GE is to join the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) research programme aimed at advancing technology solutions to help transform global energy systems.

It will become a member of the MIT Energy Initiative (MITEI) and is providing $7.5 million (£5.7m) over a five-year period for its research efforts.

GE will play an active role in the areas of solar power, energy storage, electric power systems and carbon capture and storage.

Steve Bolze, President & CEO of GE Power said: “The world will need 50% more power in the next 20 years. GE and MITEI are proud to be working together to find new solutions to develop cleaner, more affordable and accessible energy solutions that will address this need.

“Together we will leverage our collective capabilities, research and technology solutions to help improve efficiency while reducing the impact of electricity generation on the environment.”