UT Arlington has secured an $86 million U.S. Navy contract to advance shipboard power and propulsion technologies, led by the university's PEIR Lab via the Pulsed Power and Energy Laboratory (PPEL). The South Arlington facility, officially opened at a ribbon-cutting, can test propulsion and directed-energy systems in simulated shipboard environments to detect issues early and verify reliability. The project reinforces North Texas as a center for defense engineering and offers hands-on training for future engineers.
UT Arlington Lands $86M Navy Contract to Power Next-Generation Ship Propulsion
UTA
The University of Texas at Arlington has been awarded an $86 million contract by the U.S. Navy to accelerate development of advanced power and propulsion systems for future shipbuilding programs. UTA's Power and Energy Innovative Research (PEIR) Lab will lead the work through its Pulsed Power and Energy Laboratory (PPEL) infrastructure in South Arlington.
The newly opened PPEL facility — celebrated at a ribbon-cutting on Thursday — is designed to evaluate next-generation propulsion and directed-energy systems inside controlled environments that closely mimic shipboard conditions. By reproducing real-world electrical and thermal stresses, researchers can identify potential problems earlier and verify system reliability before deployment on operational vessels.
Lab Expertise and Mission
PPEL, founded in 2010, is a defense-focused testing and demonstration center that specializes in high-power energy storage and delivery systems, including batteries, capacitors and pulsed-power technologies. The lab examines component and system behavior under extreme power conditions that far exceed those encountered in consumer electronics, helping bridge the gap between laboratory research and operational readiness.
"We're honored that the Navy chose UT Arlington for this work," UTA President Jennifer Cowley said. "At our core, we have always been a practical-minded institution dedicated to making an impact."
"We're deeply grateful for this partnership that reflects years of collaborative work and a shared commitment to advancing innovations that matter," said David Wetz, professor of electrical engineering and PPEL director. "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."
Regional and Strategic Impact
Local and federal leaders praised the award as both an economic and strategic win for North Texas. "These projects don't happen by accident; they happen because both Arlington and UTA believe in the power of collaboration," Arlington Mayor Jim Ross said. Congressman Roger Williams called the investment "critical to maintaining U.S. naval strength," emphasizing the contract's role in sustaining the Navy's technological edge.
University officials also highlighted workforce benefits: the program will provide hands-on research and training opportunities for engineering students, preparing the next generation of professionals who will design, test and deploy critical shipboard systems.
With this contract, UTA and PPEL aim to shorten the development cycle for high-power maritime systems, reduce risk prior to fielding, and strengthen North Texas' reputation as a growing hub for defense engineering and innovation.
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