Key Research Area: Energy

Key Research Area: Energy

Why UNLV?

UNLV is a leader among the state’s public entities dedicated to advancing energy in the region and beyond, answering questions and providing solutions to issues in solar and wind energy, nuclear energy, fuel cells and “smart grid” technology. UNLV is now considered a convening center for energy leaders throughout the nation and world.

Partnering with UNLV’s College of Engineering unlocks access to cutting-edge energy research in solar, wind, geothermal, and hydrogen technologies, fueled by our strategic location in the desert Southwest. UNLV’s outstanding achievements in renewable energy research, its success in forging public/private partnerships, and its excellent academic programs place the university at the forefront of the field.

Energy Expertise at UNLV

Electric power systems and power quality and static power converters
Nanostructured light-absorbing coatings for advanced concentrating solar power
Design of grid-tied and standalone photovoltaic (PV) systems
Photocatalysts for solar energy conversion
Smart Grid concepts
Assessing efficacy of decarbonization plans
Solar-powered atmospheric water harvesting
Molten salt reactors
Nuclear reactor operation
Corrosion modeling
Digital twins
Land use change impacts of fossil fuel, bioenergy, and renewable energy

Research Highlights

Innovating Water Sustainability Solutions

Engineering professor H. Jeremy Cho co-founded and leads the research team behind WAVR Technologies, Inc., a UNLV startup that makes devices to capture water vapor from the air for commercial and individual uses. The startup may be a key in the search for water sustainability solutions to the Southwest climate crisis.

For more information, email Jeremy Cho at jeremy.cho@unlv.edu.

Exploring Innovative Materials for Energy Conversion and Storage

Researchers in the Energy and Environmental Materials Laboratory at UNLV are advancing the field of energy conversion and storage. Led by Jaeyun Moon, the team focuses on designing innovative microstructures and chemical compositions of materials that facilitate light absorption, drive chemical and physical reactions, and improve mass and electron transport. Their work is unlocking versatile solutions for energy transformation and storage.

For more information, contact Jaeyun Moon at jaeyun.moon@unlv.edu.

Advancing Heliostat Technology

UNLV Engineering researchers are developing a highly precise, cost-effective sensor to measure the reflection angle of heliostat mirrors under real-world conditions. The technology seeks to improve the accuracy and efficiency of concentrating solar power systems.

For more information, contact Heejin Cho at heejin.cho@unlv.edu.

“My research experience as a mechanical engineering undergraduate at UNLV allowed me to apply the necessary skills to create innovative technologies that contribute to sustainable environmental solutions. The opportunity to engage with peers, experts, and professors has broadened my perspective on my work and shaped my career. This experience has inspired me to continue my pursuit of education.”

Emilie Luong, Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering