Sustainable Energy Transitions Lab
Decarbonizing our energy supply chains towards a low-carbon, sustainable, and equitable future for all
The Sustainable Energy Transitions lab studies technology, systems, and policy as it relates to energy and the environment. We work on a wide range of topics that all revolve around a fundamental question: “How can we sustainably meet global energy demand while addressing its climate impacts?” We take an interdisciplinary approach to answer this question with methodological tools that span field work, modeling, and systems design.
Methane Emissions from the Oil and Gas Supply Chain
Methane is one of the most potent greenhouse gases - over 80 times more powerful than carbon dioxide in the near term. Our group studies the spatial and temporal evolution of methane emissions from oil and gas operations across the supply chain. We do this through a combination of field research and modeling to integrate data from multi-scale measurement approaches. In parallel, we also lead advanced technology assessment studies to evaluate the effectiveness of new systems such as satellites, planes, drones, and continuous monitoring systems to detect intermittent, high-volume methane emissions across the oil and gas supply chain.
Global Supply Chain Carbon Accounting
The key to effective global climate action is accurate carbon accounting. Whether to track the effectiveness of climate policy or to support market mechanisms for emissions reductions or provide accurate information to regulators and investors, a transparent, scientifically rigorous, and trusted framework for greenhouse gas emissions accounting is essential. Our group develop models, tools, and protocols for rigorous, transparent, and measurement-based greenhouse gas emissions accounting across oil and gas supply chains. Over time, our goal is to support US and international efforts to improve the accuracy of official greenhouse gas inventories.
Energy System Modeling
The energy transition is a complex interplay of competing interests: reducing carbon emissions, growing the economy, and expanding equity. Whether a new energy supply such as hydrogen or liquefied natural gas advances our goals requires careful analysis of short-run and long-term impacts. We use several distinct approaches. First, we integrate life-cycle assessment tools with techno-economic models to design long-term emissions mitigation strategies. Second, we explore the role for new energy infrastructure investments (e.g., LNG terminals) to address global climate policy and improve energy security. Third, we focus on equity impacts of energy transition policies, with a focus on the oil and gas sector.
SET Lab News
5/1/2022: PhD student Oladamola Amieyeofori joins the SET lab. Welcome, Damola.
4/1/2022: Prof. Ravikumar is appointed to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Gas Pipeline Advisory Committee by Sec. Pete Buttigieg for a term of 3 years.
1/3/2022: JOBS! We have several openings for Ph.D. students, postdoctoral scholars, and research staff members across several research areas. Please see the Join Our Lab page for details, and send Prof. Ravikumar an email if you have questions.
Cover Art
Created by the Polish artist Pawel Czerwinski, this abstract image captures the essence of the energy transition for me. The brown/orange hues on the left represents our current fossil-fuel dominated energy system, while the blue/green hues on the right represent our future low-carbon energy system. There will be places where fossil fuels would be in use longer into our future (top of the image) and places that would transition earlier (bottom). This image symbolizes the chaotic nature of the transition with few stark boundaries and a trial-and-error approach to effective climate action - as a research group, as a community, and as a world.