The Wyoming Energy Authority (WEA), a state agency, is requesting proposals to conduct a comprehensive Wyoming Coal Study. This one-time initiative seeks to assess the current and future viability of Wyoming’s thermal coal industry. The RFP outlines a broad and detailed scope that spans supply analysis, market forecasting, investment interest, regulatory challenges, export potential, and policy reform recommendations. The study is critical to informing Wyoming’s long-term energy strategy as it faces evolving federal regulations, shifts in energy demand, and infrastructure constraints.
Study goals include evaluating current reserves in the Powder River and Green River Basins, characterizing coal demand markets both domestically and internationally, and identifying barriers and opportunities for expanding coal exports. Applicants are also expected to assess the potential for new coal-fired generation investment, evaluate necessary infrastructure, and analyze regulatory frameworks that influence leasing, permitting, and mining operations. The final output will include a phased technical report and a non-technical public summary synthesizing findings across all study phases.
Eligible applicants include entities with the capacity to manage large-scale energy research, such as academic institutions, private consultants, energy firms, or collaborative teams with subject-matter expertise. Proposals were required to include a technical section with resumes, work plans, project management strategies, and prior experience, as well as a cost proposal broken down by deliverable.
Proposals were submitted directly to the WEA by April 25, 2025, with earlier deadlines for questions and interviews. Evaluation criteria included technical capacity, experience with government projects, innovation, and cost competitiveness. The tentative award date was May 1, 2025, with the project expected to begin May 9, 2025, and conclude by November 30, 2025.
Successful applicants will enter a formal agreement with WEA and must provide insurance, cooperate with audits, and submit a final report summarizing all phases of the project. Ownership and licensing of intellectual property produced under this RFP will be governed by the contract. This opportunity is a closed, non-recurring competitive RFP funded by the State of Wyoming, administered under the oversight of WEA's Director of Fossil Fuel Development.
Strong phased approach and Wyoming regulatory familiarity are advantageous
