In a significant step forward for energy research, the University of Wyoming (UW) and Thermo Fisher Scientific have announced the continuation of their long-standing partnership, which originally began in 2015.
The collaboration is focused on advancing critical research in energy and resource management, with the goal of promoting sustainable solutions that align with Wyoming’s economic and environmental priorities. Officials from both institutions gathered at the University of Wyoming Conference Center to celebrate the renewal and expansion of this partnership.
“This partnership goes beyond conventional research… We’re tackling some of the most pressing issues in energy today, from oil and gas recovery to carbon sequestration, hydrogen storage, and water resource management. This collaborative effort promises to provide new opportunities for faculty and students while addressing Wyoming’s and the world’s energy challenges,” UW President Ed Seidel said at the event.
At the heart of this partnership is UW’s Center of Innovation for Flow Through Porous Media (COIFPM), housed at the High Bay Research Facility on campus, which is recognized as one of the world’s leading research centers for subsurface and resource extraction studies. The facility is dedicated to understanding complex subsurface processes, developing innovative techniques in hydrocarbon extraction, and improving environmental sustainability.
Thermo Fisher Scientific, a global leader in scientific research and innovation, brings to the partnership cutting-edge technology, expertise in digital imaging, and support for advanced experimentation in energy solutions. Thermo Fisher’s contribution will complement UW’s research infrastructure, supporting the state’s focus on diversifying its economy, which relies heavily on natural resource extraction.
“This is of direct benefit to Wyoming’s future growth… Phase two of our work aims to position the program among the top five in the nation within five years,” said Vamegh Rasouli, professor and head of UW’s Energy and Petroleum Engineering Department.
Key areas of focus in the partnership include:
- Optimizing Oil and Gas Production: Research will address recovery techniques to help Wyoming extract more resources from aging oil and gas fields, crucial for sustaining the state’s economy.
- Digitizing Geological Assets: Using advanced digital tools, researchers aim to create precise digital replicas of Wyoming’s geological assets to enhance predictive modeling for resource management.
- Developing Hydrogen Storage Solutions: This clean energy alternative requires efficient storage methods, which the team will work to improve by leveraging Thermo Fisher’s material science expertise.
- Carbon Sequestration: Aimed at reducing carbon emissions, this research will focus on secure, effective methods for CO2 storage, contributing to Wyoming’s efforts in climate resilience.
- Water Resource Management: The partnership also addresses sustainable water usage in energy production, essential for Wyoming’s long-term environmental strategy.
“We’re not just envisioning a sustainable future; we’re actively building it. I look forward to the advancements this partnership will bring over the next decade,” stated Daniel P. Shine, Senior Vice President at Thermo Fisher.
With input from Wyoming Business Report.
