What is the Southwest Virginia Clean Energy Field Research Center?

A new 16,000 square foot center to be located next to the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon, VA. The center is being designed as a green facility and will take advantage of many state-of-the-art energy systems and construction techniques to demonstrate the use and commercialization of the technologies. In addition, the center will house research labs and faculty offices, state-of-the-art classrooms with video capabilities, a workforce training lab, conference rooms, and administrative offices.

This location allows the R&D efforts of universities and industry to be where the natural resources are extracted, used in the production of energy, and by-products and waste are created and managed. We provide a unique field research facility for researchers to see energy in its entire evolution cycle and to be able to measure and record their impact on the process.

The center is focusing on our nation’s energy needs through applied commercialized research, policy and regulation assessment, and specific workforce development needs with a focus on coal and natural gas related opportunities.

Our vision is to become a regional, national, and international center for clean energy field research that unites academics and industry in the development of immediate and future clean and independent energy improvements.

Why is this center’s success important?

• Provides a state-of-the-art Field Research center close to natural resources for
  energy production, carbon capture, and conservation.
• Provides a center where industry and university R&D programs can work
  collaboratively.
• Provides researchers with an environment that is conducive to the application and commercialization of energy R&D projects.
• Provides opportunities for commercial investment in new energy applications.
• Provides job opportunities for Southwest Virginia.
• Provides a center focused on gaining energy independence.

Rachel Fowlkes
Executive Director
276-619-4305
rfowlkes@swcenter.edu

How Do I Help?
You can help by making a three-year financial commitment to the Southwest Virginia Higher
Education Center Foundation to the Start-Up Operating Capital Campaign for the Clean
Energy Field Research Center.

Donations to this campaign are to an IRS approved 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Your Donation is protected - it will be managed by the Foundation, the Executive Director of the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center and an Independent Advisory Board for the Southwest Virginia Clean Energy Field Research Center which will consist of community, industry and university representatives.

Start-Up Operating Capital Campaign Flyer