In a changemaking move toward advancing sustainable low-carbon energy solutions, the University of Kentucky Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering has recommended the establishment of the Institute for Decarbonization and Energy Advancement (IDEA) to the Office of the Provost. This new college-level center is set to play a pivotal role in the development and commercialization of cutting-edge technologies aimed at achieving carbon-neutral and carbon-negative production.
IDEA's mission is clear and ambitious: to innovate and implement reliable, cost-effective CO2 capture, removal, and utilization technologies, alongside other sustainable practices. This initiative will focus on reducing carbon footprints across Kentucky's energy production and manufacturing sectors, all while ensuring minimal secondary environmental impacts.
The scope of research and technology development at IDEA will span all aspects of decarbonized energy production and utilization, and environmental mitigation, covering applied fundamentals, bench-scale experiments, pilot projects, and industrial-scale demonstrations. The work done within IDEA will be unique to the Institute and will not duplicate the work done by other energy-related centers on campus. Rather, IDEA aims to be a space of creative collaboration for energy-researchers across UK and the globe.
"The creation of IDEA aligns with our commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development," said Rudy Buchheit, the Rebecca Burchett Liebert Dean of the Pigman College of Engineering. "We are confident that IDEA will significantly contribute to our efforts in advancing low-carbon energy solutions not only within Kentucky, but across the nation."
Kunlei Liu, professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and seasoned leader in decarbonization and energy production research, has been proposed as Director of IDEA and will oversee the strategic direction and administrative functions of the institute and its 30 fulltime researchers. Liu brings a wealth of experience in carbon management and low-emission energy technologies, spending two decades establishing one of the nation’s most impactful research groups in carbon capture, conversion, hydrogen production and water treatment.
IDEA’s strong foundation of innovation and research excellence dates back to its inception in the UK Center for Applied Energy Research (CAER) in 2005. Since then, the research team has achieved remarkable success, including securing $109 million in extramural funding, publishing 145 peer-reviewed journal articles and holding 22 U.S. patents. Notably, the team's work has led to the development of technologies for CO2 capture, hydrogen production, and contaminated water treatment, among other advancements.
One of the team’s most recent ambitious goals is its work alongside industry partners to create “energy parks.”
“To meet the demand for the future utility and manufactory, our team is working with PPL Corporation and a group of industrial partners to synchronize the reliable existing power generating fleet, intermittent renewable energy, hydrogen production, spent material management and minimization into many grid-scale and microgrid ‘energy parks’ that could radically shape the world we live in, “said Liu.
Through initiatives like this, the Pigman College of Engineering and IDEA aspire to redefine the future of energy production, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient world. IDEA's establishment underscores the University’s commitment to its Energy Research Priority Area and growing opportunities in this area. The institute is poised to be a catalyst for transformative change, driving advancements that will benefit industries and communities across Kentucky and beyond.
For more information about IDEA, visit idea.engr.uky.edu.
About IDEA: The mission of IDEA is to develop, demonstrate and commercialize reliable and low-cost CO2 capture, removal, and utilization and other sustainable operation technologies for carbon-neutral or carbon-negative goods production across the state of Kentucky, with minimal secondary environmental impacts.