MIT Professor Speaks in Abu Dhabi about the Future of Clean Transport
Dr Yet-Ming Chiang says “low cost energy storage will be a technology
linchpin” during lecture sponsored by Masdar Institute
ABU DHABI – December 13, 2010 – Dr. Yet-Ming Chiang, Kyocera Professor,
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) gave a lecture yesterday on Electrical Energy
Storage to Enable Clean Transportation, as part of the Masdar Institute – MIT Energy
Initiative, Distinguished Lecture Series, in Abu Dhabi, at the Yas Island Rotana Hotel,
Ballroom, Yas Marina.
During the lecture Dr Chiang said that: “Clean energy has become a global imperative, and
efficient, low cost energy storage will be a technology linchpin as we increasingly rely on
renewable sources including wind and solar. The past decade has seen advances in battery
technology foment a revolution in electric transportation - and the coming decade will see
similar growth in renewable energy and electric grid efficiency enabled by large scale energy
storage.”
Dr. Yet-Ming Chiang is a leading scientist, educator, and entrepreneur in the field of
electrical energy storage for the purpose of clean transportation. During his lecture Dr.
Chiang discussed this issue in the context of global energy security and climate change
concerns, which have accelerated the electrification of vehicles, aided by advances in
battery technology. The ability to store electrical energy efficiently, cheaply and at large
scale is a critical unmet need in the drive towards a low carbon economy. As Abu Dhabi
looks towards a more sustainable future, as set out in its 2030 Economic Vision, the issue is
of significant local importance.
About Dr. Yet-Ming Chiang
Dr Chiang is the Kyocera Professor in the Department of Materials and Science and
Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His research focuses on the
design, synthesis, and characterization of advanced inorganic materials and related devices.
Dr. Chiang’s honours include election to the US Academy of Engineering. He has published
about 200 scholarly articles and holds about 20 issued patents and 30 pending patent
applications.
About Masdar Institute
Masdar Institute of Science and Technology (Masdar Institute) was established by the
government of Abu Dhabi as a not-for-profit, private graduate university to serve as a
“knowledge-hub” in the region to develop indigenous R&D capacity in Abu Dhabi addressing
issues of importance to the region.
With the assistance of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Masdar Institute has
developed an academic and research platform that articulates its mission and vision
according to critical energy and sustainability challenges. An important characteristic of
Masdar Institute is its focus on complex real-world problems that require a multidisciplinary
approach for the development of solutions from an integrated technology, systems and
policy perspective. This multi-interdisciplinary and integrated approach is supported by the
structure of its academic programs and by the emphasis placed on engaging external
partners from industry, government, and other academic institutions in collaborative activities.
Masdar Institute offers degrees in:
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MSc Engineering Systems and
Management
MSc Computing and Information
Science
MSc Materials Science and
Engineering
MSc Mechanical Engineering
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MSc Water and Environmental
Engineering
MSc Microsystems Engineering
MSc Electrical Power Engineering
Interdisciplinary Doctoral Degree
PhD program
For more information on Masdar Institute, please visit http://www.masdar.ac.ae/
Adele Stevens
Director of Communications
Office: +971 2 698 8122
Direct: +971 2 698 8023
Email: astevens@masdar.ac.ae