News

A new WCEC report explores affordable strategies to accelerate adoption of low-global-warming-potential (low-GWP) heat pumps in California homes. Findings show that the heat pumps reduced greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 90 percent compared to the gas systems they replaced. The team also advanced a novel polymer heat exchanger design to support long-term market transformation as refrigerant standards tighten.

A new study from the UC Davis Wild Energy Center explores how floating solar energy systems—known as “floatovoltaics”—can coexist with waterbirds that rely on the same aquatic habitats. As these renewable energy installations expand across reservoirs, irrigation ponds, and wastewater facilities, researchers are investigating their potential impacts on bird species that nest, forage, and rest in these environments.

WCEC researchers recently returned from the 2025 ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit in Washington, D.C., where they presented a liquid cooling demonstration as part of the COOLERCHIPS program.

We spend 90% of our time indoors, and the air quality directly impacts our health. Dust, allergens, and airborne illnesses build up in our homes, schools, and workplaces, influencing our well-being and productivity every day.

A new CLTC study demonstrates that integrating building systems under a centralized Building Automation System (BAS) can significantly reduce energy use. A team led by CLTC Director of Engineering Keith Graeber conducted field research at “The Barn,” a two-story, 2,068-square-foot building on the UC Davis campus.