MORGANTOWN, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A partnership led by West Virginia University has been awarded $321 million in public and private funding to establish a regional energy innovation hub focused on advancing artificial intelligence, energy technology, infrastructure and workforce development across Appalachia.
The U.S. National Science Foundation announced Tuesday that the Resilient Energy Technology and Infrastructure (RETI) Consortium was selected as one of 12 recipients in the agency’s Regional Innovation Engines program following a competitive two-year process.
Led by WVU in collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University and more than 60 regional partners, the consortium will receive up to $160 million from NSF over the next decade, along with an additional $161 million from industry, workforce, philanthropy, state government and community partners.
According to WVU, the initiative is expected to create 21,000 jobs, launch 150 startups and generate more than $1 billion in regional economic growth.
“This significant award offers an incredible opportunity for the region to make history. West Virginia University will lead the NSF RETI Engine in developing innovative ways to meet the nation’s rapidly growing energy needs,” WVU President Michael T. Benson said.
“The collective strength of three R1 institutions along with legacy energy and industrial production make our region the ideal proving ground to modernize and secure U.S. energy while strengthening national competitiveness and regional economic growth.”
The consortium will develop hardware, software and AI technologies designed to strengthen the nation’s electric grid and improve energy security.
“RETI is built to meet this challenge,” NSF RETI Engine CEO Erienne Olesh said. “Anchored in the heart of America’s historic energy corridor, the Consortium will develop hardware, software, and AI technologies to help secure America’s energy supply, strengthen the grid, and power the next generation of U.S. manufacturing.”
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey said the investment reinforces the state’s role as an energy leader.
“For more than a century, West Virginia has powered America’s economy,” Morrisey said.
“Today, we’re proving we’ll also help power its future. This investment recognizes that our energy resources, world-class research institutions, and skilled workforce make West Virginia the ideal place to develop the technologies that will strengthen our nation’s energy security, create high-paying jobs, and drive economic growth for generations to come. We’re proud to partner with West Virginia University, the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and the many public and private organizations that are helping position Appalachia as the nation’s next great energy innovation hub.”
The NSF RETI Engine will be headquartered at the WVU Innovation Corporation site in Morgantown with a branch office at the Energy Innovation Center in Pittsburgh.
