We research and develop higher-performance and lower-cost materials and devices for energy generation, storage and conversion. Our target industries are electric vehicles, microgrids, photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, wearable power devices, and more.

UC San Diego's world-renowned microgrid serves as a real-world test-bed for our work, which is rooted in thoughtful analyses of the economics of distributed energy.

At every point along the way, we train and mentor our students to become tomorrow’s workforce for green and advanced energy.

SPEC News from the Jacobs School

2024 SPEC Summit is 17 September, 2024

August 21, 2024

Join us on 17 September, 2024 for a Summit organized by the UC San Diego Sustainable Power and Energy Center (SPEC). This event is a great opportunity to connect with UC San Diego researchers innovating at the cutting edge of battery materials and other sustainable power and energy technologies. The event also provides unique opportinities to recruit for your sustainable energy workforce and network within San Diego's dynamic sustainable power and energy community. Full Story

Healable Cathode Could Unlock Potential of Solid-state Lithium-sulfur Batteries

March 6, 2024

UC San Diego engineers developed a cathode material for lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries that is healable and highly conductive, overcoming longstanding challenges of traditional sulfur cathodes. The advance holds promise for bringing more energy dense and low-cost Li-S batteries closer to market. Full Story

News Archive

Real-world challenges inform our fundamental research. The Sustainable Power and Energy Center works closely with industry partners.
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UC San Diego's world-renowned microgrid serves as a real-world test-bed for our work, which is rooted in thoughtful analyses of the economics of distributed energy.