GE 534 Students Present to State Energy Officials
On May 8, students in GE 534, Research for Environmental Agencies and Organizations, presented their work to 21 officials of the Massachusetts Division of Energy Resources. Alex Fukuchi explained the “Power to Gas” (P2G) approach of using renewable energy to create hydrogen gas, which can then be burned cleanly to provide reserve energy for when the sun is not shining or the wind is not blowing. Alex and class instructor Rick Reibstein have developed a concept called “P2G @ the source”, for employing the technology at utility-scale renewable energy production sites. Lanzheng Liu presented her examination of the potential for ground-source heat pumps, which can save billions by replacing electricity used for space heating. Following the presentations state officials discussed the possibilities of P2G at university campuses, geothermal for multi-family housing, and Lanzheng’s recommendation to support expansion of subsidies and the development of new business models to help homeowners with the upfront costs of installation. After the presentation Deputy Commissioner Joanne Morin wrote Reibstein to thank the students and to say “They did a great job – we enjoyed it!”