Leaders from the state’s top research institutions signed a landmark agreement Wednesday to work together to develop and commercialize renewable-energy technology.
The Colorado School of Mines, the University of Colorado at Boulder, Colorado State University and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory formed a “Collaboratory” aimed at making Colorado the renewable-energy capital of the nation.
Last year, state officials approved $2 million annually for three years to begin research and development while the partners seek matching federal and private funding. Any state funding would have to be repaid if the developments make money in private industry.
The state seed money “kind of jump-starts the efforts. There’s nothing that motivates researchers and faculty like money,” said CU-Boulder chancellor G.P. “Bud” Peterson.
The setup allows researchers to “take some chances” that could pay off with “significant gains,” Peterson said.
The Collaboratory has requested a $21 million federal grant to fund research into increasing solar cell efficiency, said Dan Arvizu, NREL director.
A number of Colorado politicians at the state Capitol ceremony said renewable energy has the potential to help the environment and create jobs.
“You can be green and you can make a lot of green. This is about jobs,” U.S. Rep Mark Udall, D-Colo., said.
The venture will attract investment from public-private partnerships, Gov. Bill Ritter said. New technology could create a new industry on the Eastern Plains, said Ritter, referring to wind energy and corn production for ethanol.
CSU president Larry Penley asked the governor and legislature to focus on funding for higher education.
“Without an increased number of faculty, the people who guide and lead the research on these campuses, we cannot accomplish the dream that you’re talking about today,” Penley said.
Staff writer Chris Frates can be reached at 303-954-1633 or cfrates@denverpost.com.
