In advance of the December 9, 2025, NCESR External Advisory Committee Meeting, the Energy Center hosted a luncheon to celebrate the center’s 20th anniversary. NPPD research liaison Alan Dostal provided a review of the formation of the Energy Center, which was the brainchild of then NPPD Director Darrell J. Nelson. This led to early discussions with then UNL Chancellor Harvey Perlman, Vice Chancellor for Research & Economic Development Prem Paul, and other staff from UNL and NPPD. The agreement between NPPD and UNL was made effective on April 1, 2006.
Alan Dostal went on to review the distinguished list of Energy Center Directors who have led the Energy Center since its inception. They include founding Director Dr. Ken Cassman, Dr. Mike Nastasi, Dr. Jerry Hudgins, and current Director Dr. George Gogos and Associate Director Dr. Mark Riley. Mr. Dostal also provided information on the academic benefits derived from the collaboration, citing the popular Darrell J. Nelson Summer Research Internship Program. He also cited the economic benefits derived from the Energy Center’s work on renewable fuels and the resulting byproducts such as wet distillers grain for cattle feed. Also noted were contributions from research in materials science, electronics, and other bioenergy technologies. The partnership between NPPD and UNL has been renewed for another five years, which marks NPPD’s 25-year commitment to energy-related research with UNL.