October 2011 CEA Newsletter
Issue 55
Rediscover energy in October
October is a month of learning and discovery here at CEA, as we host our first Energy Day festival in Houston: a fun, educational event showcasing energy in all its forms and highlighting the latest technology that will lead the way to a brighter, more powerful future.
The October 15 event is geared toward school-aged children and their families, who will enjoy a series of exhibits, demonstrations and contests, all serving to illustrate the role that energy – in a multitude of forms – plays in our lives.
We hope this event will encourage children to think big and look hopefully toward the future. We want to spark their interest in the science of energy: the advances that are making it possible to access reserves such as shale gas long considered off limits, and to better tap the power of the sun and the wind. Indeed, the energy breakthroughs we’ve seen in recent years have been something of an ongoing science fair. We’ve watched oil and gas boom towns spring up in the plains of the Dakotas, while in more traditional oil-producing regions like the Gulf of Mexico, oil extraction processes have been refined to the point that large volumes of oil can be produced with minimal surface disruption. The advances we’ve seen to date have helped our growing nation keep pace with our energy demands. A secure energy future will depend in part on our children achieving further scientific and technological advances.
If you are in the Houston area, we hope you and your family will join us at Hermann Square for this event, which will also feature food and live music. And even if you can’t be there in person, we urge you to think about all that our energy industry has achieved since the Drake Well was first drilled more than 150 years ago. So often, we highlight the challenges surrounding energy: of finding it, producing it, transporting it and securing our supplies. And while those challenges remain daunting, we should also take time to take note of our many successes, which some now believe could make the United States the largest oil producer in the world.
We can get there, but it will take the imagination and dedication of current and future generations. For more information about this important festival of discovery, visit the Energy Day website at http://energyday2011.org/
David Holt
Echo Your Support For North American Energy – Secure, Homegrown Resources
In the face of high prices at the fuel pump and global events that threaten oil supply, the United States has the opportunity to actually do something about it. The Keystone XL pipeline, which will carry 700,000 barrels of oil per day from our ally, Canada, as well as from the Dakotas, Montana, and Oklahoma to Gulf Coast refineries, will mean greater national security, a stable fuel supply, and economic growth in the US.
Before this vital project can proceed, the Department of State must issue a Presidential Permit to allow the pipeline to cross from Canada into the United States. After years of environment review, the Department of State concluded that no significant issues exist that should prohibit this project from moving forward. Now, the Department needs to hear why this project is in the nation’s best interest – the final step in the permit’s review process.
Take Action: Please write Secretary Clinton and tell her that increased energy security and economic growth are clearly good things for this country. The Administration must grant the President Permit as expeditiously as possible so Americans can realize these tremendous benefits.
Take Action Now!
Energy Day 2011 Updates
We are only a week and a half away from the first annual Energy Day Festival. On October 15, 2011 75 sponsors and partners, over 50 exhibitors and the people of Houston, TX will make Energy Day 2011 a can’t-miss event. On October 4th CEA will conducted a conference call on which all sponsors, partners and exhibitors were invited to participate. On the call all final preparations for Energy Day 2011 sponsors were made.
Here is the list of confirmed Energy Day sponsors:
ABC-13/KTRK-TV, Air Transport Association, American Public Power Association, Anadarko, Apache, ASES Houston Solar Tour, Bug Ware, Inc., Caterpillar, CenterPoint Energy, Children’s Museum of Houston, City of Houston, ConocoPhillips, Consumer Energy Alliance, Consumer Energy Education Foundation, Cooperative for After-School Enrichment (CASE), CSTEM Teacher & Student Support Services, Earth Quest Institute, Eco-Holdings Engineering, El Paso Corporation, Energy People Connect, Environmentally Friendly Drilling Program, eVgo, Foundation for Energy Education, Geophysical Society of Houston, German American Chamber of Commerce of the Southern US, Inc., Greater Houston Partnership, Halliburton, Harris County Department of Education, Hess Corporation, Houston Advanced Research Center, Houston Area Land Rover Centers, Houston Community College-Northeast Energy Institute, Houston Geological Society, Houston Independent School District, Houston Museum of Natural Science, Wiess Energy Hall, Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce – Energize! Houston, Houston Renewable Energy Group, Houston Renewable Energy Network, Houston Technology Center, HoustonWorks USA, Ignite Solar, Independent Natural Resources, International Power | GDF Suez, KBR, Inc., Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP), Lone Star College System, Momentum Luxury Group , NASA-Johnson Space Center, National Algae Association, NRG Energy | Reliant Energy, Offshore Energy Center, Purestream, Inc., San Jacinto College – Energy Venture Camp, Schlumberger, Science & Engineering Fair of Houston, Shell, 60 Plus Association, Society of Exploration Geophysicists, Society of Women Engineers – Houston Area Section, Statoil, Texas Alliance for Minorities in Engineering, Texas Sol Renewable, Texas Southern University, Jesse H. Jones School of Business, Texas TicKids, The Wind Alliance, TransCanada, TXU Energy, United Airlines, University of Houston, University of Texas, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for 21st Century Energy, U.S. DOE Gulf Coast Clean Energy Application Center, Waste Management, Western Energy Alliance, YES Prep Public School
We need your participation and involvement to make this an outstanding event! Please email Kathleen at KKoehler@consumerenergyalliance.org for details.
All sponsors have given us their exhibit designs, all of which will be very exciting for the youth of Houston. Here are a few exhibits:
- Combined heat and power system; 8 x 22 Kawasaki engine
- Natural gas vehicle
- Solar panels and wind turbines
- Mobile Offshore Learning Unit
- Interactive iPad games and applications
- eVgo is bringing the Freedom Station (electric vehicle charging station) and 1 or two electric vehicles
- and plenty more….
Energy Day Exhibitor Spotlight
With Energy Day only 2 weeks away, we wanted to give you an inside look at exactly what will be on display. Here is a look at a few of the exhibitors that will be on hand at Energy Day and what they hope to accomplish.
Shell
Shell is a leading oil and gas producer in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico, a recognized pioneer in oil and gas exploration and production technology and one of America’s leading oil and natural gas producers, gasoline and natural gas marketers and petrochemical manufacturers. We operate in 50 states and employ approximately 20,000 people delivering energy in technically innovative ways.
At Energy Day, Shell will be displaying the following:
Interactive Oil & Gas Display: Shell has partnered with the University of Texas GEO-FORCE students to demonstrate how hydrocarbons are safely extracted from the ground. The demonstrations will be hands-on and will provide a safe, fun way for young students to become excited about the industry.
Eco-Marathon Display: Two Eco-Marathon cars will be on display to showcase Shell’s involvement with renewables, the company’s commitment to innovation and promote next year’s Houston Eco-Marathon.
TAME Trailer Display (bonus space): Shell has also partnered with the Texas Alliance for Minorities in Engineering. TAME will be providing their educational trailblazer trailer that will be located across from the Shell exhibit. The trailer will have hands-on educational science and math activities for children and their families.
Lone Star College
Known for its innovation and visionary thinking, Lone Star College System is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and the fastest growing community college system in Texas. LSCS offers associate degrees and certifications in many areas of study. Through its progressive partnerships with four-year universities, LSCS also offers seamless opportunities to obtain bachelor’s and master’s degrees at its two University Centers.
For Energy Day, one of Lone Star College’s exhibits is an interactive home energy simulator. You’ll see how a grid-tied photovoltaic solar power system can create alternative energy for a house, including how solar panels work and the affects that the weather can have on creating energy. Then, by “adjusting your lifestyle,” you’ll see how simple things you do (or don’t do) around your house can change the amount of energy your appliances and lights use in a typical day. Lone Star College will also have a hydrogen generator on display. Using a solar panel and a little sunshine, this piece of equipment will generate enough electricity to power a propeller right before your eyes!
Caterpillar
Caterpillar Global Petroleum is the worldwide leader in engine solutions that power the petroleum industry. The industries Caterpillar serves provide power to all aspects of the energy industry from exploration and production to refining and transportation of the products we use every day.
At Energy Day, the Sustainable Development team will highlight what Caterpillar represents and what the company does. Sustainable Development for Caterpillar means leveraging technology and innovation to increase efficiency and productivity with less impact on the environment and utilizing resources more efficiently. They will have a variety of activities for all ages including videos, equipment displays and hands on activities. Games and prizes will be going on throughout the day.
University of Houston
The University of Houston, Texas’ premier metropolitan research and teaching institution, is home to more than 40 research centers and institutes and sponsors more than 300 partnerships with corporate, civic and governmental entities. UH, the most diverse research university in the country, is ranked by the Carnegie Foundation as a Top Tier university and by the Chronicle of Higher Education as one of the “Great Colleges to Work for”. UH stands at the forefront of education, research and service with more than 37,000 students.
The University of Houston will be exhibiting its research and development efforts in renewable/alternative energies and energy sustainability. These include programs in ultra-high efficiency solar cells; wind power generation, architectural integration of alternative energies; clean fuel cell energy; superconductivity and energy savings, clean diesel technology; balloon launch air quality studies; advanced subsurface analysis of hydrocarbon deposits; and sustainability through energy and materials conservation.
Statoil
Statoil is an international energy company with operations in 34 countries. Building on more than 35 years of experience from oil and gas production on the Norwegian continental shelf, a quarter of our production is now derived from international assets. We are committed to accommodating the world’s energy needs in a responsible manner, applying technology and creating innovative business solutions. Statoil is headquartered in Norway with 20,000 employees worldwide, and is listed on the New York and Oslo stock exchanges. More information on www.statoil.com.
The Statoil display will include interactive STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) demonstrations meant to engage and impassion the next generation of technical professionals. The exhibit will also include components that showcase our Heroes of Tomorrow initiative through our partnerships with First LEGO League and the Houston Dynamo.
Houston Renewable Energy Group
HREG believes we have a choice to live in a responsible and sustainable manner, achievable through renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency measures and proper planning of our cities and communities. The purpose of HREG is to further the development of renewable energy and related arts, sciences, and technologies with concern for the ecological, social and economic fabric of our community and state. This is accomplished through the exchange of ideas and information by means of meetings, publications and public displays. HREG serves to inform public, institutional and governmental bodies and seek to raise the level of public and government awareness of its purpose.
During Energy Day, participants will learn about solar energy systems, energy efficiency and sustainable building technologies by visiting residences and businesses in the Houston area that use these technologies in real world applications and through the Green Energy Fair being conducted at Tranquility Park as part of Energy Day. Participants will have the opportunity to visit over twenty varieties of existing solar solutions, from commercial installations and residential projects to solar thermal hot water and pool heaters.
Upcoming Events
CHP2011: Combined Heat and Power Conference & Trade Show
CHP2011 is the only nationwide conference and trade show dedicated solely to cogeneration, tri-generation, and waste heat recovery. At the Combined Heat and Power Conference and Trade Show, you’ll find solutions, innovations, and best practices from leaders in the CHP industry. The conference will offer unparalleled networking opportunities for industry professionals.
CHP2011 is the go-to event for education, business development, and networking for individuals and organizations considering CHP. Attendees will benefit from the free exchange of ideas on an array of industrial and commercial CHP topics. Last year’s event in Austin was attended by more than 325 industry professionals, and we are working to make this year’s event even better.
The Combined Heat and Power Conference & Trade Show will take place in Houston, Texas on October 17-19, 2011 at the Westin Galleria Hotel. For more information on the event please go to the event’s website:http://www.chpcon2011.com/HOME/tabid/2125/Default.aspx
Efficient Lighting Strategies
Did you know that the electric light bulb was invented just 132 years ago? Thomas Alva Edison invented the carbon-filament lamp in 1879. This invention ushered in an era of inventions and progress that led to our present-day world of technology and electricity dependence.
In the United States, about 15 percent of household electricity is used for lighting – mostly through the use of traditional incandescent bulbs. We use artificial light to meet all types of needs, including: ambient, task and accent lighting.
Using new technologies, you can decrease the electricity used for your lighting needs by 50 to 75 percent. Not only does that save you money, but it is also wise utilization of America’s resources.
Make use of these tips:
- More light is not always better – match your lighting needs to your tasks
- Use a dimmer switch to reduce costs
- Use energy-efficient light bulbs and systems to save energy
- Try “daylighting” – using natural light, when available, through the use of windows and skylights
Find out more about efficient lighting strategies from the U.S. Department of Energy here.
