The Prairie Research Institute has announced the establishment of the Net-Zero Center of Excellence. This pioneering initiative aims to accelerate the transition to a net-zero future through cutting-edge research, global collaboration, and innovation.
The Net-Zero Center of Excellence will bring together research institutes, academia, industry, government, international organizations, and societal stakeholders to enable the development, maturation, adoption, and implementation of net-zero technologies.
"The launch of the Net-Zero Center of Excellence marks a significant milestone in our commitment to addressing climate change and fostering a sustainable future," said Kevin OBrien, the center's director.
"By leveraging the expertise and resources of the Prairie Research Institute, Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, and our incredible partners, we aim to drive impactful change and lead the way in the global pursuit of net-zero emissions."
These technologies will be deployed in a manner that addresses the needs of a society in transition due to drivers such as climate change and energy markets. The Net-Zero Center of Excellence will leverage the broad expertise of its partners to train the future workforce to support the adoption of new technologies and processes and ensure long-term success.
Key objectives of the Net-Zero Center of Excellence include:
- Creating a research engine built on global collaboration to design and deploy at-scale net-zero solutions tailored to regional and global environments and needs.
- Conducting multidisciplinary and multi-institutional collaborative research to develop holistic solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enable energy-based solutions through renewables.
- Developing and commercializing technologies that benefit stakeholders throughout the ecosystem and value chain.
- Supporting workforce development for the transition to net zero through education and entrepreneurship.
- Driving market transformations by promoting the adoption of net-zero technologies, incentivizing sustainable practices and solutions, and integrating them at industrial scales.
We invite stakeholders, researchers, and the public to join us in this critical endeavor. Together, we can create a more sustainable and resilient future for all.
For more information about the Net-Zero Center of Excellence, please visit https://netzero.web.illinois.edu.
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Media contact:
Tiffany Jolley, Assistant Director for Strategic Communications
tjolley2@illinois.edu
(217) 300-2356
