MSU launches Energy Resilience, Innovation Hub to drive collaboration, advancements in energy sector
Contact: James Carskadon
STARKVILLE, Miss.—Building on a growing energy-related research portfolio, Mississippi State University is launching the Energy Resilience and Innovation Hub to foster collaboration and innovation that will support the Magnolia State’s future energy needs.
Led by MSU Associate Vice President for Research and Economic Development Narcisa Pricope, the unit will serve as a thinktank and collaborative hub working to catalyze economic growth, strengthen community and institutional energy resilience, foster policy alignment, and promote access to energy resources.
“The Energy Resilience and Innovation Hub will bring together researchers, industry partners and communities to accelerate innovation and ensure Mississippi remains at the forefront of a secure and sustainable energy future,” Pricope said. “This initiative underscores our commitment to advancing technologies and strategies that strengthen energy systems statewide and beyond.”
The hub was announced at this month’s Mississippi Water and Energy Conference hosted by MSU. Pricope noted MSU is working toward several projects that tackle areas such as energy efficiency, local government retrofits and audits, water-energy resilience, policy and workforce, and renewable site planning. The new initiative builds on existing MSU expertise in energy systems, grid resilience, clean fuels, energy storage, artificial intelligence and carbon utilization.
The hub will provide a dedicated space for sharing information, building partnerships and aligning research and development efforts across multiple sectors. As energy systems evolve, the initiative will support emerging workforce development needs to ensure Mississippians are ready to take advantage of current and future job opportunities in the energy sector.
During the conference, Pricope said MSU was recently awarded $1.2 million to support R-STEP: Renewable Energy Siting Through Technical Engagement and Planning. Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and allocated through the Mississippi Development Authority, the project will support site planning and permitting for renewable energy developments in Mississippi.
With training and outreach carried out by MSU Extension’s Center for Government and Development, the funding will be used to build capacity and develop renewable energy playbooks tailored to Mississippi’s needs.
For more information about MSU’s Energy Resilience and Innovation Hub and details on how to get involved, visit www.ord.msstate.edu/big-ideas.
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