Cornell Energy Transition Initiative

Cornell is building a sustainable energy future—right on campus.
Cornell Ithaca campus from above aerial shot.
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Accelerating the Energy Transition

The Cornell energy transition initiative is a major strategic effort focused on engineering energy transitions. Driven by bold research, hands-on learning, and real-world testing, Cornell’s energy initiatives are reshaping how we think about climate solutions. From converting waste into fuel to building clean energy testbeds next to campus power systems, the university is leading by example—training tomorrow’s energy leaders while delivering breakthrough technologies today.

Part of the Cornell Engineering 2030 plan, the initiative drives societal impact through innovation by investing in:

  • Faculty Leadership

    in sustainable energy systems

  • Cutting-edge Research

    in clean energy technologies

  • Infrastructure

    that connects discovery with deployment

  • Education and Training

    for future energy leaders

A person walks through a field with solar panels.
Interior machines of the lake source cooling facility at Cornell.

Faculty Leadership

  • Chloe Arson

    Chloé Arson

    M.Eng. Director Professor

    Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences

  • Brian Bauer

    Brian Bauer

    Associate Director, Masters of Engineering Program—Chemical Engineering Professor of Practice

    R.F. Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

  • Tobias Hanrath

    Tobias Hanrath

    Croll Professor in Engineering

    R.F. Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

  • Vibha Kalra

    Vibha Kalra

    Fred H. Rhodes Professor of Chemical Engineering Kathy Dwyer Marble and Curt Marble Faculty Director at the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability

    R.F. Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

  • Jefferson Tester

    Jefferson W. Tester

    Croll Sesquicentennial Fellow and Professor

    R.F. Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

  • K. Max Zhang

    K. Max Zhang

    Irving Porter Church Professor of Engineering Provost’s Fellow for Public Engagement

    Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

From Waste to Worth: Carbon Conversion Research

At the heart of Cornell’s clean energy work is carbon conversion research—developing electrochemical systems that transform carbon dioxide and methane from waste gases into valuable fuels and industrial chemicals. These technologies mimic nature’s own catalytic processes to create cleaner, more efficient chemical reactions.

Researchers aim to:

  • Increase conversion efficiency
  • Reduce industrial emissions
  • Turn greenhouse gases into usable, market-ready resources
Cornell's Combined Heat and Power Plant.

Campus as a Testbed for Innovation

Cornell’s Ithaca campus is a living laboratory for sustainable energy technologies—where students and researchers test scalable solutions right where they live and learn. Key projects include:

Educating Future Energy Leaders

Cornell prepares the next generation of engineers, scientists, and policy experts to tackle the global energy challenge. Programs emphasize:

  • Interdisciplinary energy coursework
  • Real-world design studios for Master of Engineering students
  • Industry collaboration on applied energy projects
  • Student entrepreneurship in clean tech and sustainability

Whether you’re an undergraduate exploring climate innovation or a graduate student diving into R&D, Cornell is the place to build your energy future.

Materials science and engineering major Aarav Seth ’25 (left) and Tobias Hanrath, the David Croll Professor of Engineering, apply a package containing phase-change materials that can reduce the operating temperature of a PV module by an average of 5.2 degrees Celsius

Explore Our Work

Join The Mission

Cornell’s living laboratory for energy innovation is more than a concept—it’s a community. Together, we can turn bold ideas into impactful solutions—and create a sustainable world for generations to come.

  • Students

    Explore research and hands-on opportunities in clean energy.

  • Alumni

    Connect with startups, support innovation, or mentor student teams.

  • Donors

    Help Cornell expand its capacity to lead in energy transitions.

Contacts