On the western edge of Washington State University’s Tri-Cities campus, an energy-focused program recently got a building of its own.

Noel Schulz

Public officials, WSU leaders and Tri-Cities community members gathered Oct. 2 to celebrate the Institute for Northwest Energy Futures’ ribbon cutting at 2892 Pauling Ave., Richland, and to tour the building’s lab and office spaces.

INEF, headed by Noel Schulz, the institute’s inaugural director and Bob Ferguson endowed professor, aims to be a hub for clean energy solutions through collaboration, innovation and policy development.

“The location in the Tri-Cities is ideal because it perfectly positions us to utilize the rich decarbonized energy resources found in our 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’s workforce,” said Sandra Haynes, WSU Tri-Cities chancellor, during the event. 

U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse anticipated that INEF could serve as a model for other institutions across the country.

“With new national clean energy goals in place, the time for this type of program is now,” he said. “And we are very lucky to have it going up right here in our own backyard.”

Also in attendance were WSU President Kirk Schulz; state Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick; and Richland Mayor Theresa Richardson. 

The event included a recorded message from Gov. Jay Inslee, who was unable to attend. 

A two-year appropriation of $7.78 million in Climate Commitment Act funds enabled the institute to hire faculty and staff, as well as to secure its new building.

“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,” Haynes said.  People and programs began moving into the new building in August, Noel Schulz said during the ceremonies.