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2011 - 2012 National Guide to
State
Energy
Research
Centers
Introduction
Energy Research Centers Abound,
Driving Technology Transfer Opportunities
With energy research, development, demonstration, and ally centered approach to work out actual site develop-
deployment (RDD&D) work underway within so many differ- ment details avoids a one-size-fits-all approach, which
ent organizations today, grasping the full, expansive technological has lead to successful deployment, as illustrated in Case
knowledge base at work within the U.S. is a challenge. The State Study #1 in LaCrosse, Wisconsin .
“I would say the technology transfer process is a
and Local Energy Report is proud to present the National Guide
two-way street between industry, like our association,
to State Energy Research Centers--a first-of-its-kind compilation and university-based research centers, like the Midwest
of more than 130 energy research centers that operate throughout Regional Clean Energy Application Center,” noted
the country, under the auspices of state and local governments, Robert Thornton, president of the International District
private organizations, and institutions of higher education. Energy Association, in describing the collaboration
between his trade association and the research center in
Even the best innovations from our nation’s energy holding workshops on the developments in distributed
research and technology laboratories and centers need a generation technology and policy.
path across the entrepreneur’s “valley of death” in order With research, development, demonstration, and
to reach commercial scale. The gap between emerging deployment (RDD&D) work under way in so many
technologies and their successful large-scale deployment federal and state agencies, as well as at dozens of state-
continues to be one of the most critical barriers to instill- based research sites, keeping track of the knowledge base
ing a shift in energy use by consumers and businesses. becomes a major content management challenge.
Transfer of new technologies from the lab to the The federal government has made significant
market often requires a collaboration of research- progress in supporting technology information exchange
ers, states, and industry to identify the most promising and collaboration by relying on a state-based expert,
pathways and facilitate successful market delivery. State Washington State University’s Energy Extension
Energy Offices and their State Energy Research Institu- Program, to answer questions about energy efficiency
tions and Centers are key to ensuring these new technol- and renewable energy programs nationwide. Case Study
ogies move from the lab to initial market deployment #3 highlights the role of the clearinghouse in increas-
where the private sector and adopt and adapt the best ing the value of federal technology investments and
ideas, and investors can share the risks and rewards with resources by sharing them with stakeholders throughout
entrepreneurs. Thanks to the efforts of these state insti- the United States.
tutions and their private partners, the technology trans- Finally, even the best ideas to come out of our energy
fer landscape is beginning to open up for innovation and research centers need a path across the entrepreneur’s
commercialization. “valley of death” to reach the customer as a service
The nation’s research laboratories develop an provided on a viable commercial scale. The federal
amazing array of good prototypes for all kinds of appli- government has an active small business investment
cations in every facet of energy production, distribu- program housed within the National Science Founda-
tion, and consumption. For example, since 2001, the tion. That seed money can help a great idea become a
Department of Energy has funded efforts grounded in salable idea, but almost never without significant local
regional approaches to expanding deployment of distrib- assistance from a state-based demonstration and deploy-
uted generation (defined as combined heat and power, ment effort.
waste heat recovery, and district energy systems) via the Increasingly, multiple partners are leveraging each
Regional Clean Energy Application Centers. Although other’s investments, even across state lines, in jump-start-
technology for district energy may work equally well in ing early demonstration projects for the most promising
Wisconsin as in Massachusetts, the policy and regulatory ideas. For example, Case Study #2 showcases the Utility
environment tends to vary widely from state to state and Accountant—an inexpensive new device to dissect
between public utility service territories. Using a region- your building’s utility bill to help target efficiency and
2 National Guide to State Energy Research Centers // 2011 - 2012
conservation measures. The device is on its way from national application. The State Technologies Advance-
the laboratory at the Desert Research Institute in Reno, ment Collaborative (STAC) program was established
with early support from both California and Nevada, to by NASEO, ASERTTI, and the U.S. Department of
an industrial test bed in Nuremberg, Germany this fall. Energy in 2005 to offer a collaborative funding process
Over the past decade, individual state energy offices for RDD&D projects across a diverse array of technolo-
and state technology institutions have been collaborat- gies using an innovative project selection process to
ing with increasing frequency to hasten deployment of accelerate energy market transformation. Two of the
clean energy technologies. The Association of State case studies examined in the Guide feature members of
Energy Research and Technology Transfer Institutions ASERTTI, the University of Illinois-Chicago’s Energy
(ASERTTI), the National Association of State Energy Research Center and Washington State University’s
Officials (NASEO), and the U. S. Department of Energy Energy Extension Program.
are at the forefront of these state-based efforts.
ASERTTI’s mission is to increase the effectiveness To learn more about ASERTTI, visit:
of energy research efforts in contribution to economic http://www.asertti.org/.
growth, environmental quality, and energy security by
facilitating collaboration across state, federal, univer- To learn more about the
sity, and private sector partners. ASERTTI members State and Local Energy Report, visit:
share technical and operational expertise and develop http://www.stateenergyreport.com/.
research programs focused on local energy issues with
Courtesy: University of Illinois at Chicago
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Midwest Clean Energy Application Center at the University of Illinois at Chicago’s Energy
Resources Center provided technical assistance to Gundersen Lutheran Health Systems to determine the initial feasibility
of the landfill gas combined heat and power plant being installed on the health system’s campus in Onalaska, Wisconsin.
National Guide to State Energy Research Centers // 2011 - 2012 3
Alabama
Center for Advanced Vehicle Center for Green Manufacturing
Technologies (CAVT) (CGM)
University of Alabama University of Alabama
Director: K. Clark Midkiff Director: Robin D. Rogers
http://cavt.eng.ua.edu http://bama.ua.edu/~cgm
CAVT is committed to fostering efficient, safe, economical, durable, Through the development of new technologies, CGM research aims
comfortable, and environmentally friendly vehicles. The main areas of to prevent pollution and reduce the use of hazardous substances
research and development of CAVT are powertrains, energy storage, during the design, manufacture, and application of chemical
materials and manufacturing, and electronics. CAVT provides research products. CGM is working on novel chemistry strategies to support
that addresses vehicular industry challenges, meets transportation the growing green market and social pressure to develop green
needs and addresses the environment and fuel efficiency. sustainable technologies.
Auburn University Research
Courtesy: University of Arizona
Auburn University
Director: John Mason
http://auburn.edu/research
Auburn focuses on research in biofuel production, silicone solar
panels, and advanced laser diagnostics. Researchers are currently
developing an inexpensive solar panel that uses the same techniques
plants use to harvest and convert energy. Auburn researchers are
also using 3D imaging to help develop safer, faster, fuel-efficient
aircraft.
AzRISE
Alaska
Alaska Center for Water and Environmental
Energy and Power (ACEP) Research Center (WERC)
University of Alaska, Fairbanks University of Alaska Fairbanks
Director: Gwen Holdmann Director: Bill Schnabel
http://www.uaf.edu/acep http://ine.uaf.edu/werc
ACEP is dedicated to applied energy research. With abundant fossil Scientists at WERC are conducting research to better understand
and renewable energy resources and its geographic location, Alaska the role of the arctic and subarctic in the global system through
is an optimal location for researching and developing technologies a scientific and engineering focus related to water resources
for cold climates and remote locations. Current research specializes and environmental quality. Research includes: microbiology;
on reducing the cost of geothermal exploration for low and oceanography; environmental, civil, and arctic engineering;
moderate temperature sites. hydrology; limnology; and hydraulics.
Petroleum Development Cold Climate Housing
Laboratory (PDL) Research Center (CCHRC)
University of Alaska Fairbanks University of Alaska Fairbanks
Director: Shirish L. Patil Director: Jack Hébert
http://ine.uaf.edu/pdl http://www.cchrc.org
PDL’s mission is to develop technologies that remove, improve, CCHRC researches energy-efficient and cost-effective building
manage, and commercialize Alaska’s oil and gas resources. The PDL technologies for people living in polar climates. Current research
Fluid Properties Laboratory is actively participating in research that concentrates on hybrid micro-energy to resolve how a combination
measures vapor-liquid, physical properties of crude oil/natural gas of renewable energy sources can power the energy needs of Alaskans
systems, formation volume factors, and phase compositions. on a year-round basis. CCHRC is expanding research to biomass,
geothermal heat pumps, and gas/wood-fueled heat and power
technologies.
4 National Guide to State Energy Research Centers // 2011 - 2012
Arizona
Center for Bio-Inspired Solar Sustainable Energy Solutions
Fuel Production (BISfuel) (SES)
Arizona State University Northern Arizona University
Director: Devens Gust Director: Tom Acker
solarfuel.clas.asu.edu http://ses.cefns.nau.edu
BISfuel uses the principles behind photosynthesis to create a design for The center’s area of excellence consists of research and development
solar-powered production fuels, such as hydrogen, using water-splitting in the engineering design of renewable and clean energies, mainly in
techniques. BISfuel uses the blueprint of photosynthesis to aid in creating wind, solar, hybrid renewable systems, renewable fuels, energy sources,
practical and cost-effective technology for converting sunlight into useful and energy efficiency. A current project is the Arizona Synthetic Fuels
fossil fuels. Project, which aims to capture and recycle carbon dioxide from the
atmosphere while harnessing renewable electricity to produce a carbon-
neutral fuel that is compatible with our existing gasoline infrastructure.
Laboratory for Algae Research SRC/SEMATECH Engineering Research
and Biotechnology (LARB) Center (ERC) for Environmentally Benign
Semiconductor Manufacturing
Arizona State University University of Arizona
Directors: Qiang Hu and Milton R. Sommerfeld Director: Karen McClure
http://larb.asu.edu http://erc.arizona.edu
LARB researches micro algae for renewable energy ERC focuses on innovative scientific and technological research for
production, environmental bioremediation, human nutraceuticals, and environmentally sound semiconductor manufacturing. Through the
pharmaceuticals. LARB’s advances in algae-based biofuel may provide development of novel solutions, designs, and education, ERC aims
green fuel, pollution control, food, and fertilizer. LARB’s innovative to demonstrate the positive impact semiconductor manufacturing
indoor/outdoor photobioreactors provide the most efficient and cost- has on the environment.
effective culture system. LARB is also using strains of algae to identify
toxins in water.
Quantum Energy and Arizona Research Institute for
Sustainable Solar Technology Solar Energy (AzRISE)
(QESST)
Arizona State University University of Arizona
Director: Chris Honsberg Director: Joseph H. Simmons
http://www.qesst.org http://azrise.org
QESST improves and increases solar energy and solar electric power use. AzRISE specializes in improving conversion efficiency, reducing
Research on integrating materials and devices into high-performance, cost, and increasing reliability in photovoltaics, energy storage, and
affordable photovoltaic devices, quantum mechanics, and systems smart grid technologies. Currently, AzRISE is working on ways to
will generate new solar cell technologies to support the increase of use smart metering in households to reduce electricity consumption
photovoltaic devices in large-scale manufacturing, which will enable the during times of low solar production to ensure the home can run off
photovoltaic industry to rapidly reach terra-watt levels of production. the amount of electricity produced by solar panels.
The Center for Bioenergy & Center for Interface Science:
Photosynthesis Solar Electric Materials (CISSEM)
Arizona State University University of Arizona
Director: Thomas A. Moore Director: Neal R. Armstrong
http://bioenergy.asu.edu http://www.solarinterface.org
Through multidisciplinary scientific research this center aims to use CISSEM concentrates on exploring technological advances in thin-film
biologically based artificial systems to address the sustainable energy photovoltaic (PV) energy conversion at a molecular level, with a narrow
needs of society. The center emphasizes solar energy conversion, concentration on regions called “interfaces” that occur at nanometer
bioenergy transformation, and photosynthesis methods. length scales when different materials interact. CISSEM examines the
chemical interactions of interfaces to further understand and improve
efficiency, lifetime, and manufacturability of thin-film PVs.
National Guide to State Energy Research Centers // 2011 - 2012 5
Arkansas
Grid-Connected Advanced Power EPSCoR Center for Plant-
Electronics Systems (GRAPES) Powered Production (P3)
University of Arkansas Arkansas State University
Director: Dr. Alan Mantooth Director: Carole L. Cramer, Ph.D.
http://www.grapes.uark.edu http://www.arkp3center.org
GRAPES concentrates on the design, development, assessment, P3 provides research in plant-based enzyme and plant-made
and effectiveness of grid-connected power electronics on both pharmaceutical production to develop new medicines, new sources
the supply and shipment side of power systems. Research for enzymes, biofuels, health-promoting phytochemicals, and other
areas include transportation power systems, power electronic industrial compounds. Other strengths include plant molecular
devices, characterization, modeling, and simulation methods and cell biology and biochemistry with agricultural, food-, and health-
environments for multidisciplinary dynamic systems. related applications. Their goal is to create new compounds to meet
diverse markets.
National Center for Reliable Vertically-Integrated Center for
Electric Power Transmission Transformative Energy Research
(NCREPT) (VICTER)
University of Arkansas University of Arkansas
Director: Dr. Alan. Mantooth Director: Dr. Alan Mantooth
http://ncrept.eleg.uark.edu http://victer.uark.edu
NCREPT develops prototypes for advanced solid-state protection VICTER’s primary research is focused on solar electric-based
devices and energy storage electronic systems. Objectives are to develop materials, devices, and technologies. In addition to the creation of
prototypes of advanced power electronics systems for the power grid; solar cells, the center develops innovative photovoltaic materials to
to develop advanced packaging solutions for high-current, high- help meet the challenges of packaging solar cells, as well as creating
voltage power semiconductor devices; and to establish a premium test cost effective solar panels and exploring the next generation solar
facility for advanced power electronic circuit and package designs for inverter technologies.
distribution-level voltages (15 kV-class) and high currents (300 A).
Arkansas Center for Energy, Natural
California
UC Davis Center for Water- Resources and Environmental Studies
Energy Efficiency (CWEE) (ACENRES)
Arkansas Tech University
Director: Dr. Jason Patton, P.G.
University of California, Davis http://www.atu.edu/ces
Director: Frank Loge, Ph.D.
http://cwee.ucdavis.edu The long-range goal of this center’s research is to develop new, more
CWEE uses research and increased public awareness for water- economically viable molecular systems that mimic photosynthesis as
related net energy efficiency. The center also advocates education well as measure the size distribution of epitaxial-grown Quantum
on water energy efficiency via market access to affect changes Dot (QD) layers for the use of solar cell applications.
in public policy on a local, regional, state, and national level.
Current research is the conversion of wastewater biosolids into
biodegradable plastic.
Center for Energy Efficient Energy Frontier Research Center (EFRC):
Materials (CEEM) Center For Gas Separations Relevant to
Clean Air Technologies
University of California, Santa Barbara University of California, Berkeley
Director: John Bowers Director: Berend Smit
http://ceem.ucsb.edu http://www.cchem.berkeley.edu/co2efrc
CEEM designs new materials and devices that control the EFRC develops methods to understand the relationship between
interaction between light, electricity and heat at the nano scale to material structures and efficiency to create materials with the
achieve sustainable energy efficiency on a commercial level through ultimate molecular properties for carbon capture and sequestration.
research and development in photovoltaics, thermoelectric, and Researchers at EFRC focus on reducing the energy costs associated
solid-state lighting. CEEM focuses on the development of organic with the separation of carbon dioxide by cutting the parasitic energy
materials used to make low-cost, thin-film, plastic solar cells. of carbon capture by half.
6 National Guide to State Energy Research Centers // 2011 - 2012
California
Energy Biosciences Institute Molecularly Engineered Energy
(EBI) Materials (MEEM)
University of California, Berkeley University of California, Los Angeles
Director: Chris Somerville Director: Vidvuds Ozolins
http://www.energybiosciencesinstitute.org http://ismen.seas.ucla.edu
EBI has recently received a 10-year, $500 million award from MEEM focuses on creating new materials for high-efficiency
BP to develop a sustainable plant-based fuel. The institute is organic solar cells, supercapacitors, and efficient greenhouse gas
comprised of more than 70 programs with over 300 scientists and capture systems through inexpensive custom-designed molecular
students. Areas of research include feedstock development, biomass structural designs. MEEM’s new nanoscale materials that efficiently
depolymerization, biofuels production, and fossil fuel bioprocessing.. generate, transport and store energy and mass are able to surpass 10
percent efficiencies for organic solar cells.
Public Interest Energy Research
Program (PIER)
Center for Energy Science and
The California Energy Commission Technology Advanced Research
Chair of California Energy Commission:
Robert B. Weisenmiller, Ph.D (CESTAR)
http://www.energy.ca.gov/research/index.html University of California, Los Angeles
Director: Mohamed Abdou
The Energy Commission created the Public Interest Energy http://www.cestar.ucla.edu
Research (PIER) progroam to focus on research, development and
demonstration (RD&D) as an effort to promote research in energy CESTAR promotes energy-related research conducted at UCLA
efficiency, renewable energy, advanced electricity technologies, energy- to provide collaborative expertise, equipment sharing, information
related environmental protection and transportation technologies exchange, and energy research seminars. Currently the four major
that are market oriented to reach the California electricity market. areas CESTAR is helping to develop are fusion energy, hydrogen,
PIER collaborates with businesses, utilities, energy companies, materials for energy applications, and energy conversion/
public advocacy groups, and scientists at California’s universities and conservation.
national laboratories. In the last ten years PIER has invested over
$700 million to energy technologies that provide environmental and
economic benefits to California’s ratepayers. UCLA Smart Grid Energy
Light-Material Interactions in Research Center (SMERC)
Energy Conversion Research
Center (LMI-EFRC) University of California, Los Angeles
Director: Dr. Rajit Gadh
California Institute of Technology http://smartgrid.ucla.edu
Director: Harry Atwater
http://www.lmi.caltech.edu SMERC performs research and innovation on advanced wireless
communications to develop the next generation of the electric
LMI-EFRC concentrates on solar energy conversion by examining
utility grid. SMERC is working on wireless/communications and
the properties of PV and photochemical energy conversion. LMI-
sense-and-control to enable the Smart Electric Grid of the Future
EFRC has made advances in PV energy conversion and fuel
to provide optimum integration of renewable energy sources and
synthesis from sunlight through research proving that the flow of
electric vehicles, greater efficiency, flexible electricity pricing, and
light in materials can be harnessed to precisely guide optical energy
consumer participation.
to nano-structured absorbers.
Stanford Linear Accelerator Center on Nanostructuring
Center (SLAC) for Efficient Energy
Conversion (CNEEC)
Stanford University Stanford University
Director: Persis Drell Director: Fritz Prinz and Stacey Bent
http://slac.stanford.edu http://cneec.stanford.edu
SLAC’s energy lab is the Center for Sustainable Energy through CNEEC specializes in the development of high-efficient, cost-
Catalysis (SUNCAT). SUNCAT focuses on creating cheaper and effective technologies that produce and store large amounts of
more efficient catalysts for alternative energy. Scientists at SLAC energy to meet the world’s growing demand through increased
and the Technical University of Denmark have engineered an efficiency of energy conversion devices and storage systems by
inexpensive and plentiful alternative to the platinum catalyst and manipulating materials at the nanometer scale. Other areas of
combined it with a light-absorbing electrode producing hydrogen research include the study of charge transport, light absorption, and
fuel from sunlight and water. reaction thermodynamics and kinetics.
National Guide to State Energy Research Centers // 2011 - 2012 7
Courtesy: Colorado State University
California Center for Energy Nanoscience
(CEN)
University of Southern California
Director: P. Daniel Dapkus
http://www.cen-efrc.org
CEN focuses on the improvement of solar cells and light-
emitting diodes (LEDs) through the study of semiconductor
nanotechnology and organic molecular design. CEN’s research
with LEDs involves using organic and inorganic nanostructures
to generate higher levels of brightness with less use of electricity.
EECL
Colorado
Colorado Center for Biorefining Center for the Advanced Control
and Biofuels (C2B2) of Energy and Power Systems
(ACEPS)
University of Colorado, Boulder Colorado School of Mines
Director: Alan Weimer Director: Marcelo Godoy Simõe
http://www.c2b2web.org http://aceps.mines.edu
C2B2 specializes in biorefining and biofuel approaches that focus ACEPS focuses on various intelligent control systems for power
on the integration of renewable sources of materials and energy systems. Current research efforts involve developing novel electrical
for future commercialization. C2B2 works in growth of sustainable models and advanced distributed resources. Through testing of
crops and cropping systems for biofuel production, as well as multiple types of advanced distributed resources, this research
translational science approaches that impact the conversion of new, will determine the impacts of multiple distributive resources such
cost-effective technologies in the marketplace. as photovoltaic, wind, fuel cell, microturbine, and engine, on the
electrical power system.
Renewable Energy Materials Engines & Energy Conversion
Research Science and Lab (EECL)
Engineering Center (REMRSEC)
Colorado School of Mines Colorado State University
Director: Dr. Craig Taylor Director: Dr. Bryan Willson
http://remrsec.mines.edu http://www.eecl.colostate.edu
REMRSEC, with participation of researchers at the National With a mission to create innovative energy solutions, the EECL is
Renewable Energy Laboratory, is focused on improving a leading global research force in advanced biofuels, engines and
transformative materials to advance renewable energy technology. engine controls, smart grid technology, and energy for development.
Research includes next-generation photovoltaics; advanced The Smart Grid Research Trust at EECL has developed systems
membrane technologies, essential to conversion, utilization, and to manage and transmit abundant, affordable, clean, efficient, and
storage of energy; and energy storage of hydrogen or methane. reliable power while optimizing grid performance.
Renewable and Sustainable
Connecticut
Center for Clean Energy
Energy Institute (RASEI)
Engineering (C2E2)
University of Colorado, Boulder
University of Connecticut Director: Michael Knotek, Ph.D.
Director: Prabhakar Singh http://rasei.colorado.edu
http://www.energy.uconn.edu
RASEI researches, develops, and produces industry-wide energy at
C2E2 researchers are involved in fundamental and applied a lower cost, higher efficiency and reduced amount of greenhouse
research in clean and efficient energy systems, from energy gas emissions. Last March RASEI received 10 plug-in hybrid
conversion of fuels to power management. Currently researchers electric vehicles donated by Toyota to gather data on performance,
are exploring high temperature mechanical/structural interaction charging patterns, and electric utility/customer interactions to
of new and existing solid oxide fuel cell materials in order to see provide solutions that save energy and natural resources.
how they behave in real conditions and how they may be applied.
8 National Guide to State Energy Research Centers // 2011 - 2012
Courtesy: Colorado State University
D.C.
Center for Energy Frontier
Research in Extreme
Environments (EFree)
Carnegie Institute of Washington
Director: Ho-kwang (Dave) Mao
https://efree.gl.ciw.edu
EFree focuses research on creating new materials that can withstand
extreme pressure and temperature conditions to meet the global
need for abundant, clean, and economical energy. These materials
include new classes of superconductors, superhard materials, high-
energy density and hydrogen storage materials, new ferroelectrics
and magnetic systems, and materials that resist chemical changes
under extreme conditions.
EECL
Delaware
Solar Power Program Center for Fuel Cell Research
(SPP) (CFCR)
University of Delaware University of Delaware
Director: Allen Barnett Director: Dr. Ajay K. Prasad
http://www.solar.udel.edu http://www.cfcr.udel.edu
SPP research activities include advanced-concept solar cells, The CFCR conducts research on fuel cell and hydrogen
including quantum dot and quantum well solar cells, InGaN solar infrastructure science and technology. They aim to improve the
cells, ultra high-efficiency solar cell concepts, high efficiency silicon performance and durability of fuel cell technology while enabling
solar cells, solar cells using unconventional materials, hybrid PV/ commercialization with technology transfer to industry. The CFCR
hydrogen systems, and PV and solar hydrogen systems. Researchers has developed several transit buses that get more efficient gas
hope to generate the majority of U.S. electricity though PV mileage and are quieter, at reduced cost.
technology.
Delaware Biotechnology The Center for Carbon-free
Institute (DBI) Power Integration (CCPI)
University of Delaware University of Delaware
Director: Kelvin H. Lee Director: Willett Kempton
http://www.dbi.udel.edu http://www.carbonfree.udel.edu
DBI works to promote research and technology transfer for CCPI conducts research on offshore and coastal wind power, ocean
biotechnology applications and support innovative discoveries that currents, geostrophic winds, transmission planning, and storage to
benefit the environment, agriculture, and health through cutting- support large-scale carbon-free power systems, primarily in large-
edge research. Researchers are involved in projects such as the study scale generation facilities. CCPI researchers have developed a set of
of plants for biofuels and the study of biogeochemical interactions interacting technologies to manage the flow of power in and out of
with soil, water, and plants in the Earth’s surface atmosphere. an electric-drive vehicle-to-grid (V2G) device.
Institute of Energy Conversion Catalysis Center for Energy
(IEC) Innovation (CCEI)
University of Delaware University of Delaware
Director: Robert W. Birkmire Director: Dion Vlachos
http://www.udel.edu/iec http://www.efrc.udel.edu
IEC is focused on hands-on research in engineering studies and CCEI seeks to develop catalytic technologies for sustainable energy
analysis of film deposition and processing of thin-film PV solar cells applications through a spectrum of processes envisioned in a future
and other photonic devices. IEC’s fully integrated research process biorefinery. New technologies include novel pyrolysis for biomass
facilitates the correlation of the properties of finished devices with degradation, selective catalytic transformation of biomass derivatives,
their production, all in the same lab. and novel fuel cells. CCEI is also working on degradations of waste
through pyrolysis technology, and technologies to upgrade bio-oil.
National Guide to State Energy Research Centers // 2011 - 2012 9
Florida
Applied Research Center (ARC) Advanced Materials Processing
and Analysis Center (AMPAC)
Florida International University University of Central Florida
Director: John R. Proni, Ph.D. Director: Dr. Sudipta Seal
http://www.arc.fiu.edu http://ampac.research.ucf.edu
ARC specializes in technology development in biomass conversion Researchers at AMPAC pursue collaborative work and research
to fuels and power, algal fuels, and deployment of renewable on material science and engineering. The goal of the center is to
energy systems. Their water division focuses on issues such as water enhance the scientific understanding, industrial development,
treatment and its purification processes, energy-efficient water and economic growth of several applications including energy,
cleanup, surface water and groundwater pollution characterization, microelectronics, nanotechnology, life sciences, optics, aerospace,
hydrology and hydrogeology, contaminant fate and transport, and and bioengineering.
sampling and analysis.
Center for Advanced Power Florida Solar Energy Center
Systems (CAPS) (FSEC)
Florida State University University of Central Florida
Director, Dr. Steiner J. Dale Director: James M. Fenton, Ph.D.
http://www.caps.fsu.edu http://www.fsec.ucf.edu
CAPS is dedicated on developing power distribution high-level FSEC conducts research and tests on solar systems and many other
systems for advanced transportation power systems and components. new and innovative energy solutions. Their numerous projects
This center strives to address long range advanced system power include zero energy homes, energy-efficient schools, photocatalytic
issues through infrastructure, advanced modeling, simulation paint formulations, high temperature/low relative humidity
capabilities, and novel materials, components, and command & membrane fuel production, and the testing and certification of PV
control research and development. components and systems.
Energy & Sustainability Center Nanoscience Technology Center
(ESC) (NSTC)
Florida State University University of Central Florida
Director: Dr. Anjaneyulu Krothapalli Director: Dr. Sudipta Seal
http://esc.fsu.edu/homePage.html http://www.nanoscience.ucf.edu
This center works to create energy systems that are sustainable, Through the use of interdisciplinary research, NSTC hopes to
cost effective, and emit less carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases. promote the study and application of biomaterials, energy, optics,
Researchers at the center have constructed an Off-Grid Zero and other research areas. Research projects at NSTC involve the
Emissions Building entirely powered by solar cells. The building study of spectroscopy and the optoelectronic imaging of materials
serves as an energy-efficient mold for alternative energy technologies at the nanoparticle level such as conjugated polymers, nanoparticles,
in both residential and commercial settings. and nanoparticle hybrids.
Future Fuels Institute (FFI) Southeast National Marine
Renewable Energy Center
(SNMREC)
Florida State University Florida Atlantic University
Director: Dr. Chang Samuel Hsu Director: Susan Skemp
http://www.research.fsu.edu/ffi http://snmrec.fau.edu
FFI focuses on the development of renewable fuels through essential By implementing a full-scale, at-sea testing facility, researchers at
research, technology, and applied knowledge. FFI is looking to SNMREC are able to develop innovative testing infrastructures and
promote technology for efficient production and use of second- and protocols for components as well as complete generating systems.
third-generation biofuels derived from pyrolysis oils, algae oils, and Additionally, through technological research, development, and
green fuels. The knowledge gained from research at FFI will help testing, this center focuses on renewable resources research as well
advance fuel-generation-based technology. as novel environmental monitoring systems.
10 National Guide to State Energy Research Centers // 2011 - 2012Florida
Clean Energy The Florida Institute for
Research Center (CERC) Sustainable Energy (FISE)
University of South Florida University of Florida
Director: Elias (Lee) Stefanakos, Ph.D. Director: Dr. David Norton
http://cerc.eng.usf.edu http://www.energy.ufl.edu
CERC specializes in the development of environmentally clean FISE develops energy-efficient methods and technologies for homes,
energy sources and systems that meet the needs of power and energy transportation, and industry. This institute houses several labs,
producers and the transportation sector. Projects at CERC include including the Prototype Development & Demonstration Laboratory
the development if photocatalytic technology for detoxification and a Biofuel Pilot Plant that works to accelerate commercialization
and disinfection of water and indoor air, and the development of of energy technologies and processes. Current research at FISE
a 20,000 watt solar/electric charging station for electric vehicles. focuses on developing advanced nuclear fuel designs.
Nanotechnology Research and Florida Energy Systems
Education Center (NREC) Consortium (FESC)
University of South Florida University of Florida
Director: Ashok Kumar, Ph.D. Director: Dr. Tim Anderson
http://www.nnrc.usf.edu http://www.floridaenergy.ufl.edu
Research at NREC has contributed significant scientific and FESC develops innovative energy systems that lead to alternative
technological developments on powerful miniaturized electronic and energy strategies, improved energy efficiencies, and enhanced
optical systems, on new alternative energy sources and materials, economic development. Current research at FESC looks to develop
novel drug delivery schemes, new medical and environmental Florida’s biomass resources, which makes up seven percent of
technologies, and other novel nanotechnical initiatives. the U.S. biomass resources. FESC provides a crucial location for
developments in biomass conversion.
Georgia
Center for Organic Photonics University Center of Excellence
and Electronics (COPE) for Photovoltaics (UCEP)
Georgia Institute of Technology Georgia Institute of Technology
Director: Bernard Kippelen Director: Dr. Ajeet Rohatgi
http://www.cope.gatech.edu http://www.ece.gatech.edu/research/UCEP
COPE develops flexible organic photonic and electronic materials UCEP focuses on the development of the science and technology
and devices. Through material processing and device engineering, of advanced PV devices and the production of cost-effective,
researchers at COPE look to identify unusual chemical and physical record high-efficient solar cells. Current researchers at UCEP are
trends in organic-based materials. using recent novel solar cell concepts to construct large-area cells
on relatively low-quality thin crystalline-silicon layers in order to
reduce the cost of silicon solar cells.
Brook Byers Institute for Renewable Energy and Engines
Sustainable Systems (BBISS) Laboratory
Georgia Institute of Technology Georgia Southern University
Director: John Crittenden Director: Dr. Valentin Soloiu
http://www.sustainable.gatech.edu http://cost.georgiasouthern.edu/meteet/engine/index.html
BBISS focuses on engineering water and power infrastructures This center develops biofuel combustion chemistry, modeling, and
that prove to be more efficient than current systems and help biofuel engine performance, and produces novel, systematic, and
reduce the risk of supply- or demand-driven system failures. By analytical tools to quantify excess emissions. Currently, researchers
compiling databases and architecture, BBISS will be able to assess are looking for a way to pretreat crude bio-oil and to help reduce the
sustainability and resilience of infrastructures in various scenarios. amount of free fatty acids during the treatment process.
BBISS looks to help solve problems with climate change, water
scarcity, and urbanization.
National Guide to State Energy Research Centers // 2011 - 2012 11Courtesy: University of Illinois at Chicago
UIC - ERC
Hawaii Hawai’i Natural Energy Institute
(HNEI)
University of Hawai’i at Manoa
Director: Richard E. Rocheleau
http://www.hnei.hawaii.edu
HNEI works on development of energy, food, minerals, and other
resource technologies. The institute carries out basic research,
manages research centers and laboratories in Hawaii, and explores
the social, environmental, and economic impact of energy-related
activities. Currently the center is researching sewage sludge for the
production of charcoal.
Idaho
Center for Advanced Energy
Studies (CAES)
Idaho State University
Director: J. W. Rogers, Jr., Ph.D.
http://www.uidaho.edu/idahofalls/caes
CAES concentrates on addressing Idaho’s energy-related challenges
through nuclear science and engineering solutions. Researchers specialize
in advanced materials, carbon management, bioenergy, energy policy,
modeling and simulating, emerging research, and energy efficiency.
Additionally, CAES research projects include closing the fuel cycle,
studying reactor concepts, and correctly increasing the consumption of
locally abundant coal and alternative hydrocarbon resources.
Illinois
Argonne-Northwestern The Energy Resources Center
Solar Energy Research (ERC)
(ANSER) Center
Northwestern University University of Illinois at Chicago
Director: Michael R. Wasielewski Director: John J. Cuttica
http://www.ansercenter.org http://www.erc.uic.edu
By designing and synthesizing new nanoscale architecture, Through consultation and services, the ERC provides tangible
ANSER hopes to develop new materials that will produce efficient solutions to energy and environmental problems. The
technologies for solar fuels and electricity production. Researchers interdisciplinary staff covers all sectors of energy issues, which
are currently using carbon nanotubes to make solar cells affordable. include energy management assessments, economic modeling,
analysis of policy and regulatory initiatives, and public outreach
and education.
Argonne National Laboratory ANSER
Courtesy: Northwestern University
University of Chicago
Director: Eric D. Isaacs, Ph.D.
http://www.anl.gov
Argonne applies research, science, and engineering to deliver
innovative technologies and solutions in the fields of energy storage,
alternative energy and efficiency, nuclear energy, biological and
environmental systems, and national security. Currently the lab is
working on developing an energy storage system that enables and
enhances electric powered vehicles.
12 National Guide to State Energy Research Centers // 2011 - 2012Case Study #1
University of Illinois at Chicago’s
Energy Resource Center
Leveraging Expertise to Accelerate Distributed Generation
“The first $2 million we spent on conservation measures such as retro- “The US DOE Midwest Center Energy Application Center was the first
fitting pumps and fans has resulted in $1.2 million per year in savings,” stated Clean Energy Regional Application Center established by the DOE and Oak
Jeff Thompson, MD and CEO of Gundersen Lutheran Health Systems, a Ridge National Lab back in 2001,” noted Haefke. “The DOE designated the
physician-led, nonprofit health care provider based in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, that Midwest Center as a pilot center over a multi-year period here in Chicago at our
serves patients in 19 counties. Energy Resources Center ,together with the Gas Technology Institute nearby in
But Gundersen Lutheran has not stopped at conservation measures alone. Des Plaines.”
By 2007, with its energy bills rising by $350,000 per year, the health system Unfortunately, natural gas price spikes in the early 2000’s caused some
launched an aggressive power generation program called Envision. hesitancy among potential sites to shift to natural gas as a primary fuel.
This fall, it will open a facility that uses waste biogas from a nearby LaCrosse Meanwhile, based on the case studies and deployment templates for
County landfill to generate electricity and heat on the health system’s Onalaska combined heat and power that the Center in Chicago developed by 2003, the
campus. The health system has already been successful with an earlier cogen- DOE awarded funding to seven additional sites to create a national network of
eration plant when it collaborated with a local firm, City Brewery, to burn waste RDD&D for distributed generation.
biogas to generate electricity. But this new project, for capturing landfill gas that The DOE defined distributed generation as cogeneration and small power
was previously flared off, is even larger. production, which can include the following components: combined heat and
“La Crosse County will pipe the biogas, which is made up of about 50 power, waste heat recovery, and district energy. Combined heat and power, also
percent methane, about one and a half miles from the county’s landfill to known as cogeneration, is the concurrent production of electricity or mechanical
Gundersen’s Onalaska campus so that the heat can be captured for use in the power and useful thermal energy (heating and/or cooling) from a single source
buildings. The electricity that is generated will be sent to the power grid to offset of energy. Waste heat recovery is the capture of waste heat that an industrial site
electrical use at the campus,” explained Cliff Haefke, program manager for or pipeline compressor station is already emitting, in order to turn it into clean
Distributed Energy at the Energy Resources Center of the University of Illinois and renewable electricity, recycled thermal energy, or mechanical energy. District
at Chicago. “Gundersen’s goal is 100 percent energy independence by 2014.” energy refers to generating any combination of electricity, steam, heating, or
Under the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Clean Energy Application cooling at a central plant and then distributing that energy to a network of
Center program, Haefke’s team in Chicago helped Gundersen Lutheran staff in nearby buildings.
Wisconsin evaluate the potential for electrical and thermal generation, including “Even with uneasiness about fuel prices, we got up to 82 Gigawatts installed
financing options and utility implications. by 2010,” noted Haefke.
The Energy Resources Center ’s roots date back almost four decades. In The Clean Energy Regional Application Center focuses on three core
1973, in the midst of a national oil crisis, the university’s Board of Trustees estab- activities to spur uptake in distributed generation: education and outreach, policy
lished the Energy Resources Center with a mandate “to conduct studies in the support, and technical assistance.
fields of energy and the environment and to provide industry, utilities, govern- “In outreach, we learned early on that it is better to target a market sector,
ment agencies, and the public with assistance, information, and advice on new say farmers or hospitals,” continued Haefke.
technologies, public policy, and professional development training.” “Each sector will have its own issues. So a meeting specific to farmers is
From its very beginning, the Center was an unusual academic unit, struc- more helpful than a meeting without a critical mass in any given sector.”
tured as a “fast response” team of experts capable of quickly extending technical “We believe that, although technology advances are important to the long
expertise, advice, and professional assistance to the state’s industrial, residential, term success of CHP,” noted Haefke on the Center’s approach to policy support,
and commercial sectors. “the most significant and immediate barriers to more rapid deployment of CHP
Today, the Energy Resources Center has a staff of more than 16 employ- are state and local policy issues and available financing mechanisms.”
ees and is located on the University of Illinois at Chicago campus. The Center Haefke’s team researches questions such as: In what ways are utility rate
is staffed by hands-on professional engineers, economists, architects, computer structures confusing or unfavorable to distributed generation? How would
science specialists, educators, and public policy analysts. Many staff hold a site secure long-term contracts to sell excess energy at reasonable rates? Do
advanced degrees and certifications in their fields of expertise. The Center’s combined heat and power or waste heat recovery qualify for renewable energy
applied research is grouped into four core capabilities for its clients: bioenergy portfolio standards in the potential site’s home state? Are the local utility’s standby
and climate, distributed generation, energy efficiency, and utilities management. rates applicable to and profitable for the installer?
Over its first two decades, the Center steadily built a long list of happy “We are technology neutral, when we give technical assistance to clients,”
clients and a reservoir of staff expertise and skills, often drawing on the univer- explained Haefke. “We try to link a site owner to qualified engineering firms
sity’s other academic units, such as the College of Education, the School of and will assist them in writing requests for proposals to attract the best bid for the
Public Health, and the departments of civil engineering, chemical engineering, work to improve that owner’s site, as we did for Gundersen Lutheran this year.”
economics, and geography.
In 1998, the DOE announced an ambitious goal to double the combined John Cuttica, Director of the University of Illinois at Chicago’s Energy Resources Center,
heat and power capacity, from the existing 46 Gigawatts to 92 Gigawatts in 2010. is serving as the Vice Chair and Treasurer of ASERTTI’s 2011 Executive Committee.
In addition, DOE aimed to broaden the initiatives that had been known up to ASERTTI promotes and facilitates energy RDD&D communication, cooperation,
that time as the “Combined Heat and Power” regional application centers to the coordination and collaboration among its members and with other public and private
more inclusive “Clean Energy” term as a name. On a parallel track, the City of organizations.
Chicago’s 2001 Energy Plan established a goal of using combined heat and power
systems to generate 1.5 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually by 2010.
National Guide to State Energy Research Centers // 2011 - 2012 13Illinois
Gas Technology Institute (GTI) Center for Advanced Bioenergy
Research (CABER)
ASERTTI University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Director: Daniel LeFevers Director: Hans Blaschek
http://www.gastechnology.org http://bioenergy.illinois.edu
GTI is a not-for-profit Research and Development (R&D) CABER supports the advancement of biofuel and chemical
organization and for 70 years has been a leader in the development development as well as the efficient use of biorenewable resources.
and deployment of technology solutions. GTI provides economic The center is a leader in the growth and development of bioenergy
value to the energy industry and its customers. To date, GTI research and strives to create new jobs and economic opportunities
programs have resulted in nearly 500 products, 750 licenses, and for agricultural producers and for the processing businesses.
more than 1,200 associated patents.
Micro and Nanotechnology The Center of Advanced Materials
Laboratory (MNTL) for the Purification of Water with
Systems (WaterCAMPWS)
University of Illinois University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Director: Rashid Bashir Director: Mark A. Shannon
http://mntl.illinois.edu/about.htm http://www.watercampws.illinois.edu
Through multidisciplinary research, MNTL focuses on advanced Through shared research, education, and policy initiatives,
research in photonics, microelectronics, biotechnology and WaterCAMPWS focuses on improving and increasing global water
nanotechnology. Specifically, the nanobiosystems thrust centers supplies. WaterCAMPWS’s solar thermal desalination research
around developing, nanofabricating, and implanting materials, effort involves reducing the amount of lost energy for seawater
technologies, and devices in cells for the study of cellular desalination, reducing liquid emissions and other residuals for
biochemistry. inland seawater, and desalinating water by cooling a thermal electric
solar-powered generator.
Indiana
Center for Research in The Discovery Park Energy
Environmental Sciences (CRES) Center
Indiana University Purdue University
Director: Dr. Keith Clay Director: Maureen McCann
http://www.indiana.edu/~cres1/index.shtml http://www.purdue.edu/discoverypark/energy
CRES promotes research and development of joint investigations The center creates energy-based solutions through new discoveries
across disciplines that address issues such as climate change, renewable and technological developments, and provides an informational hub
energy resources, adequate water resources, environmental quality, for the energy research community. Current research investigates
and natural disasters forecasting. Their research on microbial wind power research and education to limit the operational and
biodiversity and plant–soil–microbe interactions has applied value policy restrictions of new technologies. The center is studying wind-
in developing sustainable biofuel production of switchgrass and turbine technologies that offer benefits over conventional designs.
other native grassland species.
Center for Sustainable Energy Center for Direct Catalytic
at Notre Dame (cSEND) Conversion of Biomass to
Biofuels (C3Bio)
University of Notre Dame Purdue University
Director: Joan F. Brennecke Director: Maureen McCann
http://energy.nd.edu http://c3bio.org
cSEND focuses on technological developments of sustainable C3Bio develops new technologies for utilization of advanced liquid
energies and systems, constructive energy options, influencing transportation fuels to increase energy. The research concentrates
energy policies, and providing information on affordable and on carbon efficiencies of biofuel production through the design of
sustainable energy. cSEND’s solar research group focuses on the both the physical and chemical alteration developments and new
engineering of new materials at the nano scale to successfully detain biomass.
solar radiation through light-harvesting structures, and on highly
efficient catalytic methods for fuel conversion.
14 National Guide to State Energy Research Centers // 2011 - 2012Indiana
Richard G. Lugar Center Center for Research in Energy
for Renewable Energy and the Environment (CREE)
Indiana University-Purdue University Indiana University
Director: Dr. Alan Jones Director: J. C. Randolph
http://www.lugarenergycenter.iupui.edu http://www.indiana.edu/~cree
This center is a leader in renewable energy research, specifically CREE focuses on advancing new uses of fossil fuels and nuclear
in renewable hydrogen generation and its applications. Research power; developing alternative and renewable energy resources;
also focuses on the development of fuel cell technology and of bio- extracting, refining, and processing fossil fuels; and understanding
fuel production through partnerships with federal agencies, state the science and applications of the carbon cycle and carbon
governments, and related industries. Current research focuses on sequestration. Current exploration builds on widespread research
genetically modified yeast for ethanol production. to study the carbon sequestration ability of geological layers in
southern Indiana.
Iowa
Center for Sustainable Center for Biorenewable
Environmental Technologies Chemicals (CBiRC)
(CSET)
Iowa State University Iowa State University
Director: Robert C. Brown Director: Brent Shanks
http://www.cset.iastate.edu http://www.cbirc.iastate.edu
Researchers at this center are involved in fundamental and CBiRC focuses on the production of biorenewable chemicals and
applied research of biomass and fossil fuels and the development technologies via biological and chemical catalysis systems. Through
of thermochemical technologies for fuel, chemical, and power research and education, CBiRC hopes to transform the petroleum-
production. Researchers are working on a set of programs that based industrial chemical production industry into a renewable
convert cellulosic biomass into fuels and chemicals by using a resource–based one. The main research strategy for achieving this
mixture of thermochemical and biological designs. goal is to develop an array of chemicals from renewable carbon
sources.
Iowa Energy Center The Ames Laboratory
Iowa State University Iowa State University
Director: Kevin Nordmeyer Director: Alex. H. King
http://www.energy.iastate.edu http://www.ameslab.gov
This center provides Iowa residents and businesses with accurate, Researchers at Ames hope to turn their discoveries into less expensive,
usable information on renewable energy such as wind, solar, and more efficient technologies that yield faster, safer, and better solutions to
biomass. It also provides information that supports projects to help energy-related issues. For the last several years, Ames has been working on
Iowa industries and businesses run efficiently so they can be more developing a room-temperature, solid hydrogen fuel that is stable when
productive and profitable. combined with other materials. By developing a storage intermediate
with an equivalent energy density to that of hydrogen when in liquid
form, researchers hope to create a possible fuel for vehicles.
Kansas
Center for Sustainable Energy Center for Environmentally
Beneficial Catalysis (CEBC)
Kansas State University University of Kansas
Directors: Mary E. Rezac & Ron Madl Director: Bala Subramaniam
http://sustainable-energy.ksu.edu https://www.cebc.ku.edu
Through research and education, this center develops sustainable, The mission of CEBC is to develop and promote the availability
renewable, less polluting energy sources and fuel-carrying systems, of economically and environmentally efficient technologies in the
which include efficient conversion of liquid fuels to hydrogen and chemical and energy industries via catalytic science and reaction
the conversion of biomass to fuels. Research includes developing engineering.
techniques and systems to store hydrogen or natural gas in a high
energy-density state for automotive purposes.
National Guide to State Energy Research Centers // 2011 - 2012 15You can also read
