A new energy future is essential for sustaining life as we know it.
Join us in propelling over 250 dynamic energy research projects, fueled by both public and private backing. Our mission? To power our nation and the world with resilience, sustainability, and cutting-edge advancements.
As the University for the Future, we’re not just about education — we’re about results. Expect top-notch student and faculty achievements, smart financial management, swift degree completion, and a focus on operations that are both resilient and sustainable.
[UCF’s] Microgrid Control Lab provides unprecedented access to a modern grid control center that enables some of the brightest young minds in the country to collaborate, learn and help reimagine the energy grid of tomorrow.”
Research Powered by Innovative Minds
UCF researchers are driving innovation and creating a more sustainable world through their groundbreaking work. From developing new renewable energy technologies to optimizing energy efficiency in existing systems, our team is committed to finding solutions to today’s energy challenges of today and those of the future.
Developing Solutions for Energy Sustainability
Our society is facing a revolution as new technology is being developed to advance sustainable, resilient and efficient energy systems. To reduce stress on our current infrastructure, energy and sustainability innovations are necessary to provide communities with a better quality of life. UCF faculty and students are prepared to meet this growing demand by developing and implementing advanced technology to conserve and store energy.
Degree programs related to electrical and computer engineering give students first-hand experience in creating safe and sustainable solutions. Our partnerships with industry leaders allow our students to immerse themselves in sustainability leadership and research opportunities that create innovative ideas. Graduates enter the workforce helping design, construct and enhance energy technology — ensuring they have the skill sets they need to help provide a sustainable energy future for our world.
in funding awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy in Fiscal Year 2023.
U.S. National Science Foundation
in U.S. Department of Energy Solar Contracts awarded to U.S.
U.S. National Science Foundation
in U.S. Department of Energy funding since 1991
alumni employed by GE Digital and Florida Power & Light.
energy-related technologies invented at UCF and available for licensing
Students majoring in energy-related electrical and computer engineering fields at UCF.
Fastest-Growing University for Research Expenditures
UCF is ranked No. 7 among fastest-growing research spending institutions in the nation by The Chronicle of Higher Education.
Top 20 Most Innovative University in the Nation
U.S. News & World Report ranks UCF as one of the most innovative in its annual list of best colleges.
Energy Science and Engineering School
ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2022 ranked UCF No. 25 in the U.S. for energy science and engineering.
University for Producing Patents
University of Central Florida is ranked in the top 25 among public universities in the U.S. for producing patents by the National Academy of Inventors.
Computer Engineering Program
University of Central Florida computer engineering programs ranked No. 34 among public universities nationally by U.S. News & World Report.
Electrical/ Electronic/ Communications Engineering Program
University of Central Florida electrical/ electronic/ communications engineering programs ranked No. 35 among public universities nationally by U.S. News & World Report.
Institutes, Associations and Affiliations
- Central Florida Expressway Authority
- Duke Energy
- Federal Highway Administration
- Florida Department of Transportation
- Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise
- Kennedy Space Center
- MetroPlan Orlando
- Mitsubishi Power
- Pratt & Whitney
- Siemens
Companies Employing UCF Graduates
- AECOM
- Atkins
- Boeing
- CH2M Hill
- Disney
- Florida Department of Transportation
- Florida Power & Light
- General Electric
- HNTB
- Hubbard
- Kimley-Horn
- Leidos
- Orlando Utilities Commission
- Parsons Brinckerhoff
- Skanska
- Turner
- Wharton-Smith
Energy and Sustainability Research Through UCF’s RISES Center
UCF’s Resilient, Intelligent and Sustainable Energy Systems Center, or RISES, works to develop sustainable and resilient energy systems and storage to make sure we have power and stay connected when disasters strike.
Their research helps integrate renewable resources into the power generation mix while generating better power quality and allowing energy customers to make informed and environmentally conscientious decisions.
Lowering the Cost of Solar Power
Improving the efficiency and lowering the cost of solar cells will go a long way to making solar energy more accessible to consumers. And that’s exactly what Engineering associate professor Kris Davis aims to do through a $1.5 million U.S. Department of Energy Solar Technologies Office project. Davis and his colleagues are developing a novel metallization process as part of solar cell production that uses copper, rather than silver, thus lowering the cost. The project is one of 19 selected by the U.S. Department of Energy to fulfill President Biden’s Investing in America agenda.
Revolutionary 3-Minute Charging Battery for EVs
UCF researcher, Yang Yang, has created a revolutionary new aqueous battery for electric vehicles (EV) that can charge in just three minutes. This technology has the potential to significantly improve the charging experience for EV owners, making it faster and more convenient to charge their vehicles. The fast-charging capabilities of the aqueous battery could be a game-changer for the EV industry, helping to increase the adoption of electric vehicles and support the transition to a more sustainable transportation system.
New Materials to Power Technology
UCF’s Renewable Energy and Chemical Transformation Cluster, or REACT, is developing new, alternative materials for catalysis to power technology and chemical processes that are safe for people and the environment. The production of electricity from renewable sources, like solar, is a cost-competitive alternative to fossil-fuel-generated electricity, and alternatively powered forms of transportation are rapidly gaining acceptance. Essential to harnessing these forms of alternative energy is research into the materials needed to produce and store them.
Learn about Renewable Energy and Chemical Transformation (REACT)
Orlando Energy and Sustainability Facilities
Robust facilities at UCF allow the best minds to come together and collaborate — making powerful discoveries that transform the future of sustainable energy. With state-of-the-art research tools and the latest technologies, our facilities provide a place where we uncover new insights and shift paradigms.
Florida Solar Energy Center
FSEC® is the state’s premier energy research center. Since it was established by the Florida Legislature in 1975 to advance solar energy research, development and education, its focus has grown in scope. In addition to solar, its work now includes research, education and training in high-performance buildings, sustainable transportation, energy storage and energy systems integration. As a result of FSEC’s extensive research capabilities, its programs are nationally and internationally recognized.
Smart Infrastructure Data Analytics Laboratory
The Smart Infrastructure Data Analytics Lab (SIDAL) at the University of Central Florida, led by Qun Zhou, Ph.D., is a research laboratory focused on solving energy challenges in the grid and buildings. They utilize advanced data analytics and optimization schemes to improve energy efficiency and engage consumers, with a focus on grid edge components like HVAC, solar panels, and batteries, working towards a greener, stronger, and smarter energy future.
Microgrid Control Lab
A state-of-the-art facility that provides hands-on learning and research opportunities for students interested in modern grid control operations. Equipped with the latest software and control center equipment, students can simulate and test real-life scenarios, such as how to optimize and secure the grid of the future.
Energy and Sustainability Degrees
As the energy and sustainability industry continues to evolve and change over time, UCF energy and sustainability programs keep students current with the latest techniques and curriculum — ensuring they are prepared from day one.
Bachelor’s Degrees
Best bachelor’s degrees for a career in sustainability technologies.
Graduate Degrees
Top master’s degrees for advancement in engineering and photonics industries.
Certificates
Leading certificate programs in engineering and energy solutions.
UCF Online Degrees
Fully online engineering and photonics programs.
Energy and Sustainability News
