit
Matt Perko
The scanning ultrafast electron microscope in the Bolin Liao lab

Researchers create the first ever visualization of photoexcited charges traveling across the interface of two semiconductor materials
concept illustration of brain-inspired computing hardware

Researchers propose the next platform for brain-inspired computing
Two workers in white coveralls and masks examine solar cells in a cleanroom.
Photo Credit
Gorodenkoff via iStock
Alternatives to silicon-based solar cells could allow solar panel production to move out of cleanrooms like this.

UCSB pioneers a low-energy process for high-performance solar cells
A large field of sunflowers near Sacramento.
Photo Credit
Tfoxfoto via iStock
Tweaks to farming practices could preserve some of California’s declining water resources.

Small changes can yield big savings in agricultural water use
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A seed grant for light-driven catalysis
concept photo of a green building amid regular buildings

This adaptive roof tile can cut both heating and cooling costs
A pumpjack nestled between trees and luxury homes.
Photo Credit
iStock
California currently has no setback restrictions, so oil production can occur in the middle of neighborhoods like Signal Hill, in Los Angeles.

Keeping California’s oil in the ground will improve health but affect jobs

Pushing Photons

‘Think Big’
UCSB students posing with a trophy

Gauchos Power Down, Come Up Big for Conservation
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