Research Centers

To develop cutting-edge technologies and rapidly transfer them into the marketplace, the Colorado Renewable Energy Collaboratory's research centers unite world-class researchers and industry leaders. The research centers include:

In the research centers, the four Collaboratory research institutions (and our research affiliates) operate under a single, administrative structure, with one institution serving as the administrative lead.  Research can be conducted on any of the four Collaboratory campuses, depending on the location of the principal investigators, key researchers, and appropriate laboratories.  Through this structure, each research center offers its members the opportunity to work with four or more world class research institutions operating under a single, administrative organization, and communicating through a single point of contact.

Each center pursues both shared (public) and sponsored (proprietary) research:

  • Industry members select shared research projects from proposals offered by researchers at the four Collaboratory research institutions and our affiliated research institutions. Shared research projects are funded by industry members' annual fees and matching funds from the State of Colorado.
  • Industry members may pursue sponsored research projects at one or more of the research centers under a single contract, with a single administrative point of contact, or the sponsoring member may choose to work with one or more of the research institutions under separate contracts.
  • Industry members may also sponsor fellowships for graduate and post-doctoral students at the research centers.

Colorado Center for Biorefining and Biofuels

The Colorado Center for Biorefining and Biofuels (C2B2) performs cutting-edge, collaborative research devoted to converting biomass into fuels and other products. For more information, visit the C2B2 Web site.

Center for Revolutionary Solar Photoconversion

The Center for Revolutionary Solar Photoconversion (CRSP) focuses on basic and applied research that will result in new scientific discoveries and technologies in solar energy conversion, from third-generation photovoltaics to "artificial photosynthesis." For more information, visit the CRSP Web site.

Solar Technology Acceleration Center — Research Partnership

The Solar Technology Acceleration Center (SolarTAC) is an integrated, world-class test facility where the solar industry can research, test, validate, and demonstrate the full range of solar technologies and components.  The SolarTAC facility, funded by private members, is now under construction approximately six miles from Denver International Airport.  Through the SolarTAC research partnership, the Collaboratory research institutions will provide broad research capabilities to SolarTAC, and SolarTAC members for both shared and sponsored research.  For more information, visit the SolarTAC Web Site.

Center for Research and Education in Wind

The Center for Research and Education in Wind (CREW) works to advance the science and accessibility of wind power by reducing costs, and increasing reliability and efficiency.  Key research areas include turbine modeling, electrical systems, control systems, turbine testing and certification, and atmospheric science. Learn more about CREW.

Carbon Management Center

Through the Carbon Management Center, researchers will study and create carbon capture technologies, deep geologic and terrestrial (plants and soils) sequestration technologies, and will analyze the broad range of policy issues presented by alternative technologies and practices.  For more information, contact Dag Nummedal, Ph.D, or Jerry Sherk.

Energy Efficiency and Management Center

Researchers at the Energy Efficiency and Management Center will address how our nation can more efficiently produce, distribute, manage, and consume energy.  The center's applied research will focus on two keys areas:  the design and construction of a more reliable, efficient, and secure electric grid, including the integration of more renewable energy into the grid; and the design and operation of more efficient building and vehicles, including systems to optimize the interface of buildings and vehicles with the grid.  For more information, contact Ron Sega, Ph.D., or Heather Langston.