The economy, security, and quality of life of Americans is critically dependent on energy, yet the United States imports most of its transportation fuels from other nations. America can become energy independent - but to do so will require scientific advances, technological breakthroughs, policy stimuli, and economic incentives. The Rutgers Energy Institute (REI) was designed to meet those challenges.

The next few decades are critical. They provide a unique opportunity to transition from technologies developed in the early 20th century to those required to sustain economic growth with minimal environmental insult. To meet that challenge, Rutgers University has formed an Energy Institute (REI), with the basic goal of integrating the scientific, engineering, economic and policy resources across all academic units within the institution to develop the world's best strategic, interdisciplinary teams work on developing renewable, alternative energy sources. The primary mission of the REI is to foster both fundamental (basic) and applied scientific research and policy components to develop sustainable energy production compatible with economic growth and environmental vitality.

The REI is a national and state asset. This virtual institute was designed to:

1. Integrate the myriad energy related activities across the Rutgers campuses, and to foster collaborative and interactive projects which address solutions to the nation's energy problems


2. Advise federal and state decision makers and policy planners, industry, and the population at large on climate science, energy technologies, and policy options


3. Help the administration of the university develop a cutting edge research, educational, and outreach program to provide objective information about energy options


4. Develop a forum for exploring alternative energy sources and the barriers to energy independence

The Rutgers Energy Institute is a broad umbrella organization formed during the summer/fall of 2006 to help coordinate and promote the many individual and group energy activities at Rutgers. The internationally critical issues of global warming and competition over energy resources (including wars) are two of many motivating drivers that should place energy utilization, efficiency, and sustainability at the top of Rutgers, the nation's, and the world's list of priorities. Rutgers has excellent and growing programs in a variety of areas.