Center for Future Energy Systems
This new $20 million research center, in partnership with Cornell University and Brookhaven National Laboratory, seeks to meet the energy challenges of the 21st century by focusing on innovation in and commercialization of energy conservation and renewable energy systems.  News Release

Center for Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Research
Rensselaer’s new Center for Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Research focuses on fuel cell development, hydrogen generation and storage, electrochemistry, solid state and polymer science, and the application of nano-materials in fuel cell and hydrogen research.  News Release

Fuel Cell Research Education
Rensselaer has initiated a $4.8 million novel interdisciplinary program to train doctoral students in fuel cell science and engineering. The program is supported by a $3.2 million, first-of-its-kind fuel cell research education grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) combined with a $1.6 million investment by Rensselaer.  News Release

NSF Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship (IGERT) for Fuel Cells 

Future Chips Constellation
A new concept in academia, a Constellation is led by outstanding faculty in fields of strategic importance. Each constellation at Rensselaer is focused on specific research programs and comprises a multidisciplinary mix of senior and junior faculty, post docs, and graduate students. The Future Chips Constellation focuses on innovations in materials and devices, in solid state and smart lighting, and will extend to applications such as sensing, communications, and biotechnology.

Future Chips Constellation 

Center for Power Electronics Systems (CPES)
Established in August 1998, the Center for Power Electronics Systems is one of the nation’s relatively few National Science Foundation Engineering Research Centers. Its vision is to provide the nation with the capabilities to become a world leader in power electronics.

Center for Power Electronics Systems 

New York State Center for Polymer Synthesis
At the center, researchers are designing new polymers that could revolutionize or create entirely new industries. The future implications of this research are limitless, from achieving plug-in power for fuel cells, to bio-medical applications that could help diagnose and treat many diseases.

New York State Center for Polymer Synthesis 

Lighting Research Center
Rensselaer’s Lighting Research Center (LRC) is the leading university-based research center devoted to lighting. The center programs cover a range of activities including both laboratory testing of lighting products and real-world demonstration and evaluation of lighting products and designs. The LRC conducts research into energy efficiency, new products and technologies, lighting design, and human factors issues.

Lighting Research Center 

Energy Conservation at Rensselaer
Rensselaer's Campus Green Program (the Greening of Rensselaer Initiative) offers every member of the Rensselaer community an opportunity to actively participate in environmental initiatives and education. EcoLogic is the Rensselaer environmental student group that founded the Greening of Rensselaer Initiative.

Solar: Rensselaer has installed a photovoltaic (PV) system with 32 PV panels next to the Voorhees Computing Center, providing about 2 kilowatts of electricity to the VCC (enough to run about 25 computers). The innovative system moves with the sun, both throughout the day and with the seasons. During the 2001 summer heat wave, when Rensselaer’s cost for electricity was five to ten times higher than normal, the PV system was continuously reducing the Institute’s electric demand.

Wind: A wind turbine has been installed on the east side of campus. Power from the 10-kilowatt, three-blade wind turbine is transmitted to the campus power grid.

Hydroelectric: A student group, Engineers for a Sustainable World, is investigating the refurbishing and operation of a 30-kilowatt hydroelectric facility on the Poestenkill River.

Biodiesel: Rensselaer is currently in the process of designing and installing a biodiesel processing facility that will convert the waste cooking oil from the Dining Halls into a useable fuel for campus vehicles.