



Montana Tech secures $7.5M grant to launch Center for Energy Technologies


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Montana Tech Receives $7.5 Million Grant to Launch State‑of‑the‑Art Center for Energy Technologies
A significant new partnership between the Montana State Legislature, the Department of Energy, and Montana Tech of the University of Montana has just been announced, with the state’s flagship engineering school securing a $7.5 million grant to establish a Center for Energy Technologies (CET). The grant, which was approved by the Montana Senate’s Natural Resources and Technology Committee last week, is intended to create a regional hub for research, development, and training in renewable and advanced energy systems.
What the Grant Will Achieve
The CET will focus on a broad portfolio of energy technologies, including solar photovoltaics, wind turbine design, advanced battery chemistry, hydrogen fuel cells, geothermal exploitation, and grid‑resilience solutions. In addition to its research agenda, the center will prioritize workforce development, providing graduate students and undergraduates with hands‑on experience in prototype design and testing, as well as internship opportunities with local utilities and industry partners.
According to Dr. Karen L. Hargreaves, Dean of Engineering at Montana Tech, “The funding will allow us to build a fully integrated lab complex and purchase cutting‑edge equipment that will support research projects from the lab bench all the way to real‑world demonstration.” The grant will cover $4 million for building construction and infrastructure upgrades, $2.5 million for scientific instrumentation, and $1 million for hiring five postdoctoral researchers and two research technicians.
A Strategic Vision for Montana
Montana’s abundant natural resources—particularly wind, solar, hydro, and geothermal—make it an ideal place to develop next‑generation energy technologies. “The state is a natural laboratory for renewable energy,” said State Representative Tom Sloane, chair of the Energy Committee. “By investing in CET, we are not only fostering scientific breakthroughs but also ensuring that Montana remains competitive in the growing clean‑energy economy.”
The center’s research strategy is aligned with Montana’s 2030 Energy Plan, which calls for a 30 % reduction in greenhouse‑gas emissions and a 40 % increase in renewable generation. The CET will work closely with the Montana Power Company, Northern Plains Electric Cooperative, and the Montana Energy and Mineral Authority to test prototypes in real‑world grid environments and to accelerate commercial deployment.
Partnerships and Community Engagement
Beyond academic and governmental collaborations, the CET will engage private-sector partners such as Xcel Energy’s Southern Plains division, Hydro-Québec’s Montana Office, and several local start‑ups focused on energy storage and grid software. The center will host an annual “Energy Innovation Week” featuring seminars, hackathons, and industry showcases, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of entrepreneurs and researchers.
One of the first projects slated for the center is a partnership with the University of Montana’s Department of Chemistry to develop a new class of solid‑state batteries that can operate at higher temperatures and deliver longer life cycles. A second initiative involves a joint effort with the Montana Department of Natural Resources to assess the feasibility of geothermal wells in the Bitterroot Valley, a region historically underutilized for energy extraction.
Economic and Educational Impact
The CET is expected to generate at least 25 new jobs over the first five years, including roles in laboratory management, data analysis, and field testing. Dr. Hargreaves notes that “the center will not only provide direct employment but also serve as a magnet for attracting research grants and private investment.”
Students at Montana Tech will benefit from the center’s interdisciplinary environment. The engineering curriculum will be expanded to include courses in energy systems modeling, renewable resource assessment, and sustainable design. Additionally, the CET will offer a new master’s program in Energy Technology and Policy, designed to produce professionals who can navigate the technical and regulatory complexities of the energy sector.
Funding Source and Next Steps
The grant originates from a federal allocation made through the Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) under the “Innovation for Energy” program, supplemented by a matching contribution from the State of Montana’s Department of Commerce and Innovation. After the initial capital infusion, the center will pursue additional funding through competitive research grants, private industry sponsorships, and regional economic development funds.
Construction on the new CET facility is slated to begin in early spring, with the first labs expected to be operational by the fall of 2025. The opening ceremony will be held at the Montana Tech campus, where Governor Greg Gianforte is expected to deliver remarks and sign the official partnership agreement.
Looking Ahead
Montana Tech’s Center for Energy Technologies represents a pivotal step toward realizing a cleaner, more resilient energy future for the state. By leveraging Montana’s natural assets and cultivating a culture of innovation, the center aims to position the state as a national leader in renewable technology development, while simultaneously generating economic growth and building a skilled workforce ready to tackle the challenges of the 21st‑century energy landscape.
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