The answer "but this is how it has always been done" is not good enough
for Craig Dunn. He loves that he is able to implement change.
"I was the student that always asked 'but why?' and 'why wouldn't this
work?' and now it's my job to question the establishment and offer better
solutions for our energy needs," says Dunn. He started his own geological
consulting firm, WellDunn, in 2003. He does geothermal research to find new
sources of energy.
For example, Dunn knows there is hot water in oil and gas wells. But this
water is wasted. He is researching how to use this hot water resource to make
electricity for local communities without any pollution. That way, his grandkids
can say "it was my granddad that made the oil and gas wells run clean forever."
"What more could you ask for?" says Dunn.
Many alternative energy researchers face a big challenge changing people's
minds when it comes to energy use. Researchers must also keep costs down and
prove a new energy source is better for the environment or less expensive
than using a fossil fuel.
At this point in time, it is usually more expensive to produce energy from
alternative sources. However, as fossil fuels become increasingly scarce,
the costs will go up. This will give alternative energies even more appeal.
"People generally are pretty reluctant to change when life is going well
for them. They like their cheap coal-powered electricity bill, their gas-guzzling
SUV, and well-heated home (can't say as I blame them)," says Dunn.
He explains that people become defensive when there's talk about making
changes to the energy market and their lifestyle. It is important for him
to explain the problems with our conventional energy system, such as air pollution,
political instability, inefficiencies and climate change. But there are opportunities
to improve and solutions for the next generation.
"Here is the tricky part of my job and why communication is so important;
we need to educate people that there are alternatives without attacking their
current lifestyle. It is difficult, but very rewarding to see people to incorporate
positive change into their life. I feel like a personal trainer for your energy
needs," says Dunn.
Despite any tricky parts, finding solutions for today's energy problems
is the most personally rewarding job Dunn has ever had -- and he was once
an adventure travel guide. "I honestly feel like I am helping to save the
world!" he exclaims.
Recycling, reducing and re-using are good starting points, but Dunn says
more needs to be done. We must shift our energy needs and uses.
"Research is the first step to coming up with viable solutions for the
next generation. Everyday that I go to work and work toward energy that reduces
GHG [greenhouse gas], air pollution and promotes long-term stability I know
that I am helping our planet," says Dunn. He's set a goal for his company
to reduce one million tons of GHG with WellDunn projects.
"We have a long way to go, but every journey begins with a single step,
and with the right people doing innovative energy research we can implement
change," says Dunn.
Bonnie Jonkman is a scientist at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
She works as part of a team at the National Wind Technology Center that is
researching the effects of organized turbulence on wind turbines.
"Have you ever had a bumpy ride on an airplane? Those bumps are caused
by turbulence in the wind," she explains. "That same kind of turbulence can
damage a wind turbine. In a nutshell, I research how turbulence damages wind
turbines by developing computer models of the wind."
Aspects of her job are very technical. She must analyze meteorological
data that has been collected in field tests. Then she uses the results to
develop computer models that simulate the wind. She works with engineers who
use her computer models to predict how different turbines will respond to
turbulent wind conditions.
"The idea is that if we can determine what atmospheric conditions cause
damage to wind turbines and simulate those conditions, then engineers can
design better turbines. Ultimately, that means cheaper, more reliable wind
power," Jonkman explains. She loves the variety of things she gets to learn
and do -- it keeps her very busy.
"There is always something else to do, but never enough time to do it all.
It's hard to plan how much time research will take," says Jonkman.
She encourages anyone who likes math or science to consider a career in renewable
energy research.
"It's rewarding to know that you've helped, in some way, to reduce our
dependence on fossil fuels and take care of our environment, and at the same
time, meet our energy needs," says Jonkman.
Alternative energy researchers are finding energy in creative ways. Frank
Pringle drove past an illegal tire dump on a highway. It had been lit on
fire, and he watched the energy escape the scrap tires. He was inspired. He
wanted to find a way to harness the energy in automobile tires to make oil
and gas.
He experimented with microwaves for about two years and discovered a frequency
to stimulate hydrocarbons in the tires. In basic terms, he zapped the tires
in a microwave and struck oil.
Pringle is the president and CEO of Global Resource Corporation, a petroleum
research, engineering, development and manufacturing company. They work with
Pennsylvania State University, the top microwave research school in the world.
Jay Gill is the national sales manager for Global Resource Corporation.
"We know we can reduce the amount going into landfills," says Gill. For
example, if researchers are able to find a way to reduce 100 tons of waste
down to 50 tons through recycling efforts, they've just doubled the lifespan
of the landfill. Global Resource Corporation is doing a lot of testing with
municipal solid waste such as plastics and other trash in landfills.
"I'm learning every day, that's a lot of fun. Every day you're assured
to learn something new. You'll never know all there is to know," says Gill,
noting that a lot of people don't even know that gasoline comes from oil.
"My motivation is that my great-grandchildren are going to be okay," says
Gill. "That's what makes me get out of bed every morning and want to go in
to work."