Spring Break
Economic forecast emphasizes need for incentives, renewable energy
Jim Sojourner
Issue date: 10/1/08 Section: News
"(Holding this event) at CSU shows that Colorado is in the forefront in leading the way," said Renny Fagan, state director for Sen. Ken Salazar.
CSU's Engines and Energy Conversion Laboratory is key in the collaboration between the university and businesses.
Christian L'Orange, a master's student who works with the EECL, said the lab focuses on the research and development of new technology and then hands them over to companies to be put on the market.
"We're like an incubator," L'Orange said in reference to the process.
Jones said cooperation like this is important to make sure ideas and technology are not created just to continue to be in the incubator and "sit on a shelf for 20 years."
Jones also emphasized the need for environmental responsibility in any comprehensive energy plan.
He said Colorado residents share in the responsibility for pushing the government towards positive environmental stewardship.
"They realized you can't have an energy policy without an environmental policy," Jones said.
Fagan also discussed the role of Colorado in the creation of alternative, environmentally friendly energy.
He said Colorado is leading the way in the creation of biofuels by developing ethanol resources on the eastern plains and Front Range and that the state is pioneering wind farming technology and solar fields in the San Luis Valley.
He also said that the state -- Fort Collins in particular -- is working to integrate renewable energy into the power grid.
Solex Biofuels, Inc. is involved in the development of alternative energy in Colorado.
Doug Henston, CEO of Solex, said his company is working on large-scale algae production as an alternative to petroleum-based energy.
Solix, Henston said, is working to get algae-based fuels, which can be substituted for over-road and aviation fuels, as well as heating oils, on the market as soon as possible.
"We're focused on making this a commercial feasibility," Henston said. "Colorado is a special environment for companies like Solex."
Staff writer Jim Sojourner can be reached at news@collegian.com.
CSU's Engines and Energy Conversion Laboratory is key in the collaboration between the university and businesses.
Christian L'Orange, a master's student who works with the EECL, said the lab focuses on the research and development of new technology and then hands them over to companies to be put on the market.
"We're like an incubator," L'Orange said in reference to the process.
Jones said cooperation like this is important to make sure ideas and technology are not created just to continue to be in the incubator and "sit on a shelf for 20 years."
Jones also emphasized the need for environmental responsibility in any comprehensive energy plan.
He said Colorado residents share in the responsibility for pushing the government towards positive environmental stewardship.
"They realized you can't have an energy policy without an environmental policy," Jones said.
Fagan also discussed the role of Colorado in the creation of alternative, environmentally friendly energy.
He said Colorado is leading the way in the creation of biofuels by developing ethanol resources on the eastern plains and Front Range and that the state is pioneering wind farming technology and solar fields in the San Luis Valley.
He also said that the state -- Fort Collins in particular -- is working to integrate renewable energy into the power grid.
Solex Biofuels, Inc. is involved in the development of alternative energy in Colorado.
Doug Henston, CEO of Solex, said his company is working on large-scale algae production as an alternative to petroleum-based energy.
Solix, Henston said, is working to get algae-based fuels, which can be substituted for over-road and aviation fuels, as well as heating oils, on the market as soon as possible.
"We're focused on making this a commercial feasibility," Henston said. "Colorado is a special environment for companies like Solex."
Staff writer Jim Sojourner can be reached at news@collegian.com.
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