Energy is critical to nearly all human endeavors
As the world population grows to exceed 10 billion this century, how can we expand the energy system to meet human needs in ways that are both economically and environmentally sustainable? Stanford Earth and other schools at Stanford are investing heavily in research aimed at developing new approaches, technologies, and policies for a reliable, affordable, and low- or no-carbon energy future. As we move toward that future, our research aims to help ensure that fossil fuels are extracted and used as efficiently as possible, with the fewest negative consequences, and in a way that complements the growth of renewable resources.
How our scientists work toward the energy future
The world will use 100 million barrels of oil a day for the next 50 years, despite the march toward renewable energy. Will we do that in an uncontrolled way? Stanford Earth researchers are developing greener ways of extracting oil and mitigating the resulting greenhouse gases. Read more...
Our top competencies in energy research
At Stanford Earth, our five core capabilities transcend specific types of energy resources and can be applied across the energy landscape. Read more.
Meet some of the faculty who are helping to secure the energy future
Margot Gerritsen
Professor of Energy Resources Engineering
Sally Benson
Professor of Energy Resources Engineering
Lou Durlofsky
Professor of Energy Resources Engineering
Mark Zoback
Professor of Geophysics
Tony Kovscek
Professor of Energy Resources Engineering
Jef Caers
Professor of Geological Sciences
Related research groups
A sampling of courses on energy
Stanford Natural Gas Initiative (NGI)
The revolution in natural gas production has changed the energy outlook in much of the world and thrust this resource into the global spotlight as a potential bridge to a cleaner energy future. It has raised hopes, along with concerns. Watch.
Energy-related news
Oil-sand wastewater triggered large Alberta earthquake
New research reveals wastewater injected underground by fossil fuel operators caused a magnitude 5.6 earthquake in November 2022 in the Peace River area of Alberta’s oil sands region. This is the first study to link seismicity in the area to human activity. (Source: Stanford News)
Testing the winds
Anna-Katharina von Krauland’s research on potential wind farm development in the US and India could help ease the transition to renewable energy. (Source: Stanford King Center on Global Development)
