International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Research Fund

International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Research Fund

　Climate change issues such as global warming are becoming more serious recently, and the shift to a carbon-neutral society based on renewable energy has become important and urgent global issue.

　International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Research (I²CNER) was established in 2010 as the WPI Institute, the only institute at that time bearing “Carbon-Neutral Energy” as part of its name, and later joined the WPI Academy member in 2020. To date, I²CNER has promoted the societal value of basic research as part of WPI’s “Values for the Future” mission.

　There are still many difficult challenges exist for shifting from the current energy system, which mainly uses fossil fuels, to a society based on renewable energy and materials. To achieve this, not only energy conversion technologies but also the overall design of a social system in which　materials and energy are linked each other is required. At I²CNER, under one roof, we are working together to create innovative energy conversion technologies.

　Renewable energies such as solar and wind power are equally distributed to all people on earth without regional segregation. However, renewable energy has large fluctuations and low energy density, so it is required to develop an effective method for leveling and increase in power density. I²CNER has focused on creating highly efficient conversion technologies. As a next step, by adding rapid converstion as a key concept, we focus on underutilized energy sources, and cultivate a new academic field through interdisciplinary integration.

　We are committed to promoting world-leading research aimed at realizing a carbon-neutral society. We would be grateful for your warm support and cooperation with our research activities.

　For more information about I²CNER, please visit the official website.

Director, International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Research (I²CNER)