Energy Highlights
A twice-monthly energy news update from MMPEI
November 15, 2007
Vol. 1 No. 5
U-M News
First-of-its-kind Dual Degree Combines Engineering and Sustainability
Starting in fall 2008, graduate students at U-M will be able to pursue a degree in Engineering Sustainable Systems (ESS). This new dual degree program, the first in the nation, will combine the requirements for a master of science in engineering with the master of science in natural resources and environment. The goal is to educate engineers to integrate the principles of sustainability into their professional work and more effectively tackle the interconnected issues facing society today, such as climate change and the energy challenge.
U-M Gets High Marks in Sustainability
U-M received an overall grade of B+ in the 2008 College Sustainable Report Card, an annual study of environmental and energy initiatives on campus produced by the Sustainable Endowment Institute. In the categories of transportation, food and recycling, program administration, and investment priorities (which includes renewable energy funds), U-M was awarded an A. In the climate change and energy category, U-M received a B, with the report citing the replacement of old lighting and on-going audits of energy use in buildings as successful initiatives.
Energy News
Fuel Without the Fossil
Entrepreneurs are cashing in on ethanol craze by devising new methods to create biofuels from biomass such as corn stalks, wood chips, straw and even some household garbage. For many years, scientists have studied biological ways to extract sugar from biomass to create ethanol. Now, some enterprising companies are borrowing chemical techniques from oil refining and other industries to transform biomass into ethanol or even diesel or gasoline that can be be transported using existing pipeline infrastructure and burned using existing engine technology.
$100 Oil Prospect Fuels Clean Energy Stocks
As U.S. crude oil futures hit a succession of all-time highs and the potential for oil to reach $100 a barrel looms large, clean energy stocks have risen as well. Solar energy companies have done especially well, up 125 percent overall this year. However, analysts say a direct link between the two remains elusive. Most low carbon, fossil fuel alternatives such as wind and solar are still more expensive than oil and coal and benefit from higher oil and power prices, but government support of renewable energy technologies remains vital to their success.
IEA Releases World Energy Outlook Report
The International Energy Agency (IEA), an organization of 26 countries, released their 2007 World Energy Outlook report that says the next ten years are critical and cooperation with China and India is essential. Rapid economic development and growing energy demand in China and India will greatly affect the global energy market and necessitates collective action by all countries to curb their excessive energy demand and greenhouse gases. The IEA's World Energy Outlook also offers policy recommendations that can pave the way to an alternative energy future.
Electric Buyers in Michigan Urge Renewables, Not Coal
The Customer Choice Coalition (CCC) is speaking out against a proposal by Consumers Energy to build a coal-fired plant near Bay City. Instead, the CCC says a combination of smaller, distributed power plants, including wind and biomass generation, can produce the power Michigan needs, and at a lower price. Their analysis shows that wind power backed up by natural gas generated electricity when needed would cost about 10 percent less than the total cost of electricity from a coal plant and create less pollution.
Faculty News
Two U-M Faculty to Partake in Solar America Initiative Awards
Two research projects investigating next generation photovoltaic technology that will accelerate the use of solar power have received funding from the U.S. Department of Energy and the Solar America Initiative. Stephen Forrest, professor of physics, electrical engineering and material science and Vice President for Research, will lead a project to demonstrate effective tandem crystalline organic photovoltaic cells. Mayaterials Inc., a company founded by professor of materials science and engineering Richard Laine, will study how to produce solar grade silicon from agricultural by-products.
Consensus Builds to Create Limits on Carbon Emissions
In a recent Detroit News editorial, Holcim professor of sustainable enterprise Andrew Hoffman states that "new federal regulations regarding carbon emissions will be on the books within the next five years." Why? The sense of urgency about climate change and energy consumption is no longer solely the concern of the environmental movement. Companies, corporate leaders and many other players realize the game is changing and they want to know the new rules.
Project to Make Electricity from Detroit River's Flow
Technology invented by professor of naval architecture and marine engineering Michael Bernitsas will be used to generate electricity from the Detroit River. Bernitsas' VIVACE device uses cylinders installed under the water's surface to capture the kinetic energy from low-speed river or ocean currents. The Port Authority is developing a public dock in the Detroit River between Hart Plaza and plans to use renewable hydro energy to power the dock's lights.
Funding Opportunities
Continuation of Solicitation for the Office of Science Financial Assistance Program - Ongoing until 9/30/2008
The Office of Science of the Department of Energy has reissued its standing solicitation for grant applications for support of work in the following program areas: Basic Energy Sciences, High Energy Physics, Nuclear Physics, Advanced Scientific Computing, Fusion Energy Sciences, Biological and Environmental Research, and Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists.
Additional funding opportunities are listed on the MMPEI Opportunities Page.
