Ensuring a future of reliable, affordable, and abundant energy requires developing new technologies that extend beyond today's systems of generation, storage, and utilization. The Institute for Energy Innovation (IEI) leads Purdue's efforts to create and scale energy solutions that sustain economic growth, strengthen supply chains, and enhance U.S. competitiveness in critical industries.

Since the Industrial Revolution, energy consumption per capita in the United States has multiplied many times, overwhelming an economy and lifestyle dependent on continuous innovation in energy systems. As the demand for electricity, fuels, and industrial heat continues to rise, IEI embraces the opportunity to advance technologies that make energy more accessible and secure for all.

At Purdue, this research integrates fundamental science with technoeconomic and life-cycle analyses to ensure that innovations can move efficiently from laboratory to market. The university's unique combination of industrial research capacity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and partnerships with national laboratories and industry allows new ideas to reach deployment at the speed of business.

Strategic Research Domains

IEI organizes its research and innovation portfolio around three synergistic vertical domains, complemented by cross-cutting horizontal sub-initiatives that connect expertise across Purdue's colleges and centers.

1. Energy Systems and Infrastructure
   • Grid of Tomorrow (GoT): Modernization, resilience, and cybersecurity of the electric grid.
   • Nuclear Energy Initiative: Deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) and industrial heat applications.
   • Geothermal and Natural Gas Initiative (including CISTAR): Development of reliable and abundant sources of process heat and fuels.
2. Energy Storage and Conversion
   • Battery and Storage Initiative: Scalable energy storage and conversion solutions for transportation, grid, and defense systems.
3. Enabling Materials and Supply Chains
   • Critical Materials Initiative: From mines to magnets, batteries, and semiconductors-strengthening U.S. supply chains for key energy technologies.

Horizontal Sub-Initiatives (Cross-Cutting Themes)

IEI fosters additional sub-initiatives that integrate these verticals and expand faculty participation. The initial example, Heat Pumps and Industrial Efficiency, focuses on improving the efficiency of industrial processes and electrified heat systems. Future themes will include emerging areas such as fusion, clean coal, and other exploratory energy technologies that support innovation and U.S. manufacturing strength.

Energy Research Centers

Purdue's collaborative centers anchor IEI's mission by providing specialized expertise and research infrastructure across the energy landscape.

• CARES - Center for Advances in Resilient Energy Storage: Designs and optimizes energy-storage systems for safety, reliability, and performance.
• CISTAR - Center for Innovative and Strategic Transformation of Alkane Resources: A National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center focused on transforming U.S. hydrocarbon resources into higher-value products and fuels through catalytic and systems innovation.
• CIVS - Center for Innovation through Visualization and Simulation: Applies advanced visualization and simulation tools to develop innovative, energy-efficient industrial solutions.
• ASPIRE - Advancing Self-sufficiency through Powered Infrastructure for Roadway Electrification: A Generation 4 NSF Engineering Research Center advancing the electrification of transportation and infrastructure through multi-institutional partnerships.
• Laboratory of Renewable Resources Engineering (LORRE): Conducts multidisciplinary research in bioprocessing, biomanufacturing, and renewable resources engineering, advancing the frontiers of biological and energy systems.

Purdue Research Facilities

IEI research benefits from Purdue's unparalleled facilities, enabling discovery, design, and testing across the full energy spectrum:

• The Grainger Power Magnetics Laboratory
• Zucrow Laboratories
• Herrick Laboratories
• Purdue University's Reactor (PUR-1)
• Schweitzer Power and Energy Systems Laboratory
• Laboratory of Renewable Resources Engineering (LORRE)

These laboratories provide the technical foundation for hands-on innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration, preparing students and partners to lead in the development of next-generation energy systems.

Related Initiatives at Purdue University

• Sustainable Energy - Mechanical Engineering
• Institute for a Sustainable Future
• Industrial Energy and Manufacturing Efficiency Initiatives

Summary

Through its research centers, laboratories, and interdisciplinary programs, the Institute for Energy Innovation accelerates progress toward scalable, industry-driven solutions that reinforce America's energy leadership. Purdue's strength in fundamental science, engineering excellence, and real-world partnerships ensures that the technologies developed here will continue to power prosperity - for Indiana, for the nation, and for the world.