The UW-Madison is a world leader in energy education and research. Each year, it ranks among the top university recipients of Department of Energy research funding as well as energy-related research from the NSF and the DOD. The UW-Madison energy research activities are interdisciplinary in nature and involve faculty, researchers, and students in engineering, chemistry, geology, and physics, life sciences, business, economics, environmental studies and public policy.

Energy Resources: The Department of Geology and Geophysics is internationally recognized for research directly related to energy and environment, focusing on the geology, geochemistry, and geophysics of sedimentary basins. This work contributes both to the identification and development of geofuel resources, and to our understanding of the long-term impact of energy consumption on the natural world.

Fusion Technologies: The fusion science and engineering research programs are the largest set of research programs at any U.S. university and encompass faculty, scientists and students from physics, electrical engineering and engineering physics. The effort was originally founded in 1960’s, and has been the largest interdisciplinary program in the U.S. for advanced degrees in fusion engineering.

Internal-Combustion Engine Research: The Engine Research Center was begun in the late 1940’s and in the 1986 became a U.S. Army Center of Excellence. The ERC is devoted to fundamental research on spark ignition and diesel engines. It is the largest university engine research center in the U.S. in which faculty members work on funded research projects, advise graduate students and develop courses and textbooks based on their activities.

Nuclear Systems Engineering: The Wisconsin Institute of Nuclear Systems (WINS) was created in 2001. It is an outgrowth of prior nuclear research centers at the UW such as the Nuclear Safety Research Center. Its goal is to carry out research, education, and public service related to technical issues of nuclear systems with specific emphasis on advanced nuclear energy applications; e.g., advanced fission reactors and micro-nuclear power.

Power Electronics Research: The Wisconsin Electric Machines and Power Electronics Consortium was initiated at the UW-Madison in January 1981. WEMPEC is a technology-focused center at the university that is sponsored by companies that hold an interest in electric machines and power electronics. WEMPEC serves as a model for programs dependent on a strong interaction between universities and industry.

Power Systems Engineering Research Center: PSERC is a multi-university center working with industry and government to address challenges facing the electric power industry and to educate the next generation of power engineers by following its core purpose of “Empowering minds to engineer the future electric energy system.” Its multidisciplinary research and education activities focus on power markets, power systems, and transmission and distribution technologies.

Solar Energy Laboratory: The Solar Energy Lab (SEL) is the oldest of its kind in the world. It has been recognized internationally for accomplishments in practical applications for solar energy. The goal of the lab is to educate students through research experiences in solar and conventional energy utilization and to remain on the competitive edge of new developments.

Sustainability: At the Center for Sustainability and the Global Environment (SAGE), researchers examine linkages between natural resources, human health and security, and changes in the global environment. Faculty, staff and students conduct leading research on these critical problems, and disseminate that knowledge through innovative teaching and outreach.

Wisconsin Public Utility Institute: Founded in 1982, the Wisconsin Public Utility Institute mission is to advance understanding of public policy issues in the electricity, gas, and telecommunications industries. Its programs and services communicate the diversity of views that exist on current policy issues, particularly the leading-edge issues that will affect the future of those industries and the customers they serve.