On Friday, May 5, I attended part of of the St. Olaf College Annual Science Symposium. The symposium topic this year was “The Science of Sustainability.” I heard a lecture given by Dr. Stephen Polasky of the University of Minnesota: “Desperately Seeking Alternatives: Where Will Sustainable Energy Come From?”

Polasky began by giving an overall picture of the energy scene in the United States, noting that 86 percent of our energy comes from fossil fuels. He said that while energy consumption has risen overall, energy consumption per person has not increased in recent decades, and energy consumption per dollar of gross domestic product has been declining. He described his PEAS criteria for sustainable energy supplies: “plentiful, environmentally benign, affordable supplies.”

He also described the “full cost accounting” approach to energy analysis, which takes into account externalities that the market does not, such as pollution. He used this approach to study biofuels as an alternative energy source, providing more evidence that biofuels provide a net energy gain (not a drain, as some have argued). His research showed that soy biodiesel has distinct advantages over corn ethanol as an alternative fuel. It requires less fertilizer and pesticide and produces more energy per dollar of input.

However, he noted that biofuels at best could supply about 11 percent of current U.S. energy gasoline consumption. He said that efficiency gains - more energy-efficient cars and buildings and appliances - are an area of huge potential in energy, and he mentioned the research of University of Minnesota Architecture professor John Karmody, who has worked on energy-efficient buildings. I approached Polasky afterward and suggested that he add to his list less consumption - driving less, for example. He agreed.

This entry was posted on Friday, May 12th, 2006 at 10:13 am and is filed under Environment and Ecology, Minnesota.