Energy Highlights
A twice-monthly energy news update from MMPEI
January 17, 2008
Vol. 2 No. 1
U-M NEWS
Cross Discipline Collaboration Key to Sustainability Progress
In order to understand the complexities and consequences of global warming and energy sustainability, collaborartion between disciplines is required. The U-M's Erb Institute for Global Sustainability and other universities encourage research across a spectrum of varying discplines including business, science, engineering and the social sciences.
University Research Corridor Announces Energy Research Grant Competition
Michigan State University, the University of Michigan, and Wayne State University announce a funding opportunity of up to $900,000 for a maximum period of three years for full-time faculty in the above-listed URC institutions, focused on new research leading to revolutionary but feasible outcomes in alternative energy. Funded projects to be considered will include research in materials (including nanomaterials), clean energy sources, transmission and storage that is environmentally safe, cost-effective, and secure, and energy policy. Preference will be given to projects with excellent potential for innovation and feasibility that span two or more URC institutions and are multidisciplinary in nature.
ENERGY NEWS
Flying on Alternative Fuels
Whether for supersonic fighter jets or commercial airliners, the aviation world has begun a quest for the fuel of the future, transitioning away from petroleum-derived JP-8 and Jet A varieties to Fischer-Tropsch synthetics or biofuels. Driven by security and environmental concerns as well as skyrocketing oil prices the aviation industry continues to cut back on fuel burn as it searches for cleaner, cheaper alternatives.
New Natural Gas Storage Technology Brightens Natural Gas Vehicles Future
Adsobed Natural Gas (ANG) technology, uses nanoporous material, such as activated charcoal, to increase the capacity of compressed natural gas storage tanks. ANG technology also gives the option of carrying the same amount of compressed natural gas (CNG) under lower pressure or changing the shape of the storage tank from a cylinder to a free form shape.
Switch-grass Based Ethanol Shows Promise
A five year study conducted by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, examined the efficiency of biofuel produced from switch grass. This study indicated the potential to produce 540 percent more energy than is needed to grow, harvest, and process it into cellulosic ethanol. The study also found greenhouse gas emissions from production of cellulosic ethanol were 94% lower than the estimated greenhouse gas emissions emitted from gasoline production.
Big Drop in Cost of Solar Panels
Nanosolar of San Jose, California has developed a new propriety solar cell manufacturing process. The company believes it can profitably sell the solar panels for 99 cents per watt.
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Wood Education and Resource Center Competitive Grants Program for Fiscal Year 2008 - Due 02/04/2008
The Forest Service is seeking proposals for cost-shared demonstration projects that (among other things) increase the sustainable use of woody biomass to meet our nation’s energy and raw materials needs. Examples include public/private partnerships for the use of woody biomass in heating and cooling, process energy, cogeneration, district energy systems, and solid and liquid fuel production. Twenty awards between $10,000 and $100,000 are contemplated.
Plug In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) Technology Acceleration And Deployment Activity - Due 02/13/2008
The Department of Energy Office of Vehicle Technology is seeking applications for cost-shared development and demonstration of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). The vehicle shall be capable of charging by using the standard 110 volt outlet found in every home and building across the United States. One to Four awards with a $10M floor are contemplated.
NSF Program Calls
A number of NSF programs in energy-related areas have calls upcoming in February and March. These include: Power, Controls and Adaptive Networks (PCAN); Energy for Sustainability; Interfacial Processes and Thermodynamics; and Combustion, Fire, and Plasma Systems.
These and other funding opportunities are listed on the MMPEI Opportunities Page.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sustainable Energy Research Update for U of M’s Alcoa Foundation Conservation and Sustainability Fellowship Program
“Enabling technology for a sustainable energy future” will be the agenda of an upcoming research workshop highlighting the work of five current post-doctoral fellows in U of M’s interdisciplinary research and training program funded by Alcoa Foundation. Research fellows will present work exploring technical, economic, and business aspects of wind energy, vehicle emissions, and strategic environmental management at the corporate and international levels, starting at 8:30 am, Friday January 25, in the Welker Room of the Michigan Union. Eleven faculty from four University schools/colleges, comprising the program’s sustainability cabinet, will provide comments. Anyone interested in attending any or all of the presentations, or more information, should contact Dr. Hilary Grimes-Casey (grimeshg@umich.edu).
