The workshop will advance knowledge of the critical research and workforce development needs that must be met to advance clean energy transitions in Tribal Nations in the United States. The workshop will make contributions in the following areas: A) documenting Tribal objectives in advancing clean energy projects and Indigenous viewpoints on the goals of Tribal energy sovereignty; B) identifying unique technical challenges to developing clean energy projects on Tribal lands and defining a research agenda to overcome these challenges; C) understanding non-technical (i.e., cultural, regulatory, economic) barriers to clean energy development on Tribal lands and defining an agenda for convergent research on socio-technical approaches to Tribal energy planning; D) identifying critical educational and workforce training needs that must be addressed to meet Tribal clean energy goals; and E) convening and fostering a diverse network of educators, researchers, and Tribal leaders and professionals to advance and champion this research and educational agenda.

This workshop will develop a research agenda to advance clean energy technology and project development in Tribal Nations in the United States. Indigenous communities experience some of the highest levels of energy poverty in the United States but also possess substantial renewable energy resources. The workshop will bring together research universities and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers with Tribal colleges and Primarily Undergraduate Institutions to seed collaborative opportunities for research that directly engages Indigenous students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The workshop will as well seek to identify strategies to engage Indigenous scholars in clean energy research and professional fields, and to foster effective collaboration between the research and practitioner communities.

Embark on a transformative journey towards sustainable energy futures at the Energy Sovereignty Research Workshop, an exclusive two-day gathering on March 12-13 at the picturesque Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort on the territory of Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico. This invitation-only event, funded by the National Science Foundation (#2346425) and the Public Interest Technology University Network, unites a curated group of 30 participants, encompassing a diverse array of clean energy experts and stakeholders.  Engaging sessions with active participation from all attendees will ensure that all voices and perspectives will be heard as we consider technical, non-technical, and workforce issues. Come ready to listen, speak, and shape the future of clean energy research for tribal energy sovereignty!