Research Center Forms for Energy in Nebraska

 

March 20, 2006

The mission of the Nebraska Center for Energy Sciences Research is to conduct research that results in new technologies and processes that will develop domestic energy sources, increase energy efficiency, and improve the quality of life and economic opportunities for Nebraskans. A UNL faculty member will serve as the Center director. An advisory board of NPPD and UNL administrators will set strategic directions for the Center, establish research priorities and advise on selection of research projects.

"We realize that energy sources are finite, and this strategic partnership with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will help address the diversity needed to produce power for future generations of Nebraskans," said Ron Asche, NPPD president and CEO.

"As the state's largest supplier of electricity, NPPD is committed to using resources that will best serve our customers, the environment, and the state, both now and in the future," Asche said. "We owe it to our customers to provide technologies that enhance our economy, are respectful of the environment, and efficient and effective in meeting Nebraska's energy needs."

The Center will fund existing research projects with the potential to rapidly produce novel technologies, new projects in promising research areas, and infrastructure to support research. Initial areas of research could include advanced technologies for generation efficiency improvements, water and energy use, energy efficiency and conservation, carbon and nitrogen sequestration, biomass and biorefineries, wind energy, fuel cells, and efficient batteries for electric vehicles.

"The proposed Center aligns perfectly with our efforts over the past year to build collaborations among our energy-related researchers and to produce technologies and inventions that will benefit Nebraska," said Prem Paul, UNL Vice Chancellor for research. "The Nebraska Center for Energy Sciences Research will enable us to efficiently draw on our expertise that ranges from engineering to agronomy to chemistry, and produce new solutions to energy challenges."

NPPD's mission is to safely generate and deliver low-cost reliable energy, working in partnership with the state's rural public power districts, cooperatives and municipalities.