Chancellor'senergysymposium2009

Planning is now under way for the 2009 Chancellor’s Symposium on Energy scheduled for October 16, 2009 at the Town and Country (Spring Branch) Campus of Northwest College. The symposium’s audience will consist of North Forest & Spring Branch ISD students and HCC students. Through this announcement, we are requesting applications for Topic Group Leaders whose areas of expertise and interest fit the symposium topics. All qualified HCC full-time and part-time faculty are encouraged to apply for this fellowship. A $500.00 stipend will be awarded to each Topic Group Leader. The responsibilities for each Topic Group Leader will include recruitment and coordination of one or two speakers for each topic and ensure that the content is appropriate to the topic/subtopics, and that clear and concise student career paths and employment opportunities are included in the presentation. The final topic group-“Energy Careers and Education”-will be presented as a capstone to the various symposium topics. It is anticipated that each of the faculty led topic workshops will run at least twice during the Symposium. Presenters may include individuals from education, business, professional societies, organizations and industry. A Topic Group Leader may also participate as a presenter. Applications must consist of at least four components: 1. A brief statement of your general qualifications; 2. A brief statement of your specific qualifications regarding the topic/subtopics of interest; 3. A brief statement outlining your ability to recruit, organize and evaluate several presenters as well as recruit 10-20 HCC student attendees; 4. A brief outline of how you envision the objectives, format, content and participants of the presentation. Applications should be in MS Word format and submitted electronically to Drs. Richard Merritt or Juan Carlos Reina ([email protected], [email protected]) by May 31, 2009. Successful applicants will be notified of their proposal’s acceptance by June 30, 2009.

Following the final selection of Topic Group Leaders, a Timeline for Event Development and a Faculty Letter of Agreement will be forwarded.

Thank you for your consideration in this matter. We are looking forward to a rewarding and beneficial symposium for HCC students and potential HCC students alike.

Topic Groups for Fall 2009 Energy Symposium For the Topic Groups, the subject of Energy has been broken down into five key areas, including Current Status of Energy Production and Use, Energy Policy and Politics, Transportation Energy Choices, Energy Generating Technologies and Energy Careers and Education. Each Topic Group is further subdivided into at least two subtopics, which may be addressed by one or two speakers. The final topic, Energy Careers and Education, will be presented as a capstone at the end of the day, and will involve all attendees.

Current Status of Energy Production and Use Energy is the vital “force” that “powers” business, manufacturing, and the transportation of goods and services which serve the global economies. Often, discussions concerning energy are far too narrow in scope, and usually focus simply on ether production or environmental protection. Independent of the type of energy source, a broader, more thoughtful and informed view should include a discussion of energy availability, affordability, reliability, profitability, environmental and resource impact, safety, and sustainability. Only in this wider context can the status of energy technologies be evaluated.

1. Overview and Status of Current Energy Technologies • Fossil Fuels, Including Coal, Oil and Natural Gas • Green, Clean and Renewable Energy Technology, Including Solar, Wind, Geothermal and Hydro

2. Driving Forces, Current Trends and Future Technologies, such as Fusion

Energy Policy and Politics The supply and demand of energy plays a crucial role in our national security and the economic output of our nation. The United States spends over 500 billion dollars annually on energy. To meet the growing needs for energy, clean fuel initiatives must be established which maximize traditional fossil fuels, while at the same time research must be supported which develops sustainable energy resources such as solar and hydrogen. The delicate balance between

energy production and environmental protection must also be weighed carefully on both a national and global scale.

1. Current National Energy Policy Position and Issues • Energy Independence and Security • Carbon Emissions • Public Perception and Opinion • Energy, the Marketplace and Politics

2. Global Initiatives and International Cooperation • Pollution and Climate Change • Proposed Solutions

Transportation Energy Choices Transportation is essential to modern economies, and provides the ability to freely and to inexpensively move goods and people. Transportation is the most rapidly growing consumer of the world’s energy, and is overwhelmingly in the form of oil. In The United States, transportation energy use accounts for about 67% of total liquid fuels demand, and is expected to increase to 73% by 2030. China and India have recently become major vehicle manufacturers, and China is now the second-largest consumer of automobiles. The impact of alternative energy sources, public transportation, and advances in communications technologies on transportation’s dependence on oil is currently being debated.

1. Current Status and Outlook for Traditional Energy Sources and Use • Gasoline and Diesel

2. Alternative Energy Sources and Use • Biofuels • Electric • Hydrogen • Ethanol • Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) • Liquified Petrolium Gas (LPG) • Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)

3. Public vs. Private Transportation Issues and the Impact of Advances in Communications Technologies

Generating Electricity and Efficiencies Through Advanced Energy Generation Technologies Electricity will remain the fastest growing form of end-use energy worldwide. Almost one-half of the projected increase in energy consumption worldwide through 2030 will be attributed to the generation of electricity. Most power plants burn fuel in the form of coal, oil, and natural gas which generates steam that drives a turbine that generates electricity. Coal is responsible for 57%of the electricity generated in the United States, but is also responsible for 73% of the carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere from electricity generators. 1. Energy Sources • Coal, and Clean Coal Technology • Oil • Natural Gas • Hydroelectric • Nuclear • Alternative Sources, including solar, wind, algae and solid wastes • Transmission Infrastructure

2. Environmental/Political Issues vs. Demand for Electricity

Energy Careers and Education The United States is increasing its efforts to produce cleaner and more reliable energy, and to use it more efficiently. This creates an immediate need for skilled professionals to make these goals a reality, and solidify U.S. leadership in energy efficiency and renewable energy. The opportunity afforded the nation to invest in the U.S. labor force and in cutting-edge green technologies at the same time is now upon us.

1. The Energy Job Market, Locally and Globally

2. Training for a Career in Energy