Leading the Way to a Reliable & Resilient Energy Future
By Using an Integrated Systems Approach.
WSU Tri-Cities Institute for Northwest Energy Futures (INEF)
Our Mission
Washington State University Tri-Cities Institute for Northwest Energy Futures (INEF) is entrusted to meet the global challenge of developing a reliable and resilient energy future. INEF is using an integrated systems approach to optimize the interrelationship between emerging technology solutions, existing resources, and the economic, social, and policy ramifications of these solutions. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and policy development, we aim to accelerate the adoption of reliable and affordable electricity and transportation fuels.
Our Vision
Our vision is that INEF will serve as a virtual hub focusing on future energy technology solutions, leading and coordinating a network of expertise and capabilities beginning with Washington State and the Pacific Northwest and extending across the globe. We will leverage this network to identify pressing research questions, pursue collaborative solutions, educate the next generation of energy leaders, and create opportunities for meaningful two-way community and tribal engagement.
News
What’s happening at INEF?
WSU interns give Pathway Summer Schools students a hands-on look at nuclear innovation
A group of Pathway Summer Schools students got a firsthand look at the future of advanced nuclear energy during a visit to the INEF facility.
Aecon presents on nuclear construction careers at INEF-hosted student event
WSU students met with leaders from Aecon, partners in the upcoming Cascade Advanced Energy Facility, about careers in nuclear plant construction and more.
From fuel rods to hydropower, INEF interns go behind the scenes of the Mid‑Columbia energy sector
Student interns from the Institute for Northwest Energy Futures’ Energy Ambassadors Network (EAN) had the opportunity to go on two site visits during the spring 2026 semester, getting a behind-the-scenes look at different aspects of the Mid-Columbia energy sector.
Meet the INEF faculty: Guiyan Zang
Guiyan Zang is an associate professor in the Washington State University Tri-Cities School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, as well as an INEF faculty fellow with a background in mechanical […]
WSU lands $1.4M DOE grant to train next wave of nuclear workers
A $1.4 million federal grant will help expand WSU’s nuclear training capabilities, supporting a new “Reactor Ready” initiative aimed at preparing students and other workers for careers in nuclear energy.
Student energy ambassadors engage with utility leaders at NWPPA conference
Three INEF student interns engaged with energy experts and explored innovations in power and energy at a recent NWPPA conference in Portland.
Twelve WSU students named IEEE Power & Energy Society scholars
Twelve students from the Washington State University system have received the 2025-26 Power & Energy Society (PES) Scholarship Plus, making WSU the top institutional producer of PES scholars for this award year.
Meet the INEF faculty: Erin Benson
Erin Benson is an assistant professor in WSU’s School of the Environment and an INEF faculty fellow specializing in critical minerals.
New study will investigate the benefits of solar panels over irrigation canals
An INEF-led study will explore the benefits of installing solar panels over irrigation canals, analyzing impacts on water quality and energy efficiency.
Community forum highlights challenges and emerging solutions in critical mineral mining
The demand for critical minerals is rapidly outpacing what current supply can meet, and traditional mining methods alone are unlikely to close the gap. Yet with improving technologies, advancing scientific […]
New SMR Simulator Boosts Nuclear Education and Workforce Development in the Tri-Cities
WSU Tri-Cities’ Institute for Northwest Energy Futures is housing an advanced nuclear simulator that will be used for education and workforce training.
INEF year in review
2025 was a year of significant momentum for the Institute for Northwest Energy Futures (INEF). The Institute expanded its team, advanced high‑impact research, strengthened student engagement, and deepened partnerships across the region and nationwide. The highlights below reflect a year of growth, innovation, and increasing leadership in the energy space.
Meet the Team – Chad Kruger
Chad Kruger is the Assistant Director for Agriculture, Extension, and Outreach for INEF. Kruger has a graduate degree in Land Resources and has worked for WSU for 22 years, currently working with INEF and is the director of the Center for Sustainable Agriculture & Natural Resources within the University.
INEF Assistant Director Chad Kruger talks with FOX 13 Seattle about agrivoltaics
It’s a bold idea, but one that has the potential to transform both the energy and agricultural landscape in Washington state and beyond: What happens if we intermingle solar energy […]
INEF student interns visit Odessa Groundwater Replacement Program site
On June 21, student interns from the Washington State University (WSU) Tri-Cities Institute for Northwest Energy Futures (INEF) visited the East Columbia Basin Irrigation District to tour the Odessa Groundwater Replacement Program (OGWRP) sites to learn more about the work being done on-site and how it can apply to their research interests.
INEF assistant director wins faculty award through CAHNRS
INEF Assistant Director For Agriculture, Extension, and Outreach Chad Kruger was recently named the recipient of the “Faculty Administrator Award” through the Washington State University College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS).
WSU Tri-Cities hosts panel on small modular reactors
The Washington State University (WSU) Tri-Cities Institute for Northwest Energy Futures (INEF) hosted a panel forum April 22 to discuss Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in the Tri-Cities region, and beyond, covering topics of sustainable energy, public perception, and the history of their creation and development.
WSU Tri‑Cities INEF Director Noel Schulz elected to IEEE board
Washington State University Tri-Cities Institute for Northwest Energy Futures’ (INEF) Director Noel Schulz was recently elected to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Board of Directors.
WSU Tri-Cities INEF sparks community dialogue at Richland Public Library
Washington State University Tri-Cities and its Institute for Northwest Energy Futures (INEF) are not just engaging academics and industries in the possibility of a carbon-neutral future—they’re inviting the community to […]
Momentum toward a clean energy future evident at WSU Tri-Cities Institute for Northwest Energy Futures open house
With more than 200 attendees at the ribbon-cutting and open house for Washington State University Tri-Cities Institute for Northwest Energy Futures (INEF) it was evident that there is momentum behind INEF’s vision for a future where clean energy systems harmonize with the environment, economy, and society.
Open house to showcase how WSU Tri-Cities Institute for Northwest Energy Futures will help meet clean energy challenges.
How are we going to meet the clean energy demands of the future?
The Washington State University Tri-Cities Institute for Northwest Energy Futures (INEF) invites the community to learn the answer to this vital question at an open house and ribbon-cutting on Wednesday, Oct. 2 from 4:30 – 6 p.m.