AIChE Sparks Energy Forum

More than 200 chemical engineers took time on Sunday, October 30th, 2005 to share their ideas for the ways AIChE and their profession can address the world's energy challenges. Suggestions covered technologies from biomass to nuclear to hydrogen to photovoltaics, and covered topics from education to advocacy to research. These views were expressed at an open forum on energy held in Cincinnati in conjunction with AIChE's Annual Meeting. The forum was co-hosted by AIChE's Commission on Energy Challenges, chaired by Amos Avidan of Bechtel Corporation, and AIChE's Assembly of Fellows, chaired by John O'Connell of the University of Virginia.

One over-riding theme that emerged was that AIChE, with its technical expertise, should provide a neutral ground for methodically exploring energy options, and for sifting through the conflicting analyses that sometimes characterize the energy debate. Another idea that surfaced was for AIChE to adapt its model of the Center for Chemical Process Safety or Design Institute for Physical Properties and launch a research effort on behalf of a consortium of companies. The focus of such research could be optimizing the companies' energy usage and identifying potential feedstock alternatives.

There was a great deal of sentiment that AIChE should do more to educate the public about energy issues. Speakers pointed to nuclear and waste-to-energy options as ones that face public perception obstacles, instead of technical ones. One student attendee said that AIChE should also educate engineers about policy, as well as policy-makers about technology.

Avidan wrapped up the meeting by thanking attendees for their ideas and assuring them that the Commission will look at supply and demand equally, use a systems approach, address global issues, and look at unconventional energy sources and renewables, including biofuels and nuclear.

You may continue to submit your ideas directly to energy@aiche.org.

"The Latest Innovations and Workable Solutions" from AIChE's Critical Issues Series: Energy at the 2006 AIChE Spring National Meeting.

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