About WVU’s Advanced Energy Initiative
The WVU Advanced Energy Initiative coordinates and promotes University-wide energy research in science, technology and public policy.
WVU has a long history of successful energy research
Explore the AEI web pages and you will find rich and diverse work in energy areas across WVU. Aligned with its mission as a land grant university serving the needs of the state, WVU established mining education, research, and extension programs nearly a century ago. Since 1979, WVU’s National Research Center for Coal and Energy (NRCCE) has advanced technology in key areas of concern to West Virginia’s energy industry from coal mining and processing to oil and gas extraction, energy efficiency, mine land reclamation, health concerns, and water use. Our College of Engineering and Mineral Resources (CEMR) fosters education excellence as well as research focusing on coal, oil and natural gas, electrical power management, engine efficiency, and energy materials, among others. Founded in the early 1990’s, the Natural Resource Analysis Center of the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design provides analysis and data to drive decisions in economic development and environmental sustainability. Exciting work in carbon storage is in progress in the Department of Geology and Geography of the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, which also has tremendous resources and expertise for geological analysis and mapping. These and nearly twenty other energy centers and initiatives are currently working throughout WVU drawing from the expertise of more than 100 faculty members who have received more than $100 million in energy research awards since 2006.
Why an Advanced Energy Initiative?
With such a clear presence in energy-related research and service, it is natural to ask, “Why establish another initiative?” Energy is at a crossroads, moving toward clean use of fossil fuels and more sustainable global energy production and use. AEI serves to bring greater visibility to energy technology and policy that is required to meet this challenge. By connecting and facilitating WVU’s many efforts and extensive expertise, AEI will catalyze capability growth in areas of existing strength and enhance the University’s ability to address complex energy problems. AEI facilitates partnerships with other universities and organizations in order to respond to related funding opportunities from government and private sectors. The deans of WVU’s science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines recognize that through this approach, AEI can accelerate WVU’s work to become a globally recognized top-tier research university.
AEI fosters investment in the Research Trust for West Virginia University
As a first challenge, AEI is addressing the opportunity to receive state funding under the Research Trust Fund established by the West Virginia Legislature. Dubbed “bucks for brains,” this 2008 legislation is a major economic initiative leveraging public and private investments to transform West Virginia’s economy based on a highly skilled and educated workforce. Contributions from private donors are matched dollar-for-dollar by the state and the total funds are invested in a trust to establish long-term support for research in four areas including energy and environmental sciences. We invite you to learn more at The Research Trust for West Virginia University website.
AEI unites a powerful network of energy researchers
The staff of AEI focuses its efforts on making connections that result in increased funding for energy research opportunities and effective collaborations that deliver results. AEI is not a hierarchical organization, but a network supporter that raises awareness of energy issues and potential solutions, seeks like-minded organizations who desire to advance and fund research, and builds successful partnerships to deliver results. The net impact will be a cleaner environment, improvements to energy sustainability and West Virginia’s energy economy, expanded technical expertise and capability, and enhanced educational opportunities for students.
These colleges and the NRCCE have come together to form AEI:
- The College of Engineering and Mineral Resources
- The Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design
- The Eberly College of Arts & Sciences
- The WVU College of Law
- The National Research Center for Coal and Energy
Download the
WVU Advanced Energy Initiative brochure
