Idaho expands energy research to Wyo.
Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter announced the Center for Advanced Energy Studies plans for expansion Friday. The state of Idaho asked the University of Wyoming to join the CAES consortium.
“CAES is already an incredible resource in Idaho. Bringing in Wyoming into the mix opens great new frontiers,” said Otter. “There will be record books and publications of what we do here. They’re going to be the blueprint for the next generation of energy needs, the energy transmission, just the total concept.”
The University of Wyoming said it would be expanding educational and workforce development opportunities. High-performance computing, subsurface water science, petroleum engineering, as well as energy and natural resource policies, will be among the capabilities the university said it would bring to the table.
The university also has access to research and development funding opportunities. Dr. William A. Ger, vice president of research at the University of Wyoming, said the university will be looking to coordinate curriculum with three other universities within the consortium, such as Boise State.
“We are very interested in nuclear engineering, but we do not have a nuclear engineering program. We have a very strong petroleum engineering program as you would probably guess and we’re interested in ways that we could share that curriculum with Idaho students,” said Gern. “I think we can develop a very fruitful relationship so this isn’t just about research it’s about education.”
Gov. Matt Mead endorsed the partnerships during a CAES press conference Friday via videotaped message.
“We will be the first non-Idaho university to have this opportunity and we are most grateful,” said Meade. “Wyoming, being the leader in export energy knows what this means to our state and our fellow states. We value affordable and clean energy to our citizens. And we know there is continued need for advanced research.”
