The Wisconsin Energy Institute is the primary home of the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC). One of three bioenergy research centers established by the U.S. Department of Energy in 2007, GLBRC is led by the University of Wisconsin–Madison, with Michigan State University as a major partner.

With more than 400 scientists, students, and staff representing a wide array of scientific disciplines, GLBRC's mission is to perform the basic research required to convert cellulosic biomass to advanced biofuels.

Drawing on a close partnership and a number of shared goals, WEI and GLBRC work together to conduct far-reaching educational programs and outreach and to seek out and develop collaborative new research opportunities.