pratt iree 11 04

Slide1: 

Minnesota Research Priorities for Renewable Energy & Energy-Efficient Technology Erik Pratt Minnesota Environmental Initiative

IndustryAnne Kraft - Xcel EnergyRod Larkins - 3MJim Larsen - Cardinal GlassCecil Massie - Sebesta BlombergLuca Zullo - CargillPaul Plahn - Cummins Power GenerationDoug Van Thorre - BiorefiningUniversityJohn Carmody - University of MinnesotaGreg Cuomo – U of M, West Central Research/OutreachBob Elde - University of MinnesotaDavid Grimsrud - University of MinnesotaDick Hemmingsen - University of Minnesota InitiativeTony Strauss - University of Minnesota: 

Industry Anne Kraft - Xcel Energy Rod Larkins - 3M Jim Larsen - Cardinal Glass Cecil Massie - Sebesta Blomberg Luca Zullo - Cargill Paul Plahn - Cummins Power Generation Doug Van Thorre - Biorefining University John Carmody - University of Minnesota Greg Cuomo – U of M, West Central Research/Outreach Bob Elde - University of Minnesota David Grimsrud - University of Minnesota Dick Hemmingsen - University of Minnesota Initiative Tony Strauss - University of Minnesota Government Jim Boerboom – Minnesota Department of Agriculture Ken Brown - Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance Gene Goddard - Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development Linda Limback - Minnesota Department of Commerce Non-profits Rolf Nordstrom - Great Plains Institute for Sustainable Development Wes Slaymaker – Windustry Michael Sparby - Agricultural Utilization Research Institute Finance Terry Foecke - Materials Productivity Girard Miller - Lindquist & Vennum Bill Poppert - Technology North Energy Alley Research Workgroup

Workgroup’s Vision: 

Workgroup’s Vision By 2030, Minnesota will be a premier center for energy technology research and deployment and a net exporter of energy. Minnesota’s energy research, technology and generation sectors will contribute to a strong local economy while supporting economic development and positive environmental impacts worldwide. This vision will be achieved by investing in research, development and commercialization of renewable energy and energy efficiency and by engaging as partners the public policy and financial communities.

Criteria: 

Criteria REWARDS & RISKS … Environmental benefits over current technology Premier center for energy research & technology Net energy production by 2030 Competitive with conventional technology Economic Benefits Government resources Private financing

Criteria: 

Criteria Critical Research Needs Minnesota Technology Strengths Minnesota Energy Production & Efficiency Potential

Slide6: 

Target Audiences Researchers - Industry, university, government, non-profit Financiers Policy Makers

Slide7: 

Priority & Description Priorities Report Specific Research Needs Partners

Draft Priorities: 

Draft Priorities Efficiency Transmission Wind Solar Biomass Hydrogen & Fuel Cells

Slide9: 

Efficiency Transmission Wind Solar

Slide10: 

Research Priority Develop integrated systems for buildings efficiency Systems focus Builds on existing leadership in Minnesota Identified by DOE in High Performance Commercial Buildings roadmap

Slide11: 

Research Priority Improve electric transmission & distribution systems Focus on new materials and materials integration Outcome is efficiency and performance Particular emphasis on understanding opportunities for DC.

Slide12: 

Research Priority Reduce cost and improve efficiency and performance of power electronics Electronic circuits to energy conversion, control and conditioning Outcomes are reduced energy use and better integration of renewable energy Increasing importance and growing markets, but not currently a Minnesota strength

Slide13: 

Research Priority Demonstrate wind integration strategies with the grid Focus on new electronic controls, storage and following systems For very high levels of wind integration. Demonstration, regulation and control schemes

Slide14: 

Research Priorities Improve transmission systems for wind Specific application of transmission Focus on public policy research and weather modeling

Slide15: 

Research Priority Reduce cost and improve efficiency and performance of solar thermal as applied to water heating Focus on plastic heat exchangers University of Minnesota is leading center Broad application to industrial processes with large losses of waste heat.

Slide16: 

Biomass

Slide17: 

Research Priorities Develop biomass sources to enhance yields and performance Traditional and high-tech plant breeding Identification of biomass sources Fuels and co-products Builds on strengths in every link of value chain - providing very strong rewards for Minnesota

Slide18: 

Research Priority Demonstrate biomass densification Focus on developing techniques to densify biomass for transportation Production of intermediary liquid fuels and gases. Includes need for sensors for real-time analysis of feedstock characteristics.

Slide19: 

Research Priorities Develop distributed generation systems that are optimized for biofuels Diesel and gas reciprocating engines & gas turbines Focus on efficiency and emissions

Slide20: 

Research Priorities Improve efficiency of thermal and biological conversion systems Develoment of a common process platform Thermal and biological conversion systems - fuels, oils, plastics, etc. Special emphasis on ”cell-free” systems

Slide21: 

Hydrogen & Fuel Cells

Slide22: 

Research Priorities Improve ethanol for use in fuel cells Ethanol - but also looking at methanol and ammonia Includes need to develop industrial grade ethanol Builds on existing ethanol network in state

Slide23: 

Research Priorities Improve small-scale electrolyzers and reformers for on-site hydrogen production For on-site hydrogen production Focus on catalysts Benefits for distributed energy - wind and biomass

Slide24: 

Research Priority Develop materials based on carbon nanotubes and metal hydrides for vehicular hydrogen storage … that will achieve DOE FreedomCAR goals of 1.5 kWh/kg and 1.2 kWh/L Specific focus on optimizing processing and testing Benefits to nanotechnology industry at large. Specific benefits to thin-film polymer batteries and wireless sensors.

Slide25: 

Research Priorities Improve fuel cell components Specific focus on catalysts Builds on existing Minnesota capacity in fuel cell components

Slide26: 

Implementation Partners needed!

Slide27: 

Erik Pratt Energy Alley Manager Minnesota Environmental Initiative 612-334-3388 x102 Epratt@mn-ei.org

Who will use report: 

Who will use report University officials - to prioritize new funding on research, faculty positions, centers, initiatives, partnerships and facilities. Researchers and university officials - to demonstrate focus and a collaborative environment that will attract attention by funding agencies and potential collaborators. Industry - to prioritize research and build partnerships with research institutions and federal agencies. Federal and state policymakers - to initiate new laws, funding, and projects. Federal agencies - to develop closer coordination with local research efforts. Financial sector - to understand opportunities for investing in new energy technology businesses. Environmental sector - to further demonstrate the viability of renewable energy and energy efficiency as an important part of addressing local needs.

Report Outcomes: 

Report Outcomes Increased funding for energy technology research in Minnesota in industry and universities. New partnerships among industry, universities, and government agencies (both state and federal). New initiatives, centers and facilities for energy technology research. New faculty positions that reflect the report’s consensus. Increased R&D in industry and investment in start-up technology and research businesses. Greater collaborative relationships among Minnesota stakeholders in energy technology. New laws and government funding that address needs identified by the report.

Report Goals: 

Report Goals Provide local top down direction to research in Minnesota institutions that would allow local priorities to be addressed, including environmental problems, economic development, technical needs, and existing strengths and gaps. This direction would provide guidance to industry, research institutions, government agencies, and the financial sector, and open up opportunities for partnerships among these groups.

Tech Tables: 

Tech Tables Biomass Bioprocessing Biofuels Wind Building efficiency Industrial efficiency Power generation Energy storage Transmission & Distribution