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
Exciting News from 2019 SPEC Summit
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
Liquefied gas electrolyte highlighted in Physicsworld
July 10, 2019 - Yang from Prof. Meng's group recently published in Joule and got highlighted in Physicsworld! Full Story

2022 Research Highlights
December 20, 2022
From tools to track the origin and spread of COVID-19, to making homes safer in earthquakes, to using smartphones as diagnostic tools, researchers at the Jacobs School of Engineering pioneered important work in 2022. A few highlights of our outstanding research this year are here. Full Story

Scientists at UC San Diego Receive $10M Department of Energy Grant to Promote Battery Recycling
December 8, 2022
A team including scientists at the University of California San Diego has been chosen to lead a $10M project to promote battery recycling and reuse. It’s part of a $74M award from the United States Department of Energy program on Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for ten programs that are at the forefront of battery recycling technology for electric vehicles. 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.