Since 2016, the Methane Emissions Technology Evaluation Center (METEC) has accelerated methane leak reduction in the oil and gas industry. A variety of funding sources, including the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), State of Colorado, and partnerships with industry supports this dedicated research facility, allowing us to track climate change sources and rigorously test leak detection technologies.

Impact:
METEC, in collaboration with researchers across the state, developed a first-of-its-kind model to quantify emissions from oil and gas facilities in Colorado. The model, being implemented in 2026, will help reduce methane leaks throughout Colorado.

The Risk, Reliability, & Resiliency Characterization Lab examines how to calculate risk in complex and crucial systems, like control rooms. With the advancement of AI, the group is helping build the next generation of risk assessments that are realistic and efficient.

Impact
By studying how humans and machines work together, the group is increasing the safety of nuclear power and other critical energy systems. The courses offered to students, along with the nuclear reactor control room simulator, is building a workforce prepared to meet our future energy needs.

Researchers estimate by 2030, data centers are expected to account for almost half of the increase in electricity needs.

The turbo-compression cooling system (TCCS), developed at the Powerhouse Energy Campus captures waste heat to generate cooling without using electricity. The installation of an energy efficient high powered computing system and arrival of 300 kW fuel flexible engine in the Powerhouse provides researchers an unprecedented opportunity to demonstrate the technology on a data center in a real-world scenario.

Thanks to its additional flexibility beyond traditional heat-driven cooling systems, the TCCS is applicable not only to data centers, but also shipboard cooling and industrial facilities.

Impact
The TCCS technology increases data center efficiency while reducing cost by capturing waste heat and using it for cooling.

Launched in 2025, the Grid Modernization Initiative builds on the Energy Institute’s established track record of collaboration in this space.

The Grid Modernization Initiative also addresses the critical industry need of workforce development with the launch of a new certificate program.

With the installation of the high powered computing system, research advancing energy storage, and strong partnerships with utilities and industry, the Powerhouse is an ideal location for the Grid Modernization Initiative to deliver practical solutions that enhance grid reliability, resilience, and efficiency.

In 2022, Solar Turbines, a subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc., donated
a 3.5-megawatt gas turbine. The 30+ year partnership with Caterpillar has resulted in a multitude of research projects, industry advancement, and opportunities for students who have worked alongside faculty to commission the turbine and conduct research.

“I gained valuable experience in design, collaboration across teams, and improving the manufacturability and lifespan of gas turbine engines.”

Rachel Lorenzen — undergraduate student, Department of Mechanical Engineering

As an undergraduate, Rachel completed an internship with Solar Turbine in the summer of 2025, gaining valuable experience.

Every year, the Energy Institute partners with host organizations and Powerhouse labs to create fellowships for current CSU students. Fellowships are jointly funded, but the entirety of the work is with the host organization or lab.

“The Cogen Summer Fellowship has served as a foundational block, fundamentally shaping my growth both as an engineer and as a person. My experience at the Powerhouse has instilled in me a clear mission: to utilize my knowledge to make energy cleaner, more equitable, and accessible.”

Samantha Preuss — graduate student, Department of Mechanical Engineering; 2024 Cogen Summer Fellow

Samantha completed an analysis of Colorado’s largest heavy-duty fleets, calculating their operational hydrogen fuel demand and the associated production and delivery costs.

Electrifying Motorcycles

Based in Nairobi, Roam Electric is developing electric motorcycles and buses. Working with Roam and advisors, Senior Design Project Teams redesigned the motorcycle frame to be lighter and require fewer welds and programmed a robotic welding arm.

These efforts provide students with the opportunity to solve real-world engineering problems as well as supports Roam’s mission to “electrify Africa, one motorcycle at a time.”

New Design Advances Research Capabilities

Jack Bicksler, as an undergraduate student in the Chemical Energy Conversion Laboratory, worked with the RPL to design and build a custom chamber. In what is believed to be a first, Jack was able to capture on video the laser ignition of ammonia blended fuel in a dual piston chamber.

Imact
This unique combination of factors enables a level of examination of ammonia ignition that was not possible before.

Fusion Energy

Fusion technology holds great potential for providing mass amounts of energy. A new partnership with Xcimer Energy provides students the opportunity to be on the forefront of this cutting edge technology.

“This project has been an incredible opportunity to translate theory into practice, collaborate across disciplines, and contribute to technology with real-world impact.”

Safian Alam — undergraduate student, Department of Mechanical Engineering

Born out of the Powerhouse, AtmosZero is leading the way in decarbonizing industrial processes. Their innovative Boiler 2.0 technology replaces fossil-fuel boilers with electric heat pumps.

•  2x the efficiency compared to traditional boilers
• Minimized integration costs for a plug-and-play solution
• First commercial application with a local Fort Collins brewery, New Belgium Brewing, installed in 2025
• Co-Founder Todd Bandhauer named a 2025 Time100 Climate

Learn more at www.AtmosZero.energy

“Spinning out technology from CSU to AtmosZero is the crystallization of the land-grant mission. We are translating research, and talent in the form of students, developed at the university into high-quality jobs that will re-energize American manufacturing.”

Todd Bandhauer —Co-Founder, AtmosZero; Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering

NitroCat takes wastewater from dairy farms and seeking to turn it into usable ammonia for fertilizer, and is poised to capture an abundance source of nitrogen while reducing
the environmental impact of dairy farms and providing lowcost fertilizer for farmers.

NitroCat’s proprietary catalyst was developed in the Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Laboratory in the Powerhouse.

Learn more at www.nitrocatenergies.com.

The 4th floor of the Powerhouse Energy Campus, the Resident Enterprise Partners Zone, is dedicated to mission-aligned startups. The space features move-in ready offices, flexible lease terms, with close proximity to the RPL, making it optimal for incubation periods and R&D pilots.

“Because of these collaborations, our carbon programs deliver leading clean cookstove technologies to some of the world’s most economically challenged markets.”

Tim Bauer — Co-founder, President, and Chief Operating Officer, EnviroFit (previous Resident Enterprise Partners Zone member)