An integrated energy system combines different energy sources and technologies—such as electricity, heat, and gas—to create a more efficient, sustainable, and reliable energy supply. By coordinating how energy is produced, stored, and used, this approach helps optimize overall energy use and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

To enable a future where energy is abundant, affordable, and reliable for all—through breakthrough research, innovative technologies, and systems that strengthen economic and national security.

The establishment of the institute supports our vision by organizing and amplifying efforts across several strategic areas.

• Unite campus researchers to foster collaboration and synergy across energy-related disciplines
• Lead testbed demonstrations, including PowerPlex and the Solar Village, to showcase real-world applications
• Pursue large-scale, interdisciplinary funding opportunities at the state and federal levels
• Support workforce development through training, education, and talent pipeline initiatives
• Strengthen partnerships and engagement with industry and community stakeholders
• Inform and influence energy policy at the local, state, and national levels

Nuclear Energy

Faculty at Missouri S&T are advancing nuclear technologies through research in nuclear materials, environmental impact assessments, power plant siting, and the use of digital twins and machine learning for lifecycle management. Additional focus areas include thermal hydraulics, radioisotope applications, and the development of high-performance structural alloys. Expertise in high-temperature materials for hypersonics is also being applied to nuclear systems, particularly in addressing irradiation effects in fuels, insulators, and reactor components.

Electric Energy

Missouri S&T researchers are leading advancements in power electronics, transportation electrification, microgrids, and renewable energy systems. Their work improves the reliability, efficiency, and security of power systems while supporting economic and resilient grid operation. Additional efforts focus on integrating distributed generation, energy storage, demand response, and EV charging infrastructure, along with improving electricity market design and competitiveness.

Energy Storage

Missouri S&T’s research in energy storage spans a broad spectrum of activities, including the development of novel materials through advanced synthesis and characterization, electrode engineering using additive manufacturing, and multiscale/multiphysics modeling to better understand degradation and aging processes. Researchers are also advancing control and optimization strategies to enable extreme fast charging capabilities for electric vehicles. Thermal storage control, efficiency, and material degradation is being investigated with industry to combine with nuclear power plants and chemical processing.

Hydrogen Generation, Storage, and Usage

Missouri S&T’s hydrogen research covers a wide range of areas, including green hydrogen production via electrolysis, nanostructured catalysts, hydrogen storage materials, fueling infrastructure, safety protocols, sensors, and fuel cells. A major focus is leveraging hydrogen to support net-zero carbon emissions, particularly through the decarbonization of hard-to-abate sectors like steel and cement.

Carbon Management

S&T researchers are actively engaged in cutting-edge research in carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) to reduce emissions and wasted energy in pursuit of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. Their work includes direct air capture (DAC), carbon capture from point sources, CO₂ mineralization to produce carbon-negative concrete and cement additives, and conversion of waste CO₂ into fuels and commodity chemicals. The team also explores the reuse of carbon in enhanced oil recovery and decarbonization of heavy industries such as cement and steel.

Geothermal Energy

Missouri S&T is harnessing the potential of geothermal energy as a sustainable, renewable resource. Research efforts focus on improving heat recovery efficiency, optimizing fracture networks through advanced fracking techniques, and reducing fluid loss during drilling using novel materials. These innovations aim to enhance geothermal energy utilization as a viable alternative to fossil fuels and complement other renewable energy sources. Additional research is looking at concentrating thermal energy to produce higher temperatures.

Mining & Energy

Research at Missouri S&T in mining and energy centers on sustainable strategies for sourcing critical minerals essential to the global energy transition. Efforts focus on reducing the carbon footprint of mineral extraction and processing by integrating renewable energy and exploring carbon-negative mining techniques. Researchers are also developing methods for extracting co-products from base metal processes, tailings, and unconventional sources, while evaluating policies that promote resilient, sustainable supply chains for energy-critical minerals.