Director's WelcomeOur journey started in 2005. Based on our rich experience and knowledge in fossil fuel conversion, the research group was established in 2006 at the University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research (CAER) to tackle the technological and economic challenges associated with power plant carbon management.After almost two decades, this group has grown to be one of the nation’s most impactful research entities in the fields of carbon capture, conversion, hydrogen production and water treatment. We employ more than 30 full-time research staff who work on overcoming key obstacles to the decarbonization of energy and industrial sectors.Read Kunlei's full messageKunlei LiuProfessor, Mechanical EngineeringDirector, IDEAkunlei.liu@uky.edu859-257-0293 Our MissionAdvance sustainable energy decarbonizing solutions and dynamically address practical challengesTrain the next generation of scientists and engineers in energy supply chainCollaborate and engage with our communityOur VisionCarbon Neutrality in Every Industry Enhancing SustainabilityImproving efficiency and reducing carbon capture cost.We currently focus on 5 major areas of research including carbon capture, carbon dioxide conversion and utilization, hydrogen production and direct air capture, water treatment and material recovery.Learn about our current research $90Mof grants awarded 1Spin off company 5Technologies Licensed/Transferred Exceeding ExpectationsWe have stellar records with 15 returning partners! Including 10+ years with 7 of our partners.We are currently engaged with over 50 partners and work on a variety of projects.Discover our partner collaborations Experts in Our FieldTop 1% in Carbon Capture. 142 Peer-reviewed publications.Review our publications Pioneering InnovationsMaking an impact in key areas of decarbonization with 21 U.S. patents issued.Read about IDEA patents Global RecognitionLearn about our involvement in international carbon capture groups and consortium.Carbon Management Research GroupCMRGA Collaborative Industrial-State-Federal PartnershipLearn more about CMRGInternational Test Center NetworkITCNITCN is a global coalition of facilities working to accelerate the research and development (R&D) of carbon capture technologies.Visit the ITCN websiteInternational Conference on Energy and EnvironmentICEEThe 3rd International Conference on Energy and Environment will be held on July 15-19, 2024 (US time).Register for the ICEE News New Research to Explore Potential for Utility-Scale Carbon Capture from Natural Gas Power Plants FEED Work Starts on a Carbon Capture Pilot at an NGCC LG&E and KU, EPRI, University of Kentucky, begin industry-leading research