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Why a Special OED Newsletter on energy?
Rising energy prices, uncertainty over sources of energy associated with unstable governments around the world, and signs of global warming have pushed energy to center stage for politicians, companies, non-profit organizations, and individuals. As a result, state and regional policy has begun to focus on energy. Likewise, Virginia Tech and universities across the Commonwealth are coming together to coordinate their important role in addressing our energy needs. Energy is clearly a hot topic, and we are dedicating this special OED newsletter to this important subject.
While we generally focus on the challenges associated with the current energy environment, we also need to recognize that these challenges create opportunities for Virginia companies and communities. Likewise, this environment is the crucible that spawns technology-based innovation which is the heartbeat of Virginia’s universities.
If you are interested in learning more about how your companies and communities can benefit from this focus on energy, I highly encourage you to attend and bring your companies to the Virginia Tech Energy Research Engagement Showcase on November 29-30, 2006 in Blacksburg. This is an exciting opportunity to learn about the cutting-edge, energy-related technology being developed by the Commonwealth’s universities.
Ted Settle
Virginia Energy Plan
The Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy (DMME) has been directed, in consultation with the State Corporation Commission, Department of Environmental Quality, and Virginia Center for Coal and Energy Research to prepare, by July 1, 2007, a ten-year comprehensive Virginia Energy Plan (VEP) to implement the Commonwealth's energy policy. Senate Bill 262 called for the plan to:
- Support R&D and promote renewable use
- Ensure supply & conservation support economic growth
- Support R&D of clean coal technologies
- Ensure affordable natural gas
- Promote electricity through non-greenhouse gas technologies
- Facilitate new/expanded petroleum refining
- Promote alternate fuel/efficient motor vehicles
- Develop petroleum alternatives such as synthetic and hydrogen-based fuels
- Promote ethanol and biodiesel from agriculture
- Avoid disproportionate impact on economically disadvantaged communities
- Have energy generation & distribution systems to minimize impacts to pristine natural areas & significant onshore natural resources
The Virginia Energy Plan Advisory Group identified that Virginia has substantial energy research and development talent at Virginia universities and is trying to address what should be done to maximize the research and development of new energy sources at Virginia universities and businesses.
The 2006-2012 Virginia Tech strategic plan update identified Energy, Materials, and Environment as one of four broad areas of discovery that recognize Virginia Tech's strengths and its ability to address societal needs. The Deans' Task Force for Energy Security and Sustainability was created to coordinate, promote, and position Virginia Tech's educational, research, and outreach efforts to achieve sustainable and secure energy systems. This initiative on energy has been branded “Energy Ideas.”
The first event sponsored by the Dean’s Task Force was the October 16th Deans’ Forum on Energy Security and Sustainability that brought together the over two hundred energy related researchers at Virginia Tech. The forum fostered a synergy of research, education, and outreach efforts in the energy and energy-related environmental fields. The event also provided perspectives from policy leaders on energy-related needs, so Virginia Tech can target and enhance activity to address and further define those needs.
A series of events will follow this forum including the November 29-30 Energy Research Engagement showcase, a spring event in the National Capital Region, and culminating in a international event at Virginia Tech’s Center for European Studies and Architecture (CESA) in Switzerland.
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Energizing Appalachia
In October the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) unveiled its report, Energizing Appalachia: A Regional Blueprint For Economic and Energy Development, which aims to leverage the region’s energy potential to increase the supply of locally produced, clean, affordable energy, and to create and retain jobs. The plan’s strategic objectives are to:
- Promote energy efficiency in Appalachia to enhance the Region’s economic competitiveness,
- Increase the use of renewable energy resources, especially biomass, in Appalachia to produce alternative transportation fuels, electricity, and heat and,
- Support the development of conventional energy resources, especially advanced clean coal, in Appalachia to produce alternative transportation fuels, electricity, and heat.
The report notes “Appalachia is fortunate to have many respected universities and research institutions working on energy issues. By tapping this scientific and technological expertise and applying it in targeted economic development efforts, the Region can grow and keep energy-related jobs in Appalachia.” In particular, the report encourages support for universities to develop new technologies for energy efficiency and support commercialization of these technologies.
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 Partner Spotlight
The Virginia Center for Coal and Energy Research (VCCER) was established by the General Assembly in 1977 as an interdisciplinary study, research, information and resource facility for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Legislation mandates that the Center has a diverse Advisory Board appointed by Virginia Tech’s Board of Visitors. The Center works closely with a number of legislative committees, as well as individual representatives and cabinet offices in Richmond. The VCCER involves four primary functions:
- Research in interdisciplinary energy and coal-related issues of interest to the Commonwealth
- Coordination of coal and energy research at Virginia Tech
- Dissemination of coal and energy research information and data to users in the Commonwealth
- Examination of socio-economic implications related to energy and coal development and associated environmental impacts
The Virginia Coastal Energy Research Consortium was created to serve as an interdisciplinary study, research, and information resource for the Commonwealth on coastal energy issues. The focus of this consortium is off-shore energy including wind, wave and tidal power and seabed methane hydrates. It includes Old Dominion University, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, the Virginia Tech Advanced Research Institute, James Madison University, and Norfolk State University and is located at Old Dominion University.
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