Advancing Energy Decision-making for Security, Resilience and Readiness
The Energy Policy Institute (EPI) advances decision-making tied to the security, resilience, and readiness of energy-based systems. We do so with objective and evidence-based research and advising. Our work spans international, national and regional priorities, regulatory issues, adoption readiness (social, technological and infrastructural) economic implications, and other emerging energy considerations.
Research and Advising
Upstream and downstream, socio-technical road-mapping of emergent energy issues and opportunities — geopolitical influences, adoption readiness, regional shifts, potential for infrastructure repurposing and technology hub precursors; Energy-water footprint analysis for AI/data centers and AI potential for energy systems; Cyber and drone regulation/risk for energy facilities; Potential for advanced deployment of nuclear, geothermal, critical materials/minerals mining, and microgrids; Policy/planning for resilience with wildfire-grid risk and other disruption; Nuclear safety, regulation, siting, and security; Decision-making tradeoffs for the energy-economy workforce, market, and infrastructure; Strategies for siting; Comparative policy/regulation assessments; Critical infrastructure repurposing.
Leadership and Research
Our team leads a national consortium on siting for critical infrastructure that includes research, national seed grant programming, public feedback sessions, and recommendations on better practices for the U.S. Department of Energy.
Energy Events
~5,400+ registrants 2018-2025 to date; Power Talk registrants in 2024 (nearly 6 times compared to 2018 energy event registrants).
Decision-making/Stakeholder Support
Our team provides technical advising, analysis, and neutral facilitation for engagement and decision-making.
Workforce Readiness and Education
We co-lead an on-line certificate in nuclear security & safeguards; evaluate educational pipelines for advancing energy; provide customized professional and K-12 energy education; and train with hands-on learning.
Awards & Regional Development, 2023-2024, ~$30M+ (typically shared across partners)
Idaho resilience in energy-water systems, Siting for critical infrastructure, Emerging energy markets, Power planning, siting, and grid reliability, Energy independence and infrastructure.
Students
Our graduates (high school, undergraduate and graduate students) work with public agencies, Power Engineers, Idaho National Lab, Geothermal Rising, Amazon, etc.
Workforce Development
- Launched online Nuclear Safeguard & Security Certificate with ISU & UI; Boise State’s Field School on Sustainability; and Idaho Science & Technology Policy Fellowship with the McClure Center & partners
- Lead Boise State’s Master of Environmental Management Program
- Lead Industry and Government partnering for a state energy-water resilience project with UI, ISU, and partners
- Bridge training-to-career gaps, connecting students with employers and advising the Energy Systems Tech & Ed Center.
Tech Hub/Advanced development
Nuclear, geothermal, critical minerals/ materials, wildfire-grid, hydrogen, biogas, energy-water systems, etc.
Key Collaborations
We partner with the U.S. Council on Competitiveness, National Association of State Energy Officials, National Tribal Energy Association, Western Interstate Energy Board, Idaho Strategic Energy Alliance, Idaho Workforce Development Council, Shoshone- Bannock tribe, Wells Fargo, Idaho Power, Clean Technology Alliance, Idaho National Laboratory, etc.