University researchers take a fresh look at clean energy
Universities across the state are making strides in clean
energy, or renewable energy technology and sources that don't
deplete natural resources or harm the environment. The URC
partner institutions are no exception, as researchers at
Michigan State University, the University of Michigan, and Wayne
State University all have studies underway, ranging from
increasing the efficiency of batteries to creating offshore wind
farms to using plant products to power vehicles. "The state of
Michigan is very well positioned from the university research
side," says Doug Gage, director of MSU's Bioeconomy Network .
"Our agricultural base gives us a leading position and an
opportunity to become important players in the sector, and I'm
confident in the role our state can play." Much of MSU's
research focuses on the area of bioeconomy, which is the
conversion of biomass to usable materials such as fuels,
chemicals and energy. The university was recently awarded $2.9
mi