UW School of Energy Resources Thanks Wyoming for Building the Future of Energy

By Holly Krutka

This year marks another chapter in Wyoming’s proud legacy as a global center of energy production and innovation. It also is a moment to reflect with gratitude on the collaborative environment that allows Wyoming to remain strong in today’s complex energy landscape.

Nearly two decades ago, the Wyoming Legislature and governor’s office created the University of Wyoming’s School of Energy Resources (SER) with a bold vision: to bring together Wyoming talent and expertise to secure the state’s role as a leading energy producer for generations. That vision has endured across multiple legislatures and administrations.

Today, SER’s team operates throughout Wyoming, executing on our mission to advance energy-driven economic development for Wyoming by delivering complex and innovative projects and educating the next generation of energy professionals. None of this would be possible without the partnership of government, industry, individuals and communities across our state. And it all starts with working with the other colleges, schools and departments across the university to leverage their expertise and passion.

To our past and present legislators and governors: Thank you for your foresight, investment and leadership. To Wyoming’s energy producers, service companies and philanthropic individuals: Thank you for trusting us as partners. To our communities: Thank you for welcoming projects and helping ensure that energy development continues to support families, jobs, schools and local economies.

The private sector has always been the backbone of Wyoming’s energy success; this remains true today. Energy companies, large and small, have partnered with SER and leaned into Wyoming as the place to test, grow and commercialize new technologies that support existing industries while exploring new opportunities. A few examples include testing coal-derived soil amendments with Peabody to improve reclamation; drilling Wyoming’s first wells designed for carbon dioxide injection with Frontier Carbon Solutions; supporting PureWest and Jonah Energy to produce some of the world’s cleanest natural gas; testing novel carbon capture technologies at the Integrated Test Center at Basin Electric Power Cooperative’s Dry Fork Station; studying Wyoming’s largest unconventional oil and gas resource with industry partners; creating hydrogen from oil and gas produced water with Williams; and developing nuclear-focused educational offerings with TerraPower and BWXT.

In addition to our research collaborators, we are equally grateful to those who engage with our students. The individuals, nonprofits, policymakers and businesses that open their doors to our students -- providing access to energy sites, internships and more -- turn theory into real-world application in ways that are not accessible to students at most universities. As a result, our students go on to successful careers in the energy industry in Wyoming and beyond, with 100 percent of SER’s graduates having found employment or pursued additional education within six months of graduation since 2016.

As a part of Wyoming’s only land-grant university, our mission is to serve the people of this state. Every time a community leader reaches out to SER for help, we know we are on the right path; and we know we can count on Wyoming’s energy communities as well.

When we needed a home for our coal refinery demonstration, Gillette and Campbell County stepped forward with the Wyoming Innovation Center. Today, demonstration projects housed there are shaping the future for value-added coal products, such as building materials and asphalt. Across the state, communities are partnering with SER to evaluate drone-based mineral exploration; implement immersive technology into workforce training and educational programs; study geologic hydrogen; and assess the potential for critical minerals and rare earth elements. These projects take trust and cooperation. Wyoming communities have repeatedly shown their commitment to working with SER to keep energy production -- and the prosperity it brings -- strong.

Wyoming is one of the few places where academia, government and industry can work together constructively. Through collaboration with the Department of Environmental Quality, the Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, the Petroleum Association of Wyoming, the Wyoming Mining Association, the Wyoming Energy Authority, the Wyoming State Geological Survey, the Enhanced Oil Recovery Institute and others, we can share knowledge and strengthen our collective efforts. Together, these partnerships create an energy ecosystem that is unmatched.

When you step back, the picture is clear: Wyoming has built a unique system that connects government, industry, communities and academia in a way that directly benefits our residents. We have leaders who prioritize long-term prosperity; companies and individuals willing to invest; communities that embrace opportunities; and a university that moves ideas into action.

At the UW School of Energy Resources, we believe Wyoming is the best place in the world to advance energy innovation. With continued collaboration across government, industry, communities and academia, Wyoming will not just participate in America’s energy future -- we will lead it.

Holly Krutka is the executive director of the School of Energy Resources at the University of Wyoming.