GILLETTE, Wyo. — The Wyoming Innovation Center, which will explore options for using the region’s natural resources to grow and sustain jobs, will have a grand opening Tuesday, June 14.
The grand opening at the 10-acre center, which is at 10 Innovation Drive in Gillette, will feature a flag-raising ceremony at noon and a 12:15 p.m. ribbon-cutting. There will also be tours available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The center’s tenants will evaluate the commercial viability of high-value nonfuel, low- or zero-emissions products made from coal and rare earth elements found in the fly ash of coal burned at local power plants, a news release said. Its first tenant, the National Energy Technology Laboratory, will focus on applied research for the production and use of clean energy resources, the release said.
University of Wyoming School of Energy Resources Executive Director Dr. Holly Krutka, Energy Capital Economic Development CEO Phil Christopherson, Campbell County Energy and Industry Advisor Jim Ford, Powder River Energy Corporation Foundation Executive Director Jeff Bumgarner and U.S. Dept. of Commerce Regional Director Angela Martinez are scheduled to speak at the event.