Today's Energy Decisions - Tomorrow's Reality
The present energy situation is an adventure similar to the start of the information age – both in its complexity and in the extraordinary and unpredictable ways our responses may ultimately transform the world. As demand for oil outstrips production, an almost bewildering array of alternatives has appeared. Several bills in Congress and in the state Legislature support a spectrum of possible energy
options, including bio-fuels, wind, nuclear, solar, wave and geothermal.
The energy decisions we make today will no doubt have profound consequences in the future, both intentional and unintentional. To take but one example, demand for ethanol-based bio-fuels has already increased the price of corn and soybeans by 40 percent and may ultimately threaten our food supply. On the other hand, converting animal and even human waste into bio-fuels for electrical production may radically improve our sewage treatment capacity and protect our water supplies.
On November 16, Gerald Sheblé, professor of electrical and computer engineering at Portland State University, will discuss the possible ripple effects of today’s energy decisions throughout our economy and our environment. He will also offer practical suggestions for how citizens, elected officials and policy makers can make sound energy choices to ensure a robust economy and sustainable ecosystem.
In addition to his academic work, Sheblé has served as a consultant to energy companies in the U.S. and Europe on electric utility deregulation, advised companies on the feasibility and implementation of wind, solar cells and micro-turbines and assisted with the evaluation of wind generation in China and Europe.
