Energy Highlights
A bi-monthly energy news update from MMPEI
September 18, 2007
Vol. 1 No. 1
This is the inaugural issue of Energy Highlights from the Michigan Memorial Phoenix Energy Institute, and is being distributed to all the units that have worked with MMPEI since its inception nearly a year ago. Energy Highlights will bring you energy-related news from U-M and the world, U-M faculty news, energy funding opportunities and upcoming events. We hope you find this both interesting and useful.
If you want to ensure that you will continue to receive Energy Highlights, click on the 'subscribe' link below. We would welcome your comments.
Regards,
Dave Walker
MMPEI Assoc. Director
Outreach & Development
U-M News
DTE Energy Foundation Advances U-M Energy Leadership with $1.5 Million Professorship
DTE Energy Foundation has pledged $1.5 million to the College of Engineering and the Michigan Memorial Phoenix Energy Institute (MMPEI) to create the DTE Energy Professorship of Advanced Energy Research. The contribution reflects DTE Energy's commitment to advanced energy research and belief in MMPEI's ability to provide solutions to energy-related challenges worldwide. The DTE Energy professorship will support a faculty member whose research will include alternative energy sources, energy storage and conversion, transportation, fuels or sustainability.
Companies Participating in Greenhouse Gas Registry Claim Emissions Reductions but Evidence Shows Actual Increases
The Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise announced the results of the first study to focus on whether companies who voluntarily participate in the U.S. Department of Energy’s program to report reductions of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions actually reduce GHG in the amounts claimed. The findings supported what many experts had long suspected – that participating companies tend to have increased emissions but report reductions. In addition, the study found that non-participating companies tend to have decreased emissions over time, relative to a 1995 baseline.
University Research Corridor Partners with Michigan Businesses to Bring $9.7 Million to State
U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman announced 11 research grants to improve the fuel efficiency of light-duty vehicle engines with five of the 11 involving University Research Corridor partners working with Michigan companies. U-M will partner with Robert Bosch LLC in Farmington Hills as well as Ricardo Inc., for a $1.5 million project to implement an integrated hardware-software system, yielding gasoline-like fuel economy when operating on E-85.
Energy News
APEC Declaration on Climate Change Emphasizes Energy Efficiency
At the recent Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Australia, the group, which includes the United States and China, set an APEC-wide goal to reduce energy intensity to 25% below 2005 levels by 2030. The group will also establish an Asia-Pacific Network for Energy Technology (APNet) to strengthen collaboration on energy research in the region, particularly in areas such as clean fossil energy and renewable energy sources.
Beyond Wind and Solar, a New Generation of Clean Energy
As policymakers promote alternative energy sources to reduce the United States' emissions of greenhouse gases and its dependence on foreign oil, entrepreneurs are becoming increasingly inventive about finding novel ways to power the economy. This push for lesser-known renewables -- which also includes geothermal, solar thermal and tidal energy -- may someday help ease the country's transition to a society less reliant on carbon-based fuels. But many of these technologies are in their infancy, and it remains to be seen whether they can move to the marketplace and come close to meeting the country's total energy needs.
Cooking Up More Uses for the Leftovers of Biofuel Production
Around the country, scientists, entrepreneurs and venture capitalists are becoming increasingly interested in making more than fuel out of the raw materials for biodiesel fuel and ethanol. Some researchers are finding innovative uses for a byproduct of the production of biodiesel fuel, glycerol, that could help transform the biodiesel industry into something that more closely resembles the petroleum industry, where fuel is just one of many profitable products. Other researchers are trying to develop technologies and processes that could yield different, more valuable byproducts.
Faculty News
Inaugural MMPEI Energy Faculty Fellows Named
Fifty distinguished faculty members from across the University of Michigan have been selected for membership in the new MMPEI Faculty Fellows Program. The MMPEI Faculty Fellows Program represents the most active faculty in energy research and education at U-M and help shape the energy initiative by participating in MMPEI activities and events and providing feedback on solicitations and proposals for energy research and education programs. Fellows are also available for inquiries from the media, industry, and government concerning matters relating to energy.
Listen to "Cars of the Future " Podcast with Zoran Filipi
Will you be driving a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle in ten years? Zoran Filipi, assistant director of the Automotive Research Center, examines the potential of a plug-in hybrid that combines environmental advantages of the electric vehicle with range-extension capability of the internal combustion (IC) engine.
Funding Opportunities
Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation 2008 (EFRI) - Due 10/26/07 (LOI Due 09/25/07)
For this solicitation, the NSF Office of Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation (EFRI) will consider proposals that aim to investigate emerging frontiers in the following two specific research areas: (1) Cognitive Optimization and Prediction: From Neural Systems to Neurotechnology (COPN), and (2) Resilient and Sustainable Infrastructures (RESIN).
Solar America Initiative (SAI) University Photovoltaic Process and Product Development Support - Now Due 10/16/07
DOE is soliciting applications from U.S. universities for projects that offer direct, n ear-term improvements in photovoltaic products and development processes. This deadline was recently extended.
Manufacturing Research and Development for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Systems - 10/10/07
This DOE opportunity (FOA) concentrates on the major topics that need to be addressed through hydrogen and fuel cell systems manufacturing R&D, focusing primarily on technologies that are near commercialization.
Upcoming Events
Energy Day, September 19, 2007
Part of Global Awareness Week, Energy Day aims to raise awareness of energy issues and global sustainability among students. Activities include an online scavenger hunt, poster competition, industry fair, car expo and speaker series.
The Role of Engaged Universities in Economic Transformation - October 15-16, 2007
Organized by the University Research Corridor, this two-day conference will examine how universities can help transform manufacturing states such as Michigan into tomorrow's knowledge-based economy. Plenary talks will be presented on Day 1 by leaders from academia, government, business and think tanks. Day 2 will begin with a plenary session and then provide concurrent workshops aimed at developing action plans for key players in the intended economic transformation.
Faculty Advised Student Team Competitions
2007-2008 Hydrogen Design Contest: Hydrogen Applications for Airports - Due 10/26/07
The Hydrogen Education Foundation’s Hydrogen Design Contest challenges teams of university-level students from around the world to develop and design hydrogen applications for real-world use. This contest focuses developing a $3M plan to implement available hydrogen technologies at the Columbia SC Metropolitan Airport. Abstract Deadline 26 October 2007. Entry Submission Deadline 7 December 2007. Winners Announced 01 February 2008.
5th Annual P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition for Sustainability Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet - Due 12/20/07
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as part of the P3 Award Program, is seeking applications proposing support to student teams (with a faculty advisor) for Phase I to research, develop, and design solutions to real world challenges involving sustainability. Selected teams will have an opportunity in Phase II to apply for funding for implementation of solutions.
