October 24, 2024 Momentum toward a clean energy future evident at WSU Tri-Cities Institute for Northwest Energy Futures open house
By Carmine Hanks
With more than 200 attendees at the ribbon-cutting and open house for Washington State University Tri-Cities Institute for Northwest Energy Futures (INEF), it was evident that there is momentum behind INEF’s vision for a future where clean energy systems harmonize with the environment, economy, and society.
The grand opening on Oct. 2 featured remarks from WSU leadership, federal and state government officials and a proclamation read by the mayor of Richland.
“Acquiring this building as INEF’s new home is both the culmination of years of hard work and the beginning of a new era in clean energy innovation,” said WSU Tri-Cities Chancellor, and longtime INEF champion, Sandra Haynes.
The INEF building, located in the Tri-Cities Research District just a few blocks from the WSU Tri-Cities campus, features a high bay and four laboratory spaces being offered for lease. Office spaces include hoteling spaces for visiting WSU faculty and staff and a large open space waiting to be converted into a community classroom by a sponsor.
Haynes noted that INEF’s location in the Tri-Cities positions WSU Tri-Cities to utilize the decarbonized energy resources found in the region while also developing strategic partnerships with local industry for research and development, scalability testing, trusted analysis to guide change, and readying the energy-sector workforce.
INEF was spearheaded with a gift from Tri-Citian Bob Ferguson, who knew that an institute such as INEF could help solidify the Tri-Cities as a model energy hub. A few years later, Governor Jay Inslee and the Washington state legislature, also supported the institute with funds allowing for the appointment of the Inaugural Director and Bob Ferguson Endowed Professor, Noel Schulz, three assistant directors, seven faculty and six staff members.
“It was exciting to welcome the community to our open house today to learn about INEF’s systems approach to clean energy,” remarked Schulz.
The event was a testament to the Washingtonian community that supports INEF. Congressman Dan Newhouse also recognized INEF’s potential, advocating that the work accomplished at INEF will influence policies across the state and serve as a model for others to follow. Governor Jay Inslee sent a recorded message confirming his ongoing support for INEF’s mission. WSU President Kirk Schulz expressed his admiration for the community’s support for another new initiative that fulfills WSU’s value as a land-grant University.
INEF is also playing a leading role in bridging siloes in the WSU system and will work to coordinate research and industry partners from across the energy sector. “We know the sum can be greater than the parts,” notes Schulz.
Self-guided tours of the building allowed attendees to see the space, and learn more about WSU energy research, education and outreach from close to 65 individuals representing more than 25 entities from across the WSU system who attended the inaugural INEF-sponsored Energy Summit earlier in the day.