Powering up economies, WVU with Pitt and Carnegie Mellon will recharge energy security and resilience with $320M for new technology, AI, infrastructure, and jobs

(Editor's note: WVU leaders will be available to discuss this impactful award with credentialed media members via Zoom at 10 a.m. Wednesday (July 15). To request Zoom log-in information, please send an email to Shauna Johnson, [email protected].)

The Resilient Energy Technology and Infrastructure Consortium, led by West Virginia University in collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and more than 60 regional partners, will use $321 million in public and private funding to develop the nation's next leading industrial energy innovation hub in the heart of Appalachia.

After a competitive two-year selection process, the U.S. National Science Foundation today (July 14) announced the RETI Consortium as one of 12 U.S. National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engines award recipients.

Charged with building a regional innovation ecosystem composed of national market leaders, the new NSF Engine will receive up to $160 million over the next decade from NSF, plus another $161 million from RETI's established industry, workforce, philanthropy, state government, and community partners.

"This significant award offers an incredible opportunity for the region to make history. West Virginia University will lead the NSF RETI Engine in developing innovative ways to meet the nation's rapidly growing energy needs," WVU President Michael T. Benson said.

"The collective strength of three R1 institutions along with legacy energy and industrial production make our region the ideal proving ground to modernize and secure U.S. energy while strengthening national competitiveness and regional economic growth."

"NSF Engines investments in critical technologies and future industries will transform America's innovation infrastructure for decades to come," said Brian Stone, performing the duties of the NSF director. "The NSF RETI Engine will strengthen U.S. energy security and grow the industry by advancing resources for energy grid management, storage, and cybersecurity."

The funding is projected to generate 21,000 jobs, 150 startups, and more than $1 billion in economic growth for the region.

NSF RETI Engine CEO Erienne Olesh said it is timely funding given the surging demand for power, driven by AI, data centers, and the reshoring of U.S. industry which is straining America's electric grid at a critical time.

"RETI is built to meet this challenge," Olesh said. "Anchored in the heart of America's historic energy corridor, the Consortium will develop hardware, software, and AI technologies to help secure America's energy supply, strengthen the grid, and power the next generation of U.S. manufacturing."

To address industry needs, Carnegie Mellon University President Farnam Jahanian said the Engine will focus on accelerating developments in advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and energy technology.

"Our region has powered America's economy for generations, and today we have an opportunity to help power its future," Jahanian said.

"We are grateful to NSF for this award, which recognizes the extraordinary assets across Pennsylvania and West Virginia as well as the importance of leveraging research, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and industry around a shared vision. Working together, we can accelerate innovation, strengthen energy resilience, and create new pathways to prosperity for our communities and our nation."

University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Joan T. Gabel said the NSF RETI Engine represents the physical, intellectual, industrial, and workforce assets necessary to create a successful model of energy resilience that can be scaled to meet national need.

"This is a landmark moment that highlights our shared vision and collaboration with WVU and other partners to modernize the energy grid, revitalize advanced manufacturing, and create thousands of new jobs across our region," Gabel said. "I'm proud of our researchers and grateful to the NSF for investing in the kind of bold, cross-border collaboration that will define the next generation of American energy innovation."

Over the past two years, the RETI team has harnessed an innovation-driven strategy poised to enhance industrial competitiveness through scalable energy-efficient technologies, strengthen grid resilience to support U.S. manufacturing, accelerate commercialization of energy innovations, build a skilled regional workforce, support a growing community of deep tech entrepreneurs, and expand venture capital focused on hard tech.

"I'm incredibly proud of WVU's leadership in securing the RETI Consortium right here in Appalachia, designed to spur economic opportunities and create good paying jobs through the development of resilient energy and industrial technologies. This was a competitive selection process that I advocated for on WVU's behalf, and it's great to see NSF recognize the capabilities that we know exist in our region to power the future of America. West Virginia has long been an energy leader, and this investment will further build on that proud tradition to meet the growing demand for energy solutions and manufacturing that we need. This is just the beginning, and I look forward to working with WVU and our regional partners to make this initiative as successful as possible," U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) said.

"Congratulations to Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Pittsburgh, West Virginia University, and all of the partners on earning this outstanding NSF Regional Innovation Engines award," U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick (R-PA) said. "I was proud to support this opportunity because it's exactly the kind of collaboration that keeps our region at the forefront of innovation. This investment will help strengthen our economy, generate technological competitiveness, create new jobs, and build on our Commonwealth's leadership in energy, AI, and advanced manufacturing."

State leaders in both West Virginia and Pennsylvania have long touted the region's energy economic development opportunities.

"For more than a century, West Virginia has powered America's economy," West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey said. "Today, we're proving we'll also help power its future. This investment recognizes that our energy resources, world-class research institutions, and skilled workforce make West Virginia the ideal place to develop the technologies that will strengthen our nation's energy security, create high-paying jobs, and drive economic growth for generations to come. We're proud to partner with West Virginia University, the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and the many public and private organizations that are helping position Appalachia as the nation's next great energy innovation hub."

The NSF Engines program, launched by NSF Technology, Innovation and Partnerships, is building and scaling regional innovation ecosystems nationwide.

Each NSF Engine is powered by a broad coalition of private sector, regional, and scientific leaders and organizations to accelerate breakthrough emerging technology research and development that drives growth and ultimately bolsters U.S. economic competitiveness and national security.

The NSF RETI Engine is located at the WVU Innovation Corporation site in Morgantown with a branch office at the Energy Innovation Center in Pittsburgh.

Learn more about the NSF RETI Engine.

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