Center for Applied Energy Research

researchers in blue lab coats hold coal, graphite, electrodes and batteries

UK researchers bridge Kentucky’s energy past with world’s energy future

Apr 28, 2026, 7:16 AM

Coal has long been the fuel at the heart of energy production in the Commonwealth. Kentuckians often grow up with stories of their grandfather’s days in the mines. But researchers at the University of Kentucky are finding ways to repurpose coal for energy storage — in the form of lithium-ion batteries.

Eric Frankl, Mitch McConnell and Eli Capilouto sit at a panel table

Sen. McConnell visits UK to celebrate federal funding for UK projects

Apr 9, 2026, 7:20 AM

More than $109 million in federal funding has been secured to support the University of Kentucky and Lexington's Blue Grass Airport

Rodney Andrews, CAER director and KNEDA chair, at the announcement.

UK-administered KNEDA awards $8 million in inaugural grants

Mar 13, 2026, 6:21 AM

The Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority (KNEDA), affiliated with the University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research (CAER), announced the first recipients of the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Grant Program last Thursday in Frankfort.

an arial view of the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant

UK, DOE evaluating seismic hazards at Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant

Jan 23, 2026, 7:56 AM

The UK Center for Applied Energy Research, Kentucky Research Consortium for Energy and Environment and the UK Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences are collaborating with the U.S. Department of Energy to characterize past seismic activity and evaluate future seismic hazard at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant.

EPIC approves plan to balance Kentucky’s electricity growth, affordability and reliability

Jan 22, 2026, 7:49 AM

The Kentucky Energy Planning and Inventory Commission approved a comprehensive plan to help Kentucky navigate a potential surge in electricity demand.

‘I am a UK Innovator’: College of Arts and Sciences’ John Anthony

Nov 6, 2025, 7:28 AM

In this Q&A, John Anthony describes his work developing new molecules for semiconductor applications and how this research helps train the next generation of interdisciplinary scientists. His award-winning contributions have positioned him among UK’s most highly cited researchers.