$20 million dollars has been awarded to Iowa State University, the University of Iowa and the University of Northern Iowa by the National Science Foundation in a five-year grant to reinforce Iowa’s research capacity in renewable energy and energy efficiency.

In addition to the $20 million awarded by the National Science Foundation, The Iowa Power Fund has also granted $2 million to pay for equipment needed for research.

“This project will allow us to advance crucial strategic goals related to innovative research, faculty collaboration and the integration of education and research,” says Gloria Gibson, executive vice president and provost for the University of Northern Iowa.

This program also includes partnerships with community colleges of Iowa, private colleges of Iowa, school districts, government agencies and industries.

The goal of this program is to make Iowa a leader in the worldwide transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. This program will be built on the platforms of bioenergy, wind energy, energy utilization and energy policy platforms.

Further, this grant supports hiring of new faculty members at Regent Universities, the process of improving information technology for energy studies, engaging Iowans in energy issues and moving campus energy inventions to private companies.

“[We] meet the challenges of the 21st century and are [building] an innovative Iowa economy,” says Sharron Quisenberry, vice president for research and economic development at Iowa State.