UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Energy leaders from around the country took part in the second annual Energy Days conference on May 22 to 23 at The Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center. The group sought to identify and address the energy challenges facing our society.
“This year our goal for Energy Days was to organize working groups around key impacts and outcomes that leverage the extraordinary capability of Penn State with our partners in industry, government and civic society to benefit our Commonwealth and our nation,” said Tom Richard, director of the Institutes of Energy and the Environment and professor of agricultural and biological engineering in the College of Agricultural Sciences. “The plans that came out of our working groups provide a roadmap for how and where we need to go — from basic research and innovation to policy, education and engagement. We look forward to working with these groups over the coming months to achieve a range of exciting goals.”
Penn State President Eric Barron addressed the conference attendees, discussing energy in Pennsylvania and how Penn State is focusing on energy security and continuing our pursuit of becoming the energy university.
Barron noted that Penn State already has an incredible foundation to build upon, as the University has emerged as a leader in five key categories: policy and regulation, fossil fuels, renewables, efficiency and environmental issues. Moving forward, Penn State is working to launch several centers and institutes, focusing on five related areas: energy policy; communication about science and society; fossil fuels and advanced technologies; efficient and effective use of energy; and a think tank, tentatively named the Keystone Institute.
"The Keystone Institute at Penn State will bring breadth and depth to many issues, including energy and food and water security, due to the range of talent and expertise of our faculty," said Barron.
Additionally, Energy Days featured speakers from industry, government and academia, in-depth workshops, a poster session and tours of Penn State energy research facilities.