“Peabody is a global leader in clean coal solutions, advancing signature projects and partnerships around the world to commercialize near-zero emissions technologies,” said Peabody Energy Chairman and CEO Gregory H. Boyce. “Coal has been the fastest growing fuel in the world for each of the past five years. We’re pleased to engage in multiple university research partnerships that will help unlock the full value of coal.”

The funds are being committed through multi-year grants and include:
• $5 million to Washington University in St. Louis to establish the Consortium for Clean Coal Utilization, which will develop carbon capture and storage technologies, oxyfuel combustion and other approaches to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
• $2 million to the University of Wyoming to support the Clean Coal Technology Center through the School of Energy Resources. The grant will focus on economic and energy analysis and will support the Technology Center’s work in advanced coal utilization research and interdisciplinary undergraduate and graduate programs for energy-related careers. It will also serve as a catalyst for technology transfer to key stakeholders. A multidisciplinary economic and energy analysis of the Powder River Basin's contribution to America’s economy will be part of the initial and ongoing research.
• $2 million to the University of Arizona to create the Institute of Mineral Resources, which will develop best practices in mining, safety and environmental stewardship. Key research efforts include advancing mine safety technology and research on energy-efficient mining.