The University of Houston has announced the first head of its Shell-backed Energy Transition Institute.
Joseph Powell has been named founding director of the institute, which was established following a $10 million donation from Shell early last year. Powell is Shell’s former chief scientist and a member of the National Academy of Engineering, according to a UH press release.
“What I’m excited about in my new role is the opportunity to work with students, faculty and industry to make a difference on issues that really matter,” Powell said in the press release. “Who could miss that? Imagine the difficulties that arise when you do not have access to energy.
“At this stage, the global transformation towards energy abundance is not yet complete, so we need to expand the energy system while reducing its impact on climate and environment, and also develop circular systems to recycle materials and reduce waste,” he continues. “It’s a huge challenge, but a necessity to bring clean energy and sustainable chemicals into play around the world and develop solutions that improve the quality of life for all.”
The appointment was funded by a matching grant from the Governor’s University Research Initiative, a program established in 2015 to help Texas public universities recruit the best researchers. In addition to his role at the institute, Powell will also serve as a faculty member in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at UH Cullen College of Engineering.
“DR. Powell brings extensive experience, insight and passion to the position. I expect the institute will grow under his leadership to further strengthen UH’s position as an energy university,” said Ramanan Krishnamoorti, Vice President of Energy and Innovation at UH, in the press release, “We are grateful that Governor Abbott is prioritizing funding to bring recognized researchers to Texas through GURI and believe Dr. Powell has played a critical role in finding solutions to critical local and global… challenges around the energy transition will play.”
Powell’s name is associated with over 125 patent applications, over 60 of which have been granted. He has 36 years of chemical engineering experience, leading research and development programs in new chemical processes, biofuels and improved oil recovery.
The new institute is aligned – through its faculty and industry partnerships – towards education and research related to the future of affordable and clean energy, including hydrogen, carbon management and circular plastics.
“We need to be the trusted voice for stakeholders and the community that is objective and knowledgeable, where industry comes to present ideas and challenges, where faculty come together with their research interests and expertise to form partnerships and achieve more together, and where students are being transformed into the energy workers and leaders of tomorrow,” he says in the press release.
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