THE energy summit last week brought together experts from the public and private sectors for a real wrestling match with America's energy dilemma. There were presentations about carbon sequestration; coal gasification; carbon credit markets; wind, solar and hydropower energy generation options; and other complex challenges that sit before us like unopened Christmas presents bound up with tight stubborn paper and bows of steel.
It was clear that our challenge is to put our best minds to work undoing those restrictive bows and wrappings, solving complex problems and transforming America's most abundant natural energy resource - coal - from what some have seen as the lump in the Christmas stocking to the brightest Christmas present under the tree for an energy independent America.
There is no better place in this nation to undertake that challenge than here. West Virginia, by virtue of its natural resources, its history of energy production, and its leadership, is "America's Energy State." The announcement made at the summit regarding establishment of the new coal-to-liquids plant in Mingo County is a perfect example of the potential of West Virginia to claim that title.
West Virginia University, with decades of experience in both preparing new scientists and engineers for the challenges and undertaking relevant hands-on research for effective and responsible energy production is certainly "The Energy University."
It is an impressive partnership. As West Virginia's governor and as WVU's president, we are committed to a strategic partnership of shared purpose and coordinated action to achieve energy independence and efficiency and provide energy leadership for the entire U.S.
WVU stands at the forefront of efforts to bring energy answers to bear. The participants of this year's energy summit learned about WVU's long labor in the energy field and how that work is resulting in: restoration of West Virginia lands and waters; the education of West Virginia manufacturers in more efficient energy use to save money and jobs; enlightenment of millions of Americans about the potential of alternative fuel vehicles; safer conditions for coal miners and more efficiency for coal producers; conversion of mine-scarred lands into sustainable energy parks that produce new fuels; demonstration of a new underground carbon storage initiative; and a host of other exciting innovations.
They also learned about WVU's partnerships with Carnegie-Mellon and the University Pittsburgh on projects through the National Energy Technology Laboratory and collaborations with the University of Kentucky, Auburn, and Utah on coal-to-liquids research.
All of that is wonderful progress, but it isn't enough. It will not be enough until foreign oil imports can be reduced and coal can be used in concert with renewable energy and new technologies cleanly and efficiently.
WVU has begun an energized new endeavor known as the Advanced Energy Initiative (AEI) that addresses fossil and renewable energy, sustainability and energy policy and will further elevate the University's status as a preeminent source of energy knowledge. AEI is a component of the Research Trust Fund (also known as Bucks for Brains) that our State initiated to bolster research at West Virginia's universities.
As a further demonstration of WVU's commitment to rise to the next level of energy research prominence, a new energy research czar will be appointed soon to intensify, coordinate and further focus the University's energy work. The road ahead warrants such responses because as we take positive steps forward, we continue to encounter even more scientific as well as policy challenges.
For example, consider the new announcement of a coal-to-liquids plant in Mingo County. Adam Victor, President of TransGas Development Systems told how his company's new plant will work to convert 8,500 tons of coal into 18,000 barrels of gasoline per day. It will be a $3 billion investment that will produce West Virginia jobs; another source for America's fuel needs; potential for answering the carbon problem; and more.
Victor touched upon the need to explore the issue of rights-of-way for the creation of separate pipelines to transport sequestered carbon dioxide. That is an issue that sits squarely on the plates of America's policy-makers and will require debate.
All these developments are on WVU's energy radar. AEI was crafted in consultation with researchers, federal agency representatives and the private sector to focus on the science of the energy challenge and the provision of expert policy input for our state and national leaders.
WVU is one of America's distinguished land-grant institutions with a mission to focus on what is important to its home state and to its nation. At no time in history has energy ever been more central to both. WVU has not just come to the table on this issue in pursuit of the hot issue of the day. Its National Research Center for Coal and Energy (NRCEE) is in its 30th year of work on energy research topics and is responsible for many of the successes reported at the Energy Summit. That work is the foundation upon which AEI will build.
All West Virginians should be proud of our efforts to hash out the issues and challenges that stand before us by bringing intellectual and practical forces to bear. They should be equally proud of the contributions of its flagship research university's contributions to answering those challenges.
Through a commitment to empowered engagement, speedy and efficient problem-solving and the support of the public and private sectors, West Virginia and WVU will continue to carry the energy research banner forward and have wonderful results to share at future energy summits.
Manchin is the governor of West Virginia, and Magrath is WVU's interim president.
wvgazette.com