SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

Arizona State University launches global energy institute with $50mn donation

The American university unveils a new institute focused on the future of energy, funded by a $50mn gift from Robert Zorich, managing partner of EnCap Investments, to support applied research and training of new experts.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

SUBSCRIBE - 99$/year

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

Arizona State University (ASU) has announced the creation of the Global Institute for the Future of Energy, an entity dedicated to education, research and innovation in the energy sector. The project is backed by a $50mn (AED183.65mn) donation from Robert Zorich, managing partner at the investment fund EnCap Investments and alumnus of ASU’s Thunderbird School of Global Management.

The new institute, a joint initiative between ASU’s Global Futures Laboratory and Thunderbird School of Global Management, aims to develop practical solutions to global energy challenges. It will introduce academic programmes, scholarships, and an endowed chair, while also supporting public content initiatives such as Energy Switch, a programme aired on the US public television network PBS.

A university model centred on energy innovation

The stated goal of the institute is to expand access to factual knowledge on global energy issues, relying on interdisciplinary education and collaboration with industry stakeholders. The funding will also support the launch of an executive-in-residence programme, bringing energy sector leaders directly into research, teaching and public engagement.

Initial activities will focus on developing academic curricula, research partnerships and fellowship programmes for students and researchers. The institute aims to expand progressively, starting in Arizona before seeking international collaborations across the energy sector.

Philanthropic commitment focused on skills development

By funding this structure, Robert Zorich seeks to leverage ASU’s global reach and its ability to train future energy sector leaders. University President Michael Crow highlighted the importance of this effort in a context marked by the rapid rise of technologies such as artificial intelligence.

This project aligns with similar initiatives by North American universities aiming to create centres of excellence around contemporary energy issues. It reflects the growing emphasis on advanced skill development to meet the challenges of fast-evolving global energy systems.

  • Popular on energynews.pro
Enbridge commits $3bn to new projects while maintaining 2025 guidance
INNIO deploys 450 MW flexible power plant to support UK grid
India and Russia strengthen nuclear cooperation with new projects
Europe urged to invest massively in long-duration energy storage to save €103bn
NextNRG posts 196% revenue growth in October
Frontera splits operations to unlock asset value in Colombia
Frontera Energy will separate its oil and infrastructure operations in Colombia to create two independent entities with distinct strategies, with completion expected in the first half of 2026.
TotalEnergies commits $100mn with Climate Investment to support OGDC
TotalEnergies injects $100mn into Climate Investment’s Venture Strategy fund to accelerate the adoption of emissions reduction technologies within the oil industry under the OGDC framework.
Washington strengthens its support for Standard Lithium in Arkansas DLE project
Standard Lithium receives growing institutional backing in the United States to develop direct lithium extraction in Arkansas, a strategic area where the company positions itself against Exxon Mobil.
SBM Offshore raises 2025 forecast after 26% revenue surge
SBM Offshore reports year-to-date Directional revenue of $3.6bn, driven by Turnkey performance and the addition of three new FPSOs to its global fleet.
European Union prepares quotas to mandate locally produced low-carbon steel in public procurement
The European Commission is developing a scheme mandating a minimum share of EU-made low-carbon steel in public procurement, alongside a post-safeguard trade regime and targeted energy support to sustain the continental steel industry.
Sunsure Energy signs 19.36 MW hybrid solar-wind agreement with Deepak Fertilisers
Sunsure Energy will supply Deepak Fertilisers with 19.36 MW of hybrid solar and wind power, delivering 55 mn units of electricity annually to its industrial facility in Raigad, Maharashtra.
IonQ partners with University of Chicago to build next-generation quantum platform
IonQ will deploy a quantum computer and entanglement distribution network at the University of Chicago, strengthening its technological presence within the Chicago Quantum Exchange and accelerating its product roadmap.
VoltaGrid raises $5.0bn to deploy 4.3 GW of capacity by 2028
Texas-based energy solutions provider VoltaGrid secures record mixed financing to expand its decentralised power generation portfolio, primarily targeting hyperscale data centres.
IMCC and Maridive launch One Marine to capture offshore services demand
Kuwait's IMCC and Egypt's Maridive have formalised a joint venture based in Abu Dhabi to expand integrated offshore marine operations regionally and internationally.
Chevron strengthens post-Hess strategy and reassures markets on growth
In New York, Chevron outlines its long-term vision following the Hess integration, focusing on financial stability, spending reduction, and record production to consolidate investor confidence.
Electricity shortage threatens AI ambitions of American tech giants
Facing surging computing needs, US tech leaders are hitting an energy wall that slows down data centre construction and revives demand for gas and coal.
OMS Energy turns to AI and robotics to capture global pipeline inspection market
OMS Energy is accelerating investments in artificial intelligence and robotics to position itself in the growing pipeline inspection and maintenance sector, a strategic segment with higher margins than traditional equipment manufacturing.
Duke Energy expected to post Q3 growth driven by demand and revised rates
Duke Energy is set to release its third-quarter results on November 7, with earnings forecasts pointing upward, supported by strong electricity demand, new rate structures and infrastructure investments.
Engie maintains its 2025 targets despite pressure on energy prices
Engie maintains its 2025 earnings guidance despite falling energy prices and weaker hydro output, relying on its performance plan and a stronger expected fourth quarter.
Creekstone Energy raises funds for 10 GW AI energy campus in Utah
The funding round led by Trident Ridge and Pelion Ventures will allow Creekstone Energy to launch construction of its hybrid-generation site designed for AI-optimised data centres.
Air Products posts $394mn net loss in 2025 and streamlines energy project portfolio
The US group reported a $877mn operating loss for fiscal year 2025, impacted by $3.7bn in charges related to project exits and restructuring.
SLB launches Tela, an agentic artificial intelligence for upstream oil operations
SLB has unveiled Tela, an agentic artificial intelligence technology designed to automate upstream processes and enhance operational efficiency at scale.
Gibson Energy sets throughput record across terminals in Q3 2025
Gibson Energy reported record volumes in Canada and the United States, supported by the commissioning of key infrastructure and a cost reduction strategy.
TGS signs three-year strategic agreement with Chevron for offshore seismic acquisition
Norwegian provider TGS will mobilise its marine seismic resources for at least 18 months for Chevron under a three-year capacity agreement covering exploration and development projects.
Eversource posts $367.5mn profit in Q3 driven by electric distribution
Eversource Energy rebounded in the third quarter with a net profit of $367.5mn, driven by revenue increases in electric distribution and a sharp reduction in offshore wind-related losses.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

START - 99$/year

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.