MIT’s Latest Innovations in Alternative Energy: Fusion, Geothermal, and Beyond

MIT continues to lead the charge in alternative energy research, with recent breakthroughs spanning fusion, geothermal, AI-optimized power grids, and decarbonization technologies. Below is a roundup of key developments from the MIT Energy Initiative and affiliated labs.

Fusion Energy Advances

• PSFC showcases technologies for fusion and geothermal: Rep. Jake Auchincloss visited the MIT Plasma Science and Fusion Center to learn about scaling geothermal energy. (Read more)
• Championing fusion’s promising underdog: Sophia Henneberg, assistant professor in Nuclear Science and Engineering, is developing stellarators to harness fusion energy. (Read more)
• Working to make fusion viable: George Tynan, as Norman C. Rasmussen Adjunct Professor, addresses big physics and engineering challenges of fusion plasmas. (Read more)
• Smart handling of neutrons: Assistant Professor Ethan Peterson tackles practical issues for viable fusion power plants. (Read more)

Geothermal Energy

• Geothermal energy turns red hot: MIT Energy Initiative symposium maps a path to tap the planet’s heat-rich rocks for clean power at scale. (Read more)

AI, Power Grid & Decarbonization

• 3 Questions: How AI could optimize the power grid: Techniques can make power grids cleaner and more efficient despite AI’s growing energy demands. (Read more)
• A faster problem-solving tool that guarantees feasibility: FSNet system helps power grid operators rapidly find feasible solutions for optimizing electricity flow. (Read more)
• Confronting the AI/energy conundrum: MIT Energy Initiative’s annual symposium explores AI as both a problem and solution for clean energy transition. (Read more)
• Helping students bring about decarbonization: Professor Jessika Trancik’s course helps students understand energy levers for addressing climate change. (Read more)
• New climate chemistry model: MIT study confirms climate impacts of hydrogen, recommends leak prevention as priority. (Read more)
• Decarbonizing heavy industry with thermal batteries: MIT spinout Electrified Thermal Solutions develops conductive firebrick for high-temperature industrial heat. (Read more)
• Preparing Taiwan for a decarbonized economy: MIT Energy Initiative and Taiwanese consortium explore energy future. (Read more)

Nuclear Energy

• How to make small modular reactors more cost-effective: Youyeon Choi leverages experience from South Korea and multi-physics modeling. (Read more)
• Aligning economic and regulatory frameworks for nuclear reactors: PhD student Liam Hines advocates for policy that keeps pace with technology. (Read more)

Bioeconomy & Society

• Bridging science and society: Course STS.059 explores social and political factors in biology, biotech, and biological engineering sectors. (Read more)