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History
In fall 2002, faculty and administrators at the University of Minnesota began to discuss the need for a coordinating mechanism to raise the profile of renewable energy research and development at the university and across the Midwest. These discussions soon merged with those of government representatives who shared a similar goal.
By early 2003, the decision was made to form the Initiative for Renewable Energy and the Environment (IREE). During that year’s state legislative session, the Minnesota Legislature directed portions of the Xcel Energy Renewable Development Fund and Conservation Improvement Program to renewable energy research and demonstration. At the same time, University of Minnesota President Robert Bruininks designated the environment and renewable energy as an institutional priority.
In late 2004, the focus began to shift from small seed grants to large, multi-year research projects. IREE established a strategic process to better target funding resources and to position the U of M and the state as national leaders in renewable energy. More than 25 multidisciplinary teams began utilizing IREE funds to conduct research and develop demonstration projects.
Since then, IREE has become a central part of the region’s renewable energy economy, mobilizing more than 430 experts around one vital mission: “to promote statewide economic development; sustainable, healthy and diverse ecosystems; and national energy security through development of bio-based and other renewable resources and processes.”
In 2007, the Minnesota Legislature chose to continue funding for IREE. Signed by Gov. Tim Pawlenty, the legislation increased support to $5 million annually (beginning in 2009), expanding IREE’s focus to include energy and products from biomass, wind, solar, hydro, geothermal, microorganisms and other renewable resources.
Another 2007 milestone was joining with the U of M’s Institute on the Environment (IonE). As the IonE’s signature program, IREE builds on a history of accomplishments to help achieve the primary goals of the IonE: “discovering new solutions to Earth’s most pressing environmental problems through cutting-edge research, world-class leadership development and innovative partnerships.”
In 2009, IREE announced a new set of investments to help launch early-stage, high-potential projects in emerging fields of renewable energy. The selected projects demonstrate a high degree of innovation; synergy with the U of M’s and the state’s competitive advantages; a potential contribution to the nation’s renewable energy goals; and a clear strategy for attracting external funding support.
