Three CU Boulder graduate students have taken significant steps toward advancing Colorado’s clean energy future. In fall 2025, they shared pivotal insights with the Colorado Electric Transmission Authority (CETA), emphasizing the potential of long-duration energy storage to optimize transmission use and bolster grid dependability. Their work is poised to shape future investments and policies aimed at enhancing renewable energy integration across Colorado and the broader Western grid.
Concurrently, in collaboration with Third Derivative, a program of the Rocky Mountain Institute, another team of students embarked on a project to streamline the transition of low-carbon building technologies from concept to real-world applications. By conducting over 40 interviews with key figures from architecture and engineering firms, as well as city policy leaders, the team identified the pathways most conducive to innovation adoption.
This initiative resulted in two comprehensive databases: one identifying U.S. cities and firms most amenable to new technologies, and another detailing the decision-making processes in building development. These resources offer practical solutions to common barriers, aiding Third Derivative in refining its investment strategies for its expansive portfolio of startups.
Another student team tackled decarbonization issues in partnership with Denver’s Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency (CASR) office. Their focus was on converting climate objectives into feasible strategies for neighborhood-level electrification, supporting the directives of Colorado House Bill 24-1370. Their research encompassed policy analysis, utility reviews, and the development of neighborhood profiles, alongside a resident survey gathering over 200 responses about electrification awareness and interest.
These projects are integral components of CU Boulder’s Masters of the Environment (MENV) capstone program, all of which directly contribute to the state’s decarbonization targets.
Colorado’s Renewable Energy Ambitions
Colorado is on a mission to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2040, a goal among the most ambitious in the nation. Governor Jared Polis’s roadmap outlines critical strategies such as expanding green jobs, modernizing regulatory bodies, transitioning to electric transportation, and promoting energy-efficient buildings. These efforts aim to enhance air quality, public health, and the local economy.
Realizing these goals will necessitate a robust expansion of clean technologies and infrastructure, coupled with significant investments in climate solutions. CU Boulder’s MENV program is at the forefront, training future leaders and advancing decarbonization through practical projects and industry collaboration.
Preparing the Next Generation
The MENV program, a two-year professional degree, equips students with the skills needed for careers focused on sustainability. With a specialization in Renewable and Sustainable Energy (RSE), students gain expertise through a curriculum that includes courses on energy systems, policy, markets, and technology, tailored to meet evolving industry demands. The program’s partnerships with industry leaders ensure graduates are well-prepared to tackle complex energy challenges.
Jim Hansley, a student in the RSE specialization, shared his experience:
“The RSE specialization within the Masters of the Environment (MENV) program at CU Boulder offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the clean energy transition. The curriculum spans energy systems, policy, markets, finance, buildings and emerging technologies, enabling students to see how technical, economic and regulatory forces interact to shape the future of energy. Courses are taught by practitioners and industry partners who bring current market realities into the classroom. Graduates leave with analytical depth and practical insight, prepared to engage complex energy challenges with practical perspective and meaningful impact.”
The program also includes field trips and international study opportunities, like a 2024 student trip to Japan, to provide firsthand experience with global energy and climate strategies.
From Capstones to Careers
A notable capstone project in 2025 involved students Annika Cederstrand, Casey Chabot, and Kaylie Larson, who partnered with OneEnergy Renewables. Over 11 months, they explored innovative interconnection pathways for renewable energy, aiming to reduce costs and development times. Their work provided valuable insights for OneEnergy’s outreach efforts.
Mikkela Blanton from OneEnergy Renewables praised the team:
“The capstone team exceeded my expectations, delivering innovative, data-driven work on interconnection pathways that will help our company explore new opportunities to accelerate decarbonization. Mentoring the students while gaining such high-quality results was incredibly rewarding.”
Following the project, Larson joined OneEnergy’s commercial strategy team, contributing to solar development and clean energy growth in Colorado and beyond.
Expanding Impact
The 2026 capstone initiative, marking MENV’s 10th year, includes partnerships with various entities like the city of Moab and Invenergy, providing students with ongoing opportunities to address real-world decarbonization challenges. With 25 projects planned, the program continues to drive impactful change across Colorado’s clean energy landscape.
This year, MENV students will work with Mountain Towns 2030 (MT2030) to create a tool for assessing community climate progress, gaining practical experience in applying sustainability solutions at the community level.
Alumni Leading the Charge
MENV graduates are making significant contributions to Colorado’s clean energy transition, holding positions at organizations such as Scout Clean Energy, Invenergy, and the Colorado Energy Office, where they support renewable development and climate policy implementation.
Original Story at www.colorado.edu