Alternative energy technology major would be beneficial to community
The alternative energy revolution is just beginning in the United States.
What remains to be seen is just how significant an impact it will have. The possibilities seem almost endless.
North Dakota in particular will have a significant role in this revolution. A number of wind turbines that generate electricity have been constructed in the state during the past 10 years.
According to a North Dakota Department of Commerce Web site, the Department of Energy has recognized North Dakota as having some of the best wind energy generation potential in the lower 48 states.
In addition to wind turbines, there are a number of bio-diesel and ethanol plants being developed in North Dakota.
Bio-diesel is produced from the oil of crops such as canola or soybeans. The seeds are crushed and the oil is extracted.
The oil undergoes different chemical processes and is transformed into bio-diesel. It can then be used in traditional diesel engines.
Ethanol is produced from crops such as corn. It’s burned in gasoline engines with certain modifications.
For some time now, ethanol has been used in a 10 percent blend with regular gasoline. Scientists are also considering switch grass for use in making ethanol.
As a result of all the advancements in alternative forms of energy, individuals who are knowledgeable about alternative energy can expect to see new favorable job opportunities.
Because of this, universities will need to train people for these careers.
At this time, there are only a handful of schools in the United States that offer programs geared specifically toward alternative energy technology.
It would be beneficial for NDSU to research the idea of developing an undergraduate major pertaining to alternative energy technology.
Developing such a program would require adequate funding, facilities, qualified instructional personnel and a general interest from prospective students.
I imagine the most difficult of these to obtain would be funding. Yet because alternative energy is so critical to the state’s future, I feel that receiving money for such a program would not be out of the question.
NDSU probably already has some of the professors necessary for such a program.
These instructors would have to obtain some additional training in the specific
aspects of alternative energy technology.
There would probably be some questions as to whether or not NDSU already has the facilities for such a program.
If I were to decide, I would place the alternative energy technology major in the College of Agriculture, Food Systems and Natural Resources.
The students majoring in alternative energy technology would take classes that already exist at NDSU involving math, science, business, plant science, agricultural economics, agricultural systems management and engineering technology.
NDSU could then develop additional classes pertaining to specific topics such as bio-fuels, wind energy and solar energy.
This semester, NDSU already offers a class pertaining to bio-fuels. I feel that NDSU could eventually expand that into an entire alternative energy technology major. Our state, our nation and our future generations would certainly benefit.
Ron is a junior studying agricultural systems management.
Columnists' opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of The Spectrum