Never before has the pursuit of advancements in environmental and energy been as crucial to the future of humanity as it is today. With this increased sense of urgency, USC pioneers are ensuring the sustainability of our climate and culture through innovation in energy and environmental research. Below is a small sampling of exciting spinouts, labs, and projects in Energy, Clean Technology, and Environment at USC:

One of the world's preeminent scholars of hydrocarbon chemistry, USC Professor George Olah won the 1994 Nobel Prize in chemistry in recognition for his groundbreaking work on superacids and carbocations. His research has revolutionized organic chemistry and has led to significant contributions in the development of alternative fuel sources including a methanol-using fuel cell. Recently, UOP, a Honeywell company and USC entered into a licensing agreement that allows the two entities to collaboratively develop an improved methanol and dimethyl ether production process based on Prof. Olah’s research.

Researchers at the USC Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies are studying the oceans and aquatic ecosystems for novel ways to address global environmental problems. In one area of research, they are examining how ocean diazotrophs, special bacteria that can use nitrogen gas as a nutrient, might be used to sequester greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. They are building the understanding that may allow sustainable aquaculture, farming the sea. In other applications, they are exploring how micro-organisms from nature can clean our waste and generate electricity. Drawing on biology, geology, economics and engineering, the USC Wrigley Institute is striving to connect research in marine, environmental and geobiology research to the future of our planet.

The USC Energy Institute investigates the way society extracts, transforms, and uses fossil fuels in our day to day lives.  Currently working to develop a cross-disciplinary approach to advance the science of alternative fuels and energy conversions and addresses economic, social, environment and policy issues associated with transitioning to a new energy/fuel paradigm. The Energy Institute aims to aid in the transformation of future fuel and energy choices and help create economically viable and environmentally sound communities worldwide.