The University of Houston is at the center of the energy industry, tackling big questions:

• How do we meet growing energy demands?
• How do we ensure affordable, reliable energy while protecting the environment?
• What advancements in technology, infrastructure, and policy will shape the future of energy?

The Energy Transition Institute (ETI) helps industry stay ahead of these challenges, serving as a key partner in the search for solutions.

The Energy Transition: What It Means

The energy transition refers to the shift toward a broader and more sustainable energy mix. This transformation focuses on strengthening energy systems, improving efficiency, and developing technologies that support long-term energy security while reducing environmental impact.

ETI plays a vital role in this transition, working to expand available energy resources while addressing emissions and waste. Research efforts go beyond electricity generation, exploring advancements in:

• Hydrogen production, storage, and transportation to support a wider range of energy sources
• Carbon capture, utilization, and storage to reduce emissions from existing energy sources
• Plastics circularity to create sustainable solutions for industrial byproducts

By tackling these complex challenges, ETI identifies the technological, operational, and workforce needs that will drive the transition.

Advancing Research, Technology, and Workforce Development

ETI strengthens the University of Houston’s role as a leader in energy security and sustainability. The Institute provides industry with targeted, applied research, secures patents for new technologies, validates commercialization strategies, and attracts investment in emerging energy innovations.

Beyond research, ETI is committed to preparing the energy workforce. Through hands-on training and skills development, the Institute supports:

• Energy Scholars & Energy Fellows Programs – Research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students
• Micro-Credentialing Programs – Professional development in hydrogen, life cycle assessments, and plastics circularity

These initiatives equip both students and professionals with the expertise needed to lead in the evolving energy landscape.

Industry Engagement & Knowledge Sharing

ETI fosters collaboration across academia, industry, and policy to drive meaningful change. Through dynamic events and media partnerships, the Institute brings people together to explore solutions for energy’s biggest challenges.

• Coogs for Energy Hackathon – Students tackle real-world energy and sustainability problems 
• Driving the Energy Transition  – A biweekly radio show offering expert insights on energy
• Educational Symposiums & Webinars – Discussions on trends and innovations in energy

Through these efforts, ETI ensures that research doesn’t stay in the lab—it reaches the people and industries shaping the future of energy.