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 Announcements

October 11, 2019 - The Dean of Jacobs School, Dr Albert P. Pisano gave his welcome address and shared the exciting progress on the new upcoming Franklin Antonio Hall Building. Full Story

July 10, 2019 - Yang from Prof. Meng's group recently published in Joule and got highlighted in Physicsworld! Full Story

Setting the stage for solid-state battery success

August 2, 2022

Battery researchers and other engineers from University of California San Diego, with collaboration from the LG Energy Solution, have published a forward-looking perspective article in the journal Joule. In the article, the researchers outline three categories of engineering challenges that must be solved in order to transition all-solid-state batteries from the laboratory toward large-scale industrial manufacturing. These three challenges are that of precursors, processing and pressure. Full Story

These energy-packed batteries work well in extreme cold and heat

July 4, 2022

Researchers developed lithium-ion batteries that perform well at freezing cold and scorching hot temperatures, while packing a lot of energy. This could help electric cars travel farther on a single charge in the cold and reduce the need for cooling systems for the cars' batteries in hot climates. Full Story

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.