Advancing energy innovation: PEDL at the roadmap summit
PEDL leaders Marilu Hastings of the Cynthia & George Mitchell Foundation and Brian Korgel of the University of Texas at Austin participated in the Roadmap Summit in Washington, D.C., this week. The summit brought together innovators, policymakers and industry leaders to discuss the regional impact of two major initiatives: the Tech Hubs program, managed by the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the Regional Innovation Engines program, managed by the National Science Foundation (NSF). Both programs were established by the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act to strengthen U.S. competitiveness in critical technologies.
PEDL, an NSF Engines finalist, is vying for up to $160 million in funding to bolster the Permian Basin as a hub for advanced energy innovation. Reflecting on the Permian’s role, Hastings said, "we have an opportunity right now to combine the Permian’s longstanding leadership in oil and gas production with advanced energy technologies like geothermal and hydrogen. With our expertise and infrastructure, we are well-suited to lead the charge on energy growth and innovation for the whole country."
Brian Korgel highlighted the encouraging momentum behind the tech hub and innovation engines initiatives. "The summit showed how this funding is already catalyzing progress in technology, manufacturing and job creation across the country. Business, philanthropy, higher ed, all pulling in the same direction—it’s inspiring. People are optimistic that programs like PEDL will strengthen not just local economies but U.S. leadership in energy innovation and security."
As the United States works to address growing energy demand and global economic competition, PEDL exemplifies how regional innovation can drive national progress while creating lasting opportunities for local communities.
