Appalachia America Energy Research Center

History

In August of 2008, the Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission took the bold step of approving more than $36.6 million for five energy research projects, including one in Wise County at the Lonesome Pine Regional Technology Park adjoining the Town of Wise and the College at UVa-Wise. This five million dollar allocation, accompanied by a loan from the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VACEDA) enabled the Wise County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) to move forward with it's own bold steps.

Mission

The mission of Appalachia America Energy Research Center (AAERC) is to maximize existing energy resources and support the commercialization of new energy technologies for the benefit of creating jobs in the Southwest Virginia region, primarily through formation and stewardship of new start-up companies tied to the commercialization of well-vetted breakthrough energy technologies. The incubation of small energy oriented start-ups with commercially viable technologies will support a larger network of suppliers and services in the region. To promote this mission the Appalachia America Energy Research Center has been working with independent organizations, individual inventors, student groups and private companies since January 2010 as the first clean energy incubator in Southwest Virginia.