The modification of abandoned chimneys into "solar chimneys" tap their energy potential using standard wind turbines. The TowerPower strategy overcomes the main cost component of a sufficiently tall chimney in achieving efficient airflow where height is an advantage for optimum stack effect.

Many chimneys remain from the past industrial era of New England driven by the exploitation of regional rivers. These largely abandoned chimneys are relatively difficult and expensive to remove, and their reuse is a win-win opportunity for energy generation. The chimney network from former factories could provide the backbone for a low-cost, quick entry for power generation for the cities that developed around the previous industrial corridor. The abandoned factory complex could be converted into an attractive office complex or shopping hub, providing an economic stimulus to the urban areas.

The research is a spin-off from an earlier MISTI supported project in China, which included the exploration of using atriums in office buildings as surrogate chimneys to generate power. The research is being undertaken with the collaboration of the EcoCity Group of Nanjing University of Technology; Advisor to the project is Rick Ames, of Next Phase Studios in Boston.

TowerPower was selected Best Presenter at MIT Energy Night, October 18, 2013 and presenter at MIT Energy Conference, Feburary 22, 2014 at The Westin - Copley Place, as well as at other on-campus showcases.