The Washington State University Tri-Cities Institute for Northwest Energy Futures (INEF) is poised to make significant strides in the coming year, solidifying its position as a leader in clean energy innovation and community engagement. With plans to hire seven new faculty members and a series of groundbreaking collaborations on the horizon, INEF will play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable energy future for Washington state and beyond.

Since its inception, INEF has operated with a bold vision: to foster a clean, sustainable and inclusive energy future. This vision was showcased during the Inaugural INEF Energy Summit this fall, which laid a solid foundation for the institute’s mission. The event brought together experts from across WSU and catalyzed a series of collaborative conversations that continue to shape INEF’s strategy.

Nuclear innovation

One of the most exciting developments in 2025 is INEF’s expanded involvement in advancing cutting-edge nuclear technology research and workforce programs. INEF is integrated in several projects in this area, including discussions with the Department of Commerce, Port of Benton, the VERTical Innovation Cluster, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and other community partners to develop a National Science Foundation proposal sponsoring a regional innovation hub for nuclear and fusion technologies.

Additionally, partnerships with Energy Northwest and Columbia Basin College are underway to establish a small modular reactor (SMR) operations simulation center in the INEF building, a critical resource for training the next generation of nuclear operators.

INEF also is coordinating community efforts for a U.S. Department of Energy proposal on additional coursework and credential pathways to enhance a robust nuclear safety workforce.

These initiatives highlight INEF’s systems approach to clean energy innovation. By bringing together diverse research, industry expertise and governmental support, the institute is creating a hub where ideas can transition seamlessly from concept to implementation.

WSU Tri-Cities Institute for Northwest Energy Futures ribbon-cutting and open house reception.  From left: Washington State University President Kirk Schulz, Richard Evans, Central Washington outreach director from the Office of U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, Congressman Dan Newhouse, State Sen. Nikki Torres, state Sen/ Perry Dozier, WSU Tri-Cities Chancellor Sandra Haynes, INEF Inaugural Director and Bob Ferguson Endowed Professor Noel Schulz, state Senator Matt Boehnke, state Rep. Stephanie Barnard and state Rep. Alex Ybarra.

| Courtesy Institute for Northwest Energy Futures

Food-energy-water nexus

The expertise of INEF’s leadership team addresses the interconnected trade-offs between agriculture, water management and energy production. Driving sustainable solutions, INEF has helped identify Washington state’s potential for expanding innovative approaches, such as repurposing waste products to generate energy through agricultural symbiosis. Recently, the institute secured a $2.4 million grant to demonstrate dual-use agrivoltaics in apple orchards and explore their feasibility. This groundbreaking project integrates solar panels above the orchards, advancing agricultural electrification while providing adjustable shading to protect apples from sunburn.

An inclusive energy future

Central to INEF’s mission is the commitment to community inclusivity, ensuring that underrepresented populations are part of the energy transition. This dedication was evident during the institute’s ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house reception this fall. The event attracted more than 200 attendees, who engaged with interactive displays showcasing WSU’s energy initiatives and celebrated the launch of INEF’s new facility.

INEF hosted a collaborative event in November with the Richland Public Library, this time bringing the energy conversation to the community. These smaller, intimate gatherings create opportunities for meaningful dialogue and help demystify complex energy issues for the public, such as the unexpected role water plays in energy conservation.

Next year, INEF will launch a panel-style seminar series, furthering its commitment to academic, industry, and community engagement. These seminars aim to provide a platform for diverse voices to discuss the challenges and opportunities in clean energy, fostering a collaborative environment that bridges the gap between research and real-world application.

Strengthening partnerships

The naugural INEF Energy Summit convened 26 energy-related entities from the WSU system, along with representatives from the departments of Ecology and Commerce. Together, these organizations identified shared priorities and explored potential avenues for cooperation.

These partnerships are critical to addressing the complex challenges of the energy transition. INEF is working closely with the WSU Energy Program to connect energy-related innovations with consumer-focused efforts, ensuring that groundbreaking technologies are accessible and practical for everyday use.

Courtesy Institute for Northwest Energy Futures The electrification of agriculture presents an example of the challenge and opportunity in the transition to clean energy.

| Courtesy Institute for Northwest Energy Futures

Expanding expertise, capacity

To continue growing its portfolio, INEF will expand its team in January by hiring seven new faculty. These positions will enhance the institute’s capacity in areas such as artificial intelligence and energy, energy equity, nuclear engineering, integration of renewable energy with the grid and the economics of energy technology solutions. By complementing the expertise of its leadership team in the food-water-energy nexus and grid technology, these new hires will position INEF at the forefront of comprehensive and resilient solutions for Washington state’s energy transition.

This interdisciplinary approach underscores INEF’s strength as a systems-focused institute. Rather than addressing energy challenges in isolation, INEF integrates diverse perspectives and expertise to develop innovative and practical solutions and acts as an honest broker to industry, communities and policymakers. 

Looking ahead

As INEF moves forward with additional resources, the institute is strongly positioned to advance clean energy technologies and foster the relationships and strategies needed for their successful implementation. The conversations sparked at the Energy Summit, the partnerships forged with organizations like Energy Northwest and PNNL, and the commitment to community engagement all reflect INEF’s holistic approach to its mission.

INEF’s work is more than a technical endeavor; it is a vision for a future where clean, sustainable and equitable energy solutions are accessible to all. As the institute continues to grow, it will serve as a vital nucleus for research, collaboration and innovation, driving progress in the Northwest and setting a model for the nation.

In 2025, with additional talent, strong partnerships and a clear vision, INEF is poised to lead the charge toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

Noel Schulz is the inaugural director of WSU Tri-Cities Institute for Northwest Energy Futures and Bob Ferguson Endowed Professor.