Energy 2100 is a strategic initiative funded through Penn State University’s Strategic Initiatives Seed Grant program, which was created to foster activities related to Penn State’s Strategic Plan. The goal of Energy 2100 is to drive research, innovation, and education in technologies that can be used for providing energy, in the form of transportable fuels and electricity, in an environmentally sound manner so that all of our planet’s resources can be sustainably used. Our vision is a future where renewable energy sources are readily available and cost comparable to existing fossil fuels, in order to produce a global economy that accomplishes extremely diminished releases of CO₂ into the air. The only safe way to steward our planet’s resources is to ensure our activities do not drastically alter the climate of the planet, and develop methods to achieve sustainable lifestyle that enables everyone access to clean water, food, and a safe environment.

Several activities related to the Energy 2100 effort on renewable energy and associated technologies include: developing this website to consolidate and enable easy access to renewable energy research at Penn State; providing a Report to Penn State on current activities in renewable energy and provide recommendations for areas of investment; helping stimulate new research by faculty in the these technologies; and encouraging additional faculty and staff hires in these areas.

Energy 2100 is a part of the Institutes of Energy and Environment (IEE), with all activities and future work in renewable energy research and related activities to be coordinated through IEE. See also the broader aspects of our work in ensuring a safe and sustainable environment through the activities coordinated through the Sustainability Institute.