Impact Report
Updated 2026
Powering the Future: Bringing Science to Solutions to Scale
A letter from our Executive Director
For nearly 35 years, Colorado State University’s Energy Institute has advanced CSU’s land-grant mission by translating research into real-world energy and carbon solutions that serve communities, industry, and society. As one of four interdisciplinary research institutes at CSU, we leverage expertise from across campus and strong industry partnerships to deliver unmatched experiential learning and workforce development, launching more than 30 cleantech startups and securing over 130 invention disclosures.
At the Powerhouse Energy Campus, one of the nation’s largest university-based energy research facilities, we have built a nationally recognized center of excellence grounded in advanced science, applied problem-solving, and a deep commitment to student opportunity. We have taken on the most complex challenges to lead and deliver solutions that scale beyond the university.
Grounded in this legacy, we are uniquely positioned to lead the energy transition’s next frontier.
As energy systems grow more complex and interconnected, we are advancing resilience and reliability by driving innovation in nuclear and fusion technologies, AI-enabled energy systems, grid modernization, high-performance computing, energy access, and the rapidly growing energy demands of data centers.
We invite you to join us as we expand Powerhouse, honoring CSU’s land-grant roots while moving toward the next generation of energy and carbon solutions.
Together, we can deliver impact at scale and help shape a more resilient, reliable, and sustainable energy future.
Bryan Willson
Executive Director, Energy Institute
2026
The Energy Institute operates the Powerhouse Energy Campus. By applying scientific innovation to real-world problems, we develop scalable energy and carbon solutions.
We don’t just study problems; we solve them.
At the Energy Institute, researchers, students, and industry partners collaborate to push the boundaries of what is possible creating tangible impacts, improving lives and shaping a sustainable future.
Energy Institute By the Numbers
- 200+ million tons of CO2 emissions eliminated thanks to solutions created at the Powerhouse
- $160 million+ energy research expenditures
- 3,500+ students supported with real-world training
- 1,000 years’ worth of CSU’s carbon footprint saved
- 500+ impactful projects completed
- 260+ students currently employed
- 180+ active research projects
- 130 invention disclosures
- 50 companies housed at the Powerhouse
- 35+ CSU faculty researchers across 17 departments in 6 colleges
- 30+ start-up companies launched
Research Areas Include:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Computing and Data Center Efficiency
- Decarbonizing Combustion
- Energy Access
- Engine Combustion and Gas Turbines
- Fuel Cell Technology
- Grid Modernization
- Hydrogen Capabilities
- Indoor and Outdoor Air Quality
- Methane Emissions
- Nuclear Energy
- Renewable Fuels
Our 3 Pillars of Impact
The Powerhouse is designed to reinforce and drive change through the Energy Institute’s three pillars of impact:
- Energy and Carbon Solutions
- Experiential Learning
- Entrepreneurial Scale-Up
Timeline
The Energy Institute and Powerhouse Energy Campus; a place of continuous innovation and collaboration.
1935 - 1973
The Fort Collins Municipal Power Plant constructed to supply power to Fort Collins residents. The plant is decommissioned in 1973 and declared a historic landmark in 1987.
1992
Bryan Willson, Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, establishes the Engines and Energy Conversion Lab in the decommissioned power plant, and installs worlds largest natural gas test engine.
Impact: Technology developed is deployed on majority of commercial engines.
2003
EnviroFit, one of many start-ups to come from the Powerhouse, launches.
Impact: EnviroFit stoves are used by millions of people in 45+ countries and reduce harmful emissions by 80% and fuel costs by as much as 60%.
2006
Clean Energy “Super Cluster” formed to support technology transfer.
2014
A 65,000 sq ft addition, the Powerhouse Energy Campus, is completed. The “Super Cluster” is transformed into the Energy Institute.
Impact: The Powerhouse is one of the largest freestanding energy facilities at any university.
2015
Featured in the “Places of Invention” exhibitions from the Smithsonian’s
Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention.
2016
METEC begins construction at the Foothills Campus.
Impact: METEC supports faster deployment of methane leak detection
and mitigation solutions.
2022
3.5 MW Centaur® 40 dual-fuel gas turbine donated, by Solar Turbines, arrives at the Powerhouse.
Impact: The turbine positions CSU as a regional hub for high-power energy
systems R&D, offering capabilities no other universities can match.
2024
Mobile Classroom launches, reaching K-12 students across Colorado.
2025
The Energy Institute grows with the addition of the Center for the New Energy Economy and the launch of the Grid Modernization Initiative.
2026
Installation of the High-Powered Computer Center.
Impact: The installation at the Powerhouse affords the opportunity to explore energy solutions for data centers and grid resilience.
2050
Expansion and Impact Goal: Planning underway to save one billion tons of carbon emissions thanks to solutions developed at the Powerhouse Energy and Carbon Solutions Campus.
Our 3 Pillars of Impact
1. Energy and Carbon Solutions
Going beyond identifying problems – we champion solutions, scaling them to create a widespread impact.
Collaborating to Accelerate Methane Reduction
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.
Reliability of Critical Power Systems
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.
Data Center Power and Cooling
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.
The Grid Modernization Initiative
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.
2. Experiential Learning
Research opportunities, hands-on learning, and industry partnerships to prepare students for careers in energy and sustainability.
Partnership Brings Student Opportunity
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.
Cogen Summer Fellowship
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.
Senior Design Projects Create Early Success
CSU undergraduate engineering students complete a Senior Project. The Energy Institute is uniquely positioned to support students with industry connections, advisors, and workspaces for their efforts.
Additionally, the Rapid Prototyping and Applied Engineering Lab (RPL) empowers students to bring ideas to real life with the equipment and expertise necessary to create customized parts.
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
3. Entrepreneurial Scale-Up
Fostering entrepreneurial skills, facilitating the creation of startups and spin-offs, and cultivating a culture of innovation.
AtmosZero: Full Steam Ahead
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: Agricultural Chemical Manufactuing
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.
Resident Enterprise Partners Zone
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)
Center for the New Energy Economy
Policy Engagement
Connecting national energy experts to policymakers.
By working directly with governors, legislators, regulators, utilities, and communities, the Center for the New Energy Economy provides technical and strategic assistance on energy policy. Their bipartisan efforts support crucial conversations about common energy challenges.
Clean Energy Legislative Academy
The annual Clean Energy Legislative Academy (CELA) brings together a bipartisan cohort of state legislators for an intensive four-day event. This event provides attendees the information and resources necessary for developing effective state-level clean energy policy.
“I’m so pleased with the information, resources, and connections I made at CELA. I’m really looking forward to filing and passing new bipartisan legislation next year that will lower Kentucky’s energy prices and our carbon footprint.”
Representative Adam Moore, (D-Kentucky)
Advanced Energy Legislation Tracker
The Advanced Energy Legislation (AEL) Tracker database contains advanced energy legislation introduced since 2013 across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Legislation is sorted by our research team into 10 categories and tagged with keywords to make the database highly searchable. Users can create a free myTracker account to track and receive notifications on a personalized list of legislation.
State Policy Opportunity Tracker
The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) for Clean Energy is a hub of information on both existing state clean energy policies and, uniquely, future policy opportunities. This resource is a planning tool for states and communities to use as they develop their clean energy policy roadmaps.
Impact
- 213 All-time CELA Alumni
- 50,000+ advanced energy bills tracked across 50 states and D.C. in the AEL Tracker
- 50 State and energy policy briefs updated regularly
Education and Outreach
Our Education and Outreach team bring clean energy curriculum to youth across Colorado through field trips to the Powerhouse, the Mobile Classroom, outreach events, KidWind and more.
Impact
Learning Labs Cover Topics Including:
- Career paths, supporting workforce development
- Wind and other renewable energy sources
- The electric grid
Since 2023, We Have Reached:
- 13,500+ K-12 students
- 113+ schools
- 200+ events
Our Education and Outreach is Powered By:
Help Us Fuel the Future
With your support, the Energy Institute can continue to foster pivotal energy and climate change transformations.
To continue making a significant impact, we need your help to grow and scale our efforts. By partnering with the Energy Institute, you are investing in a sustainable future with a global impact for generations to come.
We are on the frontier of innovation; take action today
With new partnerships and plans to expand the Powerhouse Energy and Carbon Solutions Campus, the Energy Institute is poised to establish CSU as a global leader in education and innovation in sustainable energy production and carbon solutions.
Together, we can create a world powered by clean energy and a brighter tomorrow for all.
“I can say there’s no place like the Powerhouse. This building is the reason I came to CSU: it is a place to develop real solutions that can scale and have a major impact. It attracts top-tier faculty, students, professional staff, and startups that work together to tackle the most pressing challenges of our time.”
Todd Bandhauer
TIME100 Climate 2025 Awardee
Co-founder and CTO of AtmosZero
Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering