The University of Texas at Arlington has secured an $86 million contract from the U.S. Navy to advance power and propulsion systems critical for the future of U.S. Navy shipbuilding.
UTA's Power and Energy Innovative Research (PEIR) Lab, housed under the Pulsed Power and Energy Laboratory (PPEL), will lead the effort. David Wetz, professor of electrical engineering and the lab's director, will serve as principal investigator.
"We're honored that the Navy chose UT Arlington for this work," President Cowley said. "At our core, we have always been a practical‑minded institution dedicated to making an impact. At the same time, we are a top‑tier R‑1 research university committed to exploring the world's most pressing challenges. This lab reflects both of those truths."
The PEIR lab, located in South Arlington, officially opened Thursday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that featured remarks from Dr. Wetz, UTA President Jennifer Cowley and Arlington Mayor Jim Ross.
"We're deeply grateful for this partnership that reflects years of collaborative work and a shared commitment to advancing innovations that matter," Wetz said. "UTA is proud to contribute our expertise, facilities and talent to support next generation innovation while helping prepare the engineers who will continue to advance these technologies and the service members who will depend on them."
The Pulsed Power and Energy Laboratory is an Arlington-based, defense-focused testing and demonstration facility that brings significant federal investment to the state, strengthens national security and helps build a highly skilled engineering workforce. Its large, flexible power system that can simulate real-world ship conditions, positioning North Texas as a preferred destination for the Department of Defense and the Navy to test next-generation power technologies.
The lab enables researchers to safely evaluate how advanced technologies—such as directed energy systems and next-generation propulsion—perform before deployment. By recreating real-world scenarios in a controlled environment, researchers can identify potential issues early and ensure systems are reliable and mission-ready.
"I'm proud to see the University of Texas at Arlington earn this $86 million contract from the United States Navy," said Congressman Roger Williams (Texas-25). "This investment will play a critical role in helping ensure the Navy remains the strongest fighting force in the world. TX-25 is honored to support the mission of the Department of War and the United States Navy."
"These projects don't happen by accident; they happen because both Arlington and UTA believe in the power of collaboration," City of Arlington Mayor Jim Ross said. "This project isn't just about providing an opportunity for innovation, it's about providing an opportunity for others to come and focus on potential, and that's what we are all about."
Since its founding in 2010, PPEL has conducted extensive research on energy storage, including batteries and capacitors at the component and system levels. The lab specializes in evaluating how these technologies perform, heat and degrade when operating at power levels far beyond those found in consumer electronics.
"This facility embodies what we hope to do best with our research—bring together smart people, solve practical and pressing challenges and forge strong partnerships in service of real world impact," Cowley said.
About The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)
The University of Texas at Arlington is a growing public research university in the heart of Dallas-Fort Worth. With a student body of over 42,700, UTA is the second-largest institution in the University of Texas System, offering more than 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Recognized as a Carnegie R-1 university, UTA stands among the nation's top 5% of institutions for research activity. UTA and its 280,000 alumni generate an annual economic impact of $28.8 billion for the state. The University has received the Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation from the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities and has earned recognition for its focus on student access and success, considered key drivers to economic growth and social progress for North Texas and beyond.
