University of Idaho Energy Institute

Energy is the backbone of modern society. As central station power generation decreases and the number and types of energy sources grow, the University of Idaho Energy Institute is partnering with industry in support of real-world, safe, scalable solutions to reliably meet energy demands.  

The Energy Institute brings together researchers, students and industry partners in academia, industry and government to improve energy literacy for the next generation of Idaho’s community and business leaders in any discipline.  We are partnering with peer colleges and institutes to engage students in learning to deliver and use safe, reliable, affordable, clean and resilient energy in all their professions and walks of life.  Serving as a hub for research, education, and practical problem-solving, the institute tackles energy-related challenges both locally and globally. 

Partner With Us

Bring us your ideas and challenges! We want to hear from industry, institutions and other partners. What are your most pressing energy needs? Where can we help?

Shaping Our Energy Future  

The state of Idaho is unique. We have access to a diverse set of energy sources, from hydroelectric to nuclear, solar, wind to more traditional resources like coal and gas.  
 
Additionally, our diverse industries—from mining and forestry, to dairy, microchips, and wine—require clean, reliable, affordable energy to deliver.  Together, we can shape the future of energy production and use in Idaho industry through education and interdisciplinary research.   
 
The key pillars of the Energy Institute are:

Education: Interdisciplinary energy education fosters collaboration across fields, addressing complex energy challenges with diverse perspectives. Cooperative education, internships, and certifications provide hands-on experience, bridging theory and practice. These opportunities equip students with practical skills, enhance their problem-solving abilities, and prepare them for impactful careers in the rapidly evolving energy sector. 

Research: Alternative energy research is crucial for sustainable solutions, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Energy grid research ensures reliability and efficiency in power distribution. Understanding natural disasters' impact on energy systems aids in resilience planning. Public policy shapes energy strategies, guiding innovation, investment, and regulation for a sustainable energy future. 

Industry Partnership: As Idaho’s research leader, U of I is committed to identifying sustainable solutions that benefit the future of the energy industry.

Industry Perspective in Our Leadership

Idaho energy executive and U of I alumnus John Kumm is leading the creation and launch of the Energy Institute. Kumm spent the previous 17 years working with leading national power and energy consulting firm POWER Engineers. The company specializes in power generation, transmission and distribution design, power system studies and environmental sciences. 
 
Kumm has worked with global power systems leader Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories and founded the engineering consulting firm System Protection Services focused on power protection. He is a member of IEEE Power Engineering and Industry Applications Societies and a registered professional engineer in several states.

Our Projects and Partnerships

U of I has partnered with global energy and power protection leaders like Avista, Idaho Power, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, POWER Engineers, and Idaho National Laboratory for decades. 

Explore our current projects, programs and partnership highlights.