Research at the Institute for Energy Efficiency (IEE) is organized into three interdisciplinary themes; Smart Societal Infrastructure, Energy Efficient Computing and Communications, and the Food-Energy-Water Nexus. Projects within each theme attack critical energy-efficiency grand challenges by leveraging the expertise of UCSB’s acclaimed faculty, engineers and researchers to develop new technologies to improve energy efficiency and ensure a more sustainable future.  IEE’s mission also includes expediting the commercialization of these technologies.

IEE research is funded through government grants, industry-sponsored projects, and generous donors. The Institute selectively supports emerging new directions in research by providing seed-funding or matching-grant funding to UCSB faculty. Additionally, the Institute facilitates and supports efforts to secure government and industry funding.

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Research Themes

Projects within each theme attack critical energy-efficiency grand challenges to develop new technologies for improving and ensuring a more sustainable future.

Learn more about the IEE's research here.

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Technical Foundation

Projects within each theme attack critical energy-efficiency grand challenges to develop new technologies for improving and ensuring a more sustainable future.

All News
A simple sensor system installed on existing high voltage lines helps grid operators increase capacity by as much as 40 percent.

Smart Powerline “Neurons” Boost Grid Capacity: Sensor networks enable 40 percent more electricity to pulse through the lines

Aging high-voltage transmission lines are a bottleneck in the power grid today, but what if a simple tweak could increase their capacity…

In the News

We thrive on the vital exchange of ideas and experiences across our intimate campus in one of the world’s most beautiful locations.

IEE by the Numbers

Facts show the impact of the Institute of Energy Efficiency

Diverse

Vibrant

Social

Creative

6

Nobel Laureates

#1

Green School

1000

acres on the California coast

200+

majors, degrees, and credentials

1008

faculty members

23051

students enrolled

Dynamic Environment

Progressive + Pioneering

Socially Rewarding

John E. Bowers
“The cleanest power plant is the one you don’t have to build.”
john bowers
iee director
Mark Abel
“IEE’s award-winning research has been the foundation for numerous energy-saving innovations including energy-saving white light LED lighting, more energy efficient data-center communications and interconnects, and software that reduces energy usage in buildings worldwide.”
mark abel
iee associate director