Cornell Energy Systems Institute is committed to a vision in which frontier discovery-based research is integrated with innovative approaches for research translation, with the specific aim of lowering humanity’s carbon footprint. Cornell University’s leadership in advancing the concept of the modern research university campus as a Living Laboratory, translating research innovations to demonstration projects in which industry and university participants work together to find solutions and to lower barriers for broad-based adoption of new energy technology, provides a unique forum for discovery research related to translating. CESI has accordingly embraced the goal of achieving, within its first ten years, broad-based recognition as a national center of excellence for energy systems science and engineering research and for translating energy innovations to commercial practice.

Research Thrusts

Transportation and Manufacturing Systems

• Make electrified transportation the norm for human mobility
• Make manufacturing and power generation technologies smart and data-driven

Energy Production Systems and Infrastructure     

• Make low carbon footprint energy generation technology, including earth-sourced heating, cost-effective and reliable

Carbon Capture and Conversion Systems

• Make carbon dioxide capture and conversion to high-value products cost-effective and commonplace in construction and process systems  

A dynamic feedback process is already in place to periodically update CESI research priorities to ensure that the institute’s work remains impactful. This process also takes advantage of the breadth of expertise among CESI stakeholders (alumni and friends of Cornell, foundations, industry, national and state governments, and technology innovators), to guarantee that CESI programs and priorities remain relevant.