A Conversation on Energy Comes to Richmond
Virginians discuss America’s energy future in Richmond at a town hall meeting co-hosted by ConocoPhillips and Virginia Tech
About 200 residents from communities throughout Virginia gathered in Richmond on Wednesday, August 1, to discuss the state’s and nation’s energy future. Co-hosted by ConocoPhillips and Virginia Tech, the town hall meeting called on residents to share their views on energy issues and to gain insight and information from a panel of experts. With support from 21 community partners, business leaders and concerned residents came together to exchange ideas on a variety of energy topics and viable ways to secure the future of U.S. energy.
John Lowe, executive vice president, exploration and production, and Colette Reynolds, manager, non-conventional gas, represented ConocoPhillips on the panel. Other panelists included local energy and environmental experts Honorable L. Preston Bryant, Jr. secretary of natural resources, Commonwealth of Virginia; Joseph Tannery, staff attorney, Chesapeake Bay Foundation; and Hugh Keogh, president and CEO, Virginia Chamber of Commerce. The meeting was moderated by Dr. Richard Benson, dean, College of Engineering, Virginia Tech.
Dr. Benson kicked off the meeting by emphasizing how energy is one of the most important issues in the world today. He explained the University’s focus on research to pursue new discoveries in agriculture, biotechnology, information and communication, technology, transportation, energy management and other fields. Dr. Benson talked about how the United States’ rapid population growth and proportionate consumption growth is putting enormous strain on our economic and social systems, our physical infrastructure and our natural resources. Going forward, he said, every American has a role to play in ensuring our country’s energy security.
John Lowe told the audience that ConocoPhillips has begun a conversation on energy because the U.S. needs a comprehensive national energy policy and that every American has a stake in this debate because we live in an energy-dependent society. Lowe said, “We can’t make wise choices together if there is no communication between energy produces and the public. That is why we are here.” He followed up by stating that the company believes energy security is more realistic than energy independence, and added: “Energy drives our entire economy. When prices rise, it impacts everyone.”
Secretary Bryant kicked off his remarks by saying that energy is on the minds of the federal, state and local governments. The Secretary of Natural Resources told the audience that we must protect and preserve Virginia’s historic and natural resources while also honoring the state’s long-time commitment to economic development. He pointed out that the state’s population, transportation and energy consumption have greatly increased over the last century.
Joseph Tannery said that every source of energy has benefits and disadvantages. He said the country’s energy dependence on a finite supply is damaging our global position. Tannery highlighted the progress of other countries that are vying to dominate the clean energy economy around the world and questioned whether the U.S. has the vision and the courage to become a clean energy economy. “We can have more profit with less pollution,” he said. “We can begin today by improving energy efficiency and everyone in this room can do their part now.”
Colette Reynolds provided an overview of ConocoPhillips’ commitment and investment in technology, stating that the company has increased research and development spending by 50 percent to encourage ongoing technological development. She explained that ConocoPhillips is developing alternative fuels as well as determining best practices for reducing emissions from facilities and recovering wastewater for re-use.
Hugh Keogh proudly highlighted that for the second year in a row, Virginia was ranked the best state for business by Forbes.com. He explained that Virginia’s low unemployment rate, quality of life and potential for growth helped earn the state the honor. “We have a lot of arrows in our energy quiver,” he said.
Following opening remarks, Dr. Benson began the question and answer portion of the meeting.
A member of the audience asked why no one mentioned waste-to-energy facilities, which burn trash to create energy. Secretary Bryant said he was a big fan of waste-to-energy and Virginia has three principal facilities. He said this is an effective method of trash management and volume reduction, with the added benefit of generating clean energy. Bryant pointed out that California has lead the way in waste-to-energy and has not had to build a landfill in 10 years – a key benefit of waste-to-energy facilities.
Another audience member asked what the state and the energy industry were doing to promote economic growth, while being mindful of the increase in energy usage that growth brings. Secretary Bryant said the state’s soon-to-be-released energy plan addresses those issues. Joseph Tannery added that we don’t need to wait for government intervention, saying “we need to educate ourselves and choose energy efficient goods.”
One attendee questioned the ability to use corn to make ethanol and the resulting uncertainty of food products. Colette Reynolds said ConocoPhillips recognizes those challenges, and stated that is one reason the company is looking to alternatives such as switch grass and algae, both of which have a faster crop cycle than corn. She said that ethanol is part of the change, but cautioned that it’s not a silver bullet. “We’re going to have to diversify,” said Reynolds.
A representative from the local chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers expressed concern about the country’s human capital and asked about the brain power of future technology. Colette Reynolds said ranks of engineers and scientists are low, and urged the audience to encourage their children, particularly females, to study engineering in college. Hugh Keogh said the chief chink in the state’s business armor is the shortage of technically-skilled workers.
One audience member asked what the state was doing to encourage business to adopt clean energy systems. Joseph Tannery said there are economic incentives to encourage companies toward energy efficiencies and finding new technologies. Another guest pointed out that Virginia currently does not provide incentives, tax credits or rebates to help homeowners convert to solar and geothermal power and questioned what the state is doing to promote usage of this alternative energy. Secretary Bryant mentioned that there are federal tax incentives for homeowners who build geothermal systems and credit for construction of new energy efficient homes.
Exploring New Horizons
ConocoPhillips scientists focus on developing renewable energy technologies.
In April 2007, ConocoPhillips announced its alliance with Tyson Foods, Inc. to produce the next generation of renewable diesel fuel from beef, pork and poultry fat. The alliance will create a transportation fuel that contributes to America’s energy future, helps address climate change concerns, and helps supplement the traditional oil-based diesel fuel supply. The company also said it will establish an eight-year, $22.5 million research program at Iowa State University dedicated to developing technologies that produce biorenewable fuels.
In December 2006, the company began commercial production of renewable diesel at its Whitegate Refinery in Cork, Ireland. The production process, which was developed by ConocoPhillips, uses soybeans and other vegetable oils to produce renewable diesel fuel that meets European Union standards for diesel fuels.
ConocoPhillips employs a team of approximately 250 scientists, engineers, and researchers to explore viable alternative and renewable energy sources. These scientists are studying everything from clean-coal technology applications to liquefied natural gas initiatives.
A major area of interest is in hydrogen research, which is why ConocoPhillips is a partner in the Freedom Car & Fuel Partnership, a collaborative including the U.S. Department of Energy, automakers, and energy companies. The partnership explores environmental and economical attributes of various pathways to hydrogen production, as well as the merits of hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles.
|