WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today the University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research (UK CAER) was selected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for a coal-to-carbon fiber research collaboration. The DOE will dedicate $4.5 million to the research conducted at UK CAER.
According to UK CAER, the project seeks to expand the use of coal products for applications in aerospace, defense and other manufacturing sectors. In addition to his decades-long support for Kentucky’s coal communities, Senator McConnell contacted U.S. Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette to support UK CAER’s proposal to research turning coal into high-value carbon fiber. Senator McConnell consistently raises Kentucky’s priorities to the highest levels of the federal government, including with President Trump’s Cabinet and leaders of federal agencies.
“The researchers at UK CAER continue pushing the boundaries of innovation in support of Kentucky’s coal miners and the families who rely on them. I was proud to support UK’s team as they research coal manufacturing and its potential for good-paying Kentucky jobs,” said Senator McConnell. “Since I joined the Senate, I’ve constantly fought for Kentucky’s coal communities. To further that mission, I used my role as Senate Majority Leader to help bring this cutting-edge opportunity to our Commonwealth. I’d like to congratulate UK CAER on this national recognition, and I look forward their continued contributions to Kentucky.”
UK CAER will partner with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Pennsylvania State University, which also received funding today from DOE, to further the research and development of coal-derived carbon fibers.
“The University of Kentucky looks forward to working with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory on this important project,” said University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto. “By leveraging our expertise and collaborating with forward-thinking partners, we can advance coal conversion and reenergize the market. As Kentucky’s land-grant institution, UK has a responsibility to encourage economic prosperity through innovation and discovery, and this is an ideal opportunity to pursue those missions. We would not be celebrating this exciting project without the strong and consistent support of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. Senator McConnell was an early and fervent supporter of this work, and we appreciate his commitment to ensuring CAER remains a global leader in energy research and development.”
“Adding value to Kentucky’s and the nation’s economy has long been a hallmark of our research and outreach at the UK Center for Applied Energy Research,” said Rodney Andrews, CAER Director. “This coal-to-carbon fiber project allows us to continue that tradition in new and exciting ways and alongside a partner in Oak Ridge National Laboratory that is known across the globe for their innovation, discovery, and technology transfer programs. On behalf of CAER, I thank Senator McConnell for championing this work and important CAER research programs throughout his career.”
As Majority Leader and a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, Senator McConnell has supported UK CAER’s research activities to unleash the potential of Kentucky’s energy resources. In total, he has previously helped UK CAER secure more than $3.1 million in competitive federal grant funding for its carbon capture and clean coal development projects.
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