Research and development

Tri-State is focused on the future, while also meeting the power needs of today. We see the speed at which new technologies are introduced, and take an active approach to research and development (R&D). We pursue technologies that will reduce emissions from generating stations, while also improving efficiency to meet growing demand.

This isn’t something new for us. We have a long history of supporting R&D efforts to advance carbon dioxide (CO2) capture and to identify commercial uses for CO2. Technological breakthroughs could allow power plant operators to convert CO2 waste into useful fuels, chemicals and other valuable products.

In October 2015, we pledged significant funding for Wyoming’s Integrated Test Center (ITC), which is being hosted at Basin Electric Power Cooperative’s Dry Fork Station in Gillette, WY. The ITC provides a platform for researchers to develop commercially viable uses for CO2 emissions, and is home to the final demonstration stage of the $20 million Carbon XPRIZE.

We work with others who face the same challenges we do, or whose mission is to advance R&D for the electric industry, and together identify and test the viability of new technologies in real-world applications. These relationships open up greater opportunities for progress than we would have on our own. Through our partnerships with leading organizations like the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), we directly participate in research projects, helping to solve unique challenges, bringing us early information on advanced technologies, and accelerating the commercialization of new products.

Research and development is more critical than ever in our rapidly changing industry. We’re always looking for new solutions that can benefit our members and improve Tri-State’s operations.