Accelerating the Transition to Advanced Clean Energy Technologies
VERTical Innovation Cluster
VERTical is a vast coalition working together to accelerate the deployment of next-generation nuclear and other advanced carbon-free energy technologies for a sustainable future.
Led by Port of Benton, VERTical is based in the Northwest, the most robust clean energy region in the U.S., with experienced developers, operators and workers alongside researchers and trailblazers.
Our collective efforts contribute to decarbonization goals and energy efficiency, equity and resiliency for communities everywhere.
Northwest Advanced Clean Energy Park
VERTical is collaborating with City of Richland, Port of Benton, Tri-City Development Council, Clean Energy Supplier Alliance and other partners to establish the Northwest Advanced Clean Energy Park in Tri-Cities, Washington.
The Opportunity: A VERTical (Green) Economy
The VERTical coalition will serve as a catalyst to accelerate the transition to advanced clean energy technologies and stimulate economic growth first in the Northwest, then across the U.S.
As the drive to decarbonize the economy accelerates, our region is uniquely poised to be the national leader in next-generation nuclear power generation as an essential part of a sustainable, all-of-the-above clean energy strategy.
VERTical's Coalition
VERTical's Priorities
We’re leveraging our shared strengths in advanced clean energy research, innovation, development and operation to advance the priorities identified through stakeholder input and ongoing engagement.
Our work will deliver scalable resources that communities throughout the country can deploy – especially in states most severely impacted by the closing of carbon-emitting energy generation facilities.
Facilitate next-generation nuclear energy reactor demonstration and deployment projects.
Establish the first industry-led domestic Clean Energy Supplier Alliance to build a supply chain for next-generation nuclear and advanced clean energy systems.
Ensure the readiness of the industry’s future clean energy skilled trades and professional workforce to create a talent pipeline.
What Are Innovation Clusters
An Innovation Cluster is an industry-led organization that uses a proven international model to power innovation, go after market opportunities and identify and fix challenges that limit growth within a specified sector of the economy.
Coalition members collaborate to meet industry challenges and be competitive in their sector’s marketplace.
Attract talent, capital & high-value jobs
Train students and upskill the existing workforce
Develop new high-growth, high-value industries
Increase exports
Compete in the global clean energy economy
Innovation Cluster Accelerator Program
Washington State Department of Commerce has invested in the VERTical Cluster as part of its first cohort for funding through its Innovation Cluster Accelerator Program.
Current Innovation Clusters with support from Washington’s Department of Commerce include:
Enterprise Digital Growth Ecosystem (EDGE) Cluster
