May 12, 2016 - The Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) has selected Pennsylvania State University as the lead institution to establish the University Coalition for Fossil Energy Research. The Coalition will bring together a multi-disciplinary team of researchers from participating universities to address the fundamental research challenges that impede advancement of fossil energy-based technologies. DOE will invest $20 million in the project.

Research performed by Coalition members will directly support the Office of Fossil Energy’s Coal and Oil and Gas programs by focusing efforts in a variety of pertinent areas that include, but are not limited to, advanced energy systems; carbon dioxide capture and storage; natural gas resources and infrastructure; and onshore and offshore oil and gas technology.

The Coalition will facilitate basic and applied energy research and promote multidisciplinary collaboration among the member universities and NETL.

Pennsylvania State University, the lead institution, will leverage expertise, facilities, and resources from the founding coalition member universities that include Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Princeton University; Texas A&M University; University of Kentucky; University of Southern California; University of Tulsa; University of Wyoming; and Virginia Polytechnic and State University.

The coordination structure is flexible, allowing for new university members to provide additional research capabilities and collaborations as needed throughout the research lifespan. Members of the Coalition will actively seek industry participation in research projects and promote technology transfer to the private sector.

DOE expects the research completed throughout the six-year initiative to accelerate the development and deployment of fossil fuel-based technologies, enabling their continued use in a cost-effective and environmentally responsible manner.