Spring Break
University project researches energy solutions
DAVID WHITE
Issue date: 8/28/08 Section: News
The worldwide energy crisis is hitting close to home, prompting some University research departments to seek alternatives.
At the request of David Lee, vice president for research, more than 90 University faculty members were challenged to streamline their resources to answer the growing need for renewable fuels and energy alternatives.
The Biofuels Biopower and Biomaterials Initiative (B3I) links different campus research initiatives to synthesize alternative fuels and energy options.
"It is impossible for all 90 of us to participate in one research activity. One of our goals is to provide a mechanism through which individuals can identify a potential collaborator for synergistic solutions activities instead of inadvertently competing with one another," said Joy Doran Peterson, assistant professor of Microbiology and chair of the Biofuels Biopower and Biomaterials Initiative
Peterson said members of the B3I project hope to find sustainable solutions like using chicken fat and wood chips to satisfy society's need for clean and cheap energy.
The University efforts already have garnered national praise. During the summer, the projects under the umbrella of the B3I project were presented to the USDA Bioenergy Awareness Days.
At The Grand Challenge symposium, the University showcased potential opportunities the state of Georgia has to offer in the area of green energy.
Some of the major research endeavors include growing algae in wastewater to create biofuel and determining a process for thermochemical fuel conversion.
"It's really pretty amazing when you consider all of the aspects in a transition from a petroleum-based economy to more of a biologically-based one and you find almost all areas covered at UGA," Peterson said.
The ongoing nature of the B3I project allows for perpetual research in several departments on campus and to provide synergy to address the growing problem of dwindling fossil fuels.
At the request of David Lee, vice president for research, more than 90 University faculty members were challenged to streamline their resources to answer the growing need for renewable fuels and energy alternatives.
The Biofuels Biopower and Biomaterials Initiative (B3I) links different campus research initiatives to synthesize alternative fuels and energy options.
"It is impossible for all 90 of us to participate in one research activity. One of our goals is to provide a mechanism through which individuals can identify a potential collaborator for synergistic solutions activities instead of inadvertently competing with one another," said Joy Doran Peterson, assistant professor of Microbiology and chair of the Biofuels Biopower and Biomaterials Initiative
Peterson said members of the B3I project hope to find sustainable solutions like using chicken fat and wood chips to satisfy society's need for clean and cheap energy.
The University efforts already have garnered national praise. During the summer, the projects under the umbrella of the B3I project were presented to the USDA Bioenergy Awareness Days.
At The Grand Challenge symposium, the University showcased potential opportunities the state of Georgia has to offer in the area of green energy.
Some of the major research endeavors include growing algae in wastewater to create biofuel and determining a process for thermochemical fuel conversion.
"It's really pretty amazing when you consider all of the aspects in a transition from a petroleum-based economy to more of a biologically-based one and you find almost all areas covered at UGA," Peterson said.
The ongoing nature of the B3I project allows for perpetual research in several departments on campus and to provide synergy to address the growing problem of dwindling fossil fuels.
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