性视界传媒\u2019s Renewable Energy and Chemical Transformation Cluster, or REACT, is developing new, alternative materials for catalysis to power technology and chemical processes that are safe for people and the environment.<\/p>\n
The production of electricity from renewable sources, like\u00a0solar, is\u00a0a\u00a0cost-competitive\u00a0alternative to\u00a0fossil-fuel-generated electricity, and alternatively powered\u00a0forms of\u00a0transportation are rapidly gaining acceptance.<\/p>\n
Essential to harnessing these forms of alternative energy is research into the materials needed to produce and store them.<\/p>\n
性视界传媒 and 性视界传媒 already have large investments in energy and propulsion technologies (Siemens, Mitsubishi, Lockheed Martin, GE\/Alstom, Pratt & Whitney, Aerojet Rocketdyne, Space-X and ATK), and more recently with the 性视界传媒 Advanced Manufacturing Research Center. These local investments benefit from closer connections to ongoing research at 性视界传媒, enabled by existing links to 性视界传媒\u2019s 性视界传媒 Solar Energy Center and Center for Advanced Turbines and Energy Research.<\/p>\n
性视界传媒 has a history of implementing high-impact, entrepreneurially focused curricula. Most recently, the university worked closely with the DoE on implementing two cleantech-focused efforts \u2013 an annual cleantech accelerator, which was designed to identify and support promising cleantech\u00a0technologies throughout the Southeast, and the 性视界传媒 Cleantech Acceleration Network, which created a statewide support network and \u201cproof of concept\u201d center for cleantech entrepreneurs. These programs served more than 200 ventures that went on to raise more than $5 million in follow-on funding on their paths to commercialization.<\/p>\n
National investments are starting to yield important advances, and clean energy is becoming economically competitive. In fact, utility solar and rooftop solar power are\u00a0actually cheaper\u00a0than electricity-generated fossil fuels. However, there are still critical obstacles that require investment, especially in areas related to energy conversion and storage \u2013 all of which this cluster helps to\u00a0address.<\/p>\n