APRIL 9, 2009 ISSUE
A Forum on Renewable Energy
ASU REI Hosts Spring Forum Thursday
This Thursday, April 9, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. ASU’s Renewable Energy Initiative will host its Spring Forum. The event, part of ASU’s Earth Month 2009, will be held in the Solarium of the Plemmons Student Union and will feature a number of presentations concerning the past, present and future sustainable energy projects of the Renewable Energy Initiative (REI). Pizza and drinks will be provided. There will also be a short, 10- to 20-minute film shown. There is no charge for admission.
The REI Spring Forum is an annual event for the members involved. It’s the time when they get to explain who they are and what their mission is. And what, exactly, are they? From their website, www.rei.appstate.edu, “The ASU Renewable Energy Initiative began in February 2004. Ernie Hodgson and a group of motivated students began the arduous process of creating a student-led committee to spend student fees on renewable energy projects on campus. These renewable energy projects are meant to help offset the university’s dependence on fossil fuels and serve as outreach and education to students about the benefits of renewable energy.”
In March of that same year, ASU students agreed to a referendum that stated they would each pay $5, added on to their tuition and fees, toward renewable energy projects.
“Each year,” said Appalachian junior and REI member Rio Tazewell, “we work with a budget funded completely by students to initiate renewable energy projects all over campus. We’re one of the few such ‘student green fee’ groups in the state.”
The money has been put to good use. According to Crystal Simmons, student chair of the initiative, funds from students have allowed REI to build three photovoltaic arrays on and around the campus. The largest is in front of Raley College of Business, another is on top of Katherine Harper Hall and the third is located next to the Biodiesel Research Facility on State Farm Road.
A photovoltaic array is a device that converts the sun’s rays into electricity.
“The power goes into a larger grid where buildings can draw on it when needed,” said Simmons. She’s happy to admit that the array next to the research facility provides 100 percent of its electricity needs.
At the Spring Forum, Simmons and her associates will discuss current projects like the photovoltaic arrays and also where the future of REI is headed. One up and coming project that Simmons is particularly excited about is the beginning of the Broyhill Wind Project, which will construct windmills for energy use. According to Simmons, ground should break on the project by June 1. She also mentioned that REI will be commissioning a solar thermal system to be built on top of Plemmons Student Union. The system will provide heated water for the Cascades Cafe and the McAlister’s Deli.
If you are interested in helping out, REI will be accepting applications through Friday, April 17, for soon-to-be-open positions.
“For those who want to get involved in renewable energy while they’re here at App, it’s the best way,” said Tazewell.
For more information and/or to learn about applying to be a new member in REI, click to www.rei.appstate.edu.
Want To Go?
Date: Thursday, April 9
Time: 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: The Solarium in Plemmons Student Union
Cost: Free
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