Stanford puts muscle behind energy research

Strategically nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, Stanford University has always been associated with the information technology revolution. But President John Hennessy, himself a computer scientist, envisions the institute playing a pivotal role in energy research as well.

In a recent press conference, he pointed out that investing in alternative energies was critical to national security, reduction of pollution and economic stability.

The tangible result of this direction is a $100 million fund to support energy related research. The amount has been contributed by various alumni from the financial industry.

The money will be used to expand the faculty interested in energy research and to support several more post-graduate study positions in the area.

At present, 136 faculty members at Stanford across 21 academic departments relate to energy research in some way.

One of the major goals of the new initiative is to reduce the cost of converting sunlight directly into electricity, enough to make it cheaper than fossil fuels. Such technology has the potential to be sold to developing nations.

Stanford already houses an Energy and Environment building which practices what it preaches: it uses less than half the energy of comparably buildings and 90% less water.