MEC Recruiting Event

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 19:37:12 -0400

Have you wanted to become more involved in the energy club? Now is your chance!! If you are interested (and we hope you are) in shaping the future direction of the club, or taking charge of some aspect of what we currently have been working on, come to our recruiting events to learn more about the MICHIGAN ENERGY CLUB!

We will have two events:
Central campus
Wednesday, April 10th @ 5pm
Dana 1046

North campus
Thursday, April 11 @ 5pm
Dow 1014

FOOD will be provided in both!

If you are interested to join our team please respond to MECExecCommittee@umich.edu by April 12th with your name, school/department, the position you would like, and a short explanation of why you are qualified/willing to take on this task.

• Vice President (1-2) - Develop strategic plans for the MEC, help with events as needed, ensure the Leadership Team is on task
• Secretary (1) - Take notes at events and meetings as needed, keep track of attendees at events, provide feedback on what demographics (ie fields) are strong/weak at events
• Community Project Event Chair (1-2) - coordinate/lead student projects or competitions in energy related fields
• Marketing (1-2) - Work with those planning events to publicize MEC activities through e-mails, posters, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.
• <your field here> Liaison - Advertise the MEC in your school/department/field, plan at least ONE event per semester focusing on energy in your field
• UM energy Liaison (1) - Work with the UM institutions that are energy related to advertise MEC events and keep MEC members informed on university activities in the energy field (e.g. coordinate with the UM Energy Institute, Graham Environmental Sustainability Institute, UM Student Sustainability Institute, etc.)
• Discussion/Social Chair (1-2) - recruit discussion leaders, host discussions yourself as necessary, plan social events (e.g. happy hours, bbqs, etc.)
• Field Trip Chair (1) - Plan field trips to energy relevant destinations
• Conference Chair (1) - Collaborate with other UM energy clubs to organize an energy conference(s) held at the University of Michigan
• Web Manager (1) - Keep the website updates with current news and events
• Newsletter Writer (1) - Write articles for our monthly newsletter

Introduction to Utility Ratemaking and Rate Decoupling

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 12:16:48 -0400

Interested in energy efficiency in power generation? Ever thought about how energy efficiency policy affects utilities? If all consumers started using less energy, utilities would end up selling less energy. This means less money made. Then why do utilities encourage consumers to be energy efficient? What policies does the government have in place to incentivize utilities to encourage demand side efficiency measures? Clearly, understanding energy efficiency involves understanding policy, engineering and business.

If you'd like to learn more, come join the Michigan Energy Club on March 21st (Thursday) for a talk by Rakesh Sharma, from Consumers Energy. (And, there's free food!)

Here are the specifics about Thursday's lecture:

Title: Introduction to Utility Ratemaking and Rate Decoupling
Speaker: Rakesh Sharma
Designation: Business Planning and Strategy Manager
Organization: Consumers Energy
Time: 6 - 7pm Thursday, March 21st
Location: 1040 Dana Building
Free food: Yes!

Rakesh Sharma received his undergraduate degree in industrial management and information systems from Purdue University in 2005. He has worked in supply chain, business development and information systems across the consumer goods, retail, technology and energy industries. An avid wolverine football fan, Rakesh is a recent MBA graduate from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business and is currently a business planning and strategy manager at Consumers Energy.

Grid Integration of Alternative Energy Sources

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 23:43:44 -0400

Video link to presentation: http://youtu.be/JIVkw0IPwuI
Slides from presentation: MEC_Grid_Integration_of_Alternative_Energy_sources.pdf

Grid Integration of Alternative Energy Sources

Lecture by Dr. Ian Hiskens

When: Wednesday, March 13, 2013 @6 pm

Location: Dana 1046. Snacks will be served

Ian A Hiskens received the BEng (Elec) and BAppSc (Math) degrees from the Capricornia Institute of Advanced Education, Rockhampton, Australia in 1980 and 1983 respectively. He received the PhD degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Newcastle, Australia in 1991.

Dr. Hiskens is the Vennema Professor of Engineering in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. From 1980 to 1992, he was with the Queensland Electricity Supply Industry, where he held the positions of EMS Security Applications Engineer and Planning Engineer Transmission Systems. From 1992 to 1999, he was a Senior Lecturer at the University of Newcastle, Australia, from 1999 to 2002 a Visiting Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and from 2002 to 2008 a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Dr. Hiskens' research focuses on power system analysis, in particular the modelling, dynamics and control of large-scale, networked, nonlinear systems. He is involved in numerous IEEE activities in the Power and Energy Society, Control Systems Society, Circuits and Systems Society, and Systems Council. He is an Editor of the IEEE Transactions on Power Systems, and a past Associate Editor of the IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems-I: Regular Papers and the IEEE Transactions on Control Systems Technology. He is the Treasurer of the IEEE Systems Council.

The Role of Speculation in Oil Markets: What Have We Learned So Far?

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 10:34:03 -0500

Dear MEC members,

Please join us today for an exiting talk by Dr. Lutz Kilian from the Department of Economics titled, "The Role of Speculation in Oil Markets: What Have We Learned So Far?" Professor Kilian's research interests are time series econometrics, empirical macroeconomics, international finance and energy economics.

When: TODAY (Jan 22) at 6pm
Where: Dana 2024

About Dr. Kilian:
Lutz Kilian, Professor of Economics, received his Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania in 1996 and his M.A. in Development Banking from The American University in 1988. He joined the faculty at Michigan in 1996. Prior to his Ph.D., he worked for the research department of the Inter-American Development Bank in Washington, DC. During 2001-03 he served as an adviser to the European Central Bank in Frankfurt/M., Germany. Professor Kilian's research interests are time series econometrics, empirical macroeconomics, international finance, and energy economics.

You may find more information and RSVP for the event on Google and Facebook.

This event is targeted for a wide audience, so we hope that if you have a background in economics - or no background at all - you will be able to join us!

Venture capitalism and renewable energy

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 20:25:36 -0500

Lecture by Ryan Waddington
Co-Founder and Managing Director at Huron River Ventures
Venture Capitalism and Renewable Energy

When: Thursday, Nov. 29th at 5:00pm
Location: Dana 1040. Snacks will be served

Program: MEC_VC.pdf

Ryan has over 13 years of experience in investing, operating and consulting roles in the alternative energy and environmental sectors, and is widely recognized as an experienced cleantech investment professional. Ryan has invested in more than 15 energy technology companies at seed, venture and growth equity stages, totaling over $100 million of invested and committed capital.
 Prior to co-founding Huron River Ventures, Ryan helped establish an energy-focused private equity group within New York-based Ziff Brothers Investments, one of the largest and most successful family office investment firms in the country. There he became part of the core team of investment managers and worked on multiple transactions in sectors including renewables, biofuels, power transmission and advanced materials. Ryan began his career in venture capital working inside DTE Energy’s corporate venture group, where he worked on investments in fuel cells, energy storage, power electronics and waste-to-energy, among others. Ryan also established and executed a seed stage funding program at NextEnergy, where he funded several prominent Michigan-based alternative energy companies, and co-founded a “dot com” web portal for outdoor enthusiasts while in business school.

Beyond Proposal #3 - Public policies that will be required to cost effectively deliver a smarter, grener grid

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 13:50:51 -0500

Please join us Thursday, November 15 at 6pm for a very special lecture by Tom Catania, Executive in Residence, Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise
 What? "Beyond Proposal #3 - Public Policies that will be required to cost effectively deliver a Smarter, Greener Grid"
Where? DANA 1040 When? Thursday (11/15) @ 6:00pm
 Abstract:
On November 6th, a ballot proposal to add a requirement that the State of Michigan amend its State Constitution and require that by 2025, 25% of the state’s energy be provided by renewable energy was defeated by nearly a 2 to 1 margin.  There remains in place a legislative requirement that the state generate 10% renewable energy by 2015.    Regardless of the failure of this particular ballot proposal, efforts will continue on the state and national level to incorporate greater amounts of renewable energy into the energy distribution mix.   This lecture will focus on the home appliance sector as an illustration of how more surgical application of public policy and exploitation of market incentives and consumer behaviors can substantially increase the economic and political attractiveness of renewable energy on the grid.

Some of the critical impediments to broader adoption of renewable energy on the utility grid, and its ability to substitute for a significant portion of existing baseload generation include:  the variable nature of the renewable resource; the mismatch of demand, especially peak demand, with the availability of the renewable resource; the lack of cost-competitiveness of renewable resources, especially as compared to low-cost natural gas; the current dependency of the wind and solar energy industry on federal refundable tax credits; and the economic and political unattractiveness of “leveling the cost playing field” for renewable resources through raising the cost of fossil fuel sources such as coal and natural gas by means of a carbon tax.

Many of the liabilities associated with broader adoption of renewables can be ameliorated through more ubiquitous and instantly available demand response, which can be provided, in material part, through smart appliances.  A variety of policy tweaks to existing programs such as Energy Star and utility energy efficiency rebates can lead to widespread adoption and dissemination of smart appliances, make more politically palatable adoption of demand smoothing residential time-of-use rates, and improve the business model for episodic renewable energy resources.

Tom will try to use the appliance sector example to make the larger point that these more sharply focused and understandable in their impact policy initiatives should be the first resort for policymakers and advocates, rather than more divisive and unpredictable “big bang” approaches that tend to generate more political heat than broad-based support.

Tom Catania is a leader in identifying and implementing solutions to public policy problems, and has spent his career operating in the complex intersection of business, government, nongovernmental organizations and public policy. He is a leader in building consensus to achieve shared objectives and deliver significant business returns while protecting the environment and consumers.
Tom retired from Whirlpool, the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, in December 2011, capping a 25-year career with the firm. Serving as Whirlpool’s Vice President for Government Relations since 1997, Tom managed the firm’s government relations, which he transformed from a United States-centric, primarily reactive activity into a global public policy one that produced a substantial percentage of Whirlpool’s annual earnings per share for several consecutive years. As the public face of Whirlpool, he has testified before Congress and represented the firm’s interests with top government officials domestically and internationally.
Before joining Whirlpool, Tom was Special Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust and Consumer Protection Divisions of the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office from 1982 to 1986. Originally from New York City, he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of Minnesota and his Juris Doctor degree from the William Mitchell College of Law, graduating with honors from both institutions.

“SWITCH” movie screening

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 12:49:59 -0400

FREE and open to the public

WHAT: “SWITCH” movie screening, followed by light refreshments and Q&A with producer and writer Professor Scott Tinker, Energy Institute Director Mark Barteau, and various other energy leaders
WHEN: 7:00 pm, Thursday October 18, 2012
WHERE: Power Center (Map)

"Every person in America should see and digest this film" - Douglas Johnson, Statoil

"Over the 30 years I've been working in renewable energy, Switch is the most comprehensive and balanced documentary on our world energy situation I've ever seen" - Phil Dutton, GL Garrad Hassan North America

"Switch really puts all the pieces together, and makes me optimistic for the future. I think it should be seen by everyone..." - Erin Geoffroy, Environmental Defense Fund

"SWITCH" - a film and conversation on the world's energy challenges (Click to see event details)

The new documentary "SWITCH" addresses today’s most controversial energy questions, as energy expert Dr. Scott Tinker travels the world, exploring major energy sites, most of them highly restricted and never before seen on film. The film offers a balanced and pragmatic exploration of global energy solutions, including coal, solar, geothermal, oil, bio-fuels, natural gas, nuclear, hydro, wind, and conservation. He seeks the perspective of international leaders from government, industry, and academia, and introduces possible practical paths to our energy future.

SWITCH is part of the Switch Energy Project (www.switchenergyproject.com); a multi-pronged effort to build a global understanding of energy. Producer/narrator and U-M alumnus, Dr. Scott Tinker, will introduce the film and lead a Q&A with a panel of energy experts, including Professor Mark Barteau, Director of the U-M Energy Institute, immediately following the screening.

Sponsored by the Michigan Energy Club, the U-M Energy Institute and the U-M Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences with funding from The William T. Smith Endowed Lecture Series and Research Fund. For more information, contact: Michigan-Earth@umich.edu or call (734) 764-1435.

Viewing of MIT presidential campaign energy debate

Fri, 5 Oct 2012 10:41:31 -0400

Come learn about the energy issues facing the next president and where each candidate stands!

Info Session - Michigan Renewable Energy Standard

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 18:30:39 -0400

Join us on Tuesday to learn more about the Michigan Renewable Energy Standard (RES)! Nicholas, the Executive Director for the Great Lakes Environmental Law Center (GLELC), will give an overview of the proposed standard, and take your questions.

The RES is a ballot initiative that would set a state goal for 25% of Michigan's electricity to come from renewable sources by year 2025. See the RES website for more details: http://www.mienergymijobs.com/

US EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory Tour

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 15:15:18 -0400

What: US EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory Tour
When: April 17th, 10-11am
Where: 2565 Plymouth Road Ann Arbor, MI 48105 Map
How: Sign up (only 20 spots available)

Did you know the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a National Lab here in Ann Arbor?

Sign up to tour the US EPA's National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory (NVFEL) on April 17th from 10-11am.

The NVFEL is an arm of the EPA's Office of Transportation and Air Quality (OTAQ), and is responsible for developing national regulatory programs, evaluating emissions control technology, providing regulators with access to critical information on transportation programs and incentive-based programs, testing vehicles, engines, and fuels, and determining compliance with federal emissions and fuel economy standards.

The tour will include
• advanced technology testing and development
• hydraulic hybrid testing and development
• compliance testing
The lab is located here in Ann Arbor on Plymouth Rd.

2565 Plymouth Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Map

SIGN UP NOW!

The facilities are a short stroll from North Campus. If weather permits, we will meet at the corner of Hubbard and Beal @9:30am and walk over together. If weather is bad, we will carpool which requires each car to check in. If you are willing to drive, please say so on the sign up.