Beyond partisanshipBeyond partisanship

March 8, 2012March 8, 2012

Developing energy policy that makes sense

Tom Still, Wisconsin Technology Council

• Independent, non-partisan policy advisor to governor and Legislature on science and tech

• Work with Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., other public and private partners

• Work with entrepreneurs, investors, researchers and others

• Understand role of sound public policy

Our role at the Tech Council

• Nationally = Deficit politics, lingering recession, 2008 financial collapse, class and culture differences

• Wisconsin = Recall politics and continuing battle of role of public employee unions

• Result? Gridlock!

We live in a divided society

• But it’s not all new. Since World War II, Wisconsin has been a ‘purple’ state

• “All politics is local” – Thomas “Tip” O’Neill

We live in a divided society

More of the same:“Somehow we have to figure out how to boost

the price of gasoline to the levels of Europe.” – Steven Chu

“There are many guesses as to what the ‘new oil’ might be, but no one knows for certain – least of all the federal government” – Stuart Butler

What’s it mean for energy policy?

BiofuelsWisconsin is positioned for growth in a ‘green and bold’ economy’

Bioenergy in Wisconsin can be generated from multiple feedstocks, including corn, perennial grasses, wood and even manure

With a land area of nearly 35 million acres and crop production from only 8.5 million acres (2008), Wisconsin has land available for sustainable production of crops and other biofuels stocks

Biofuels“Green gasoline”

In addition to raw materials, we have world-class researchers, emerging companies and production capacity

But will we maintain a first-to-market advantage?

U.S. led world in spending on biofuels R&D and demo projects in 2010: International Energy Agency

Image: The world’s first commercial hydrogen fuel station in Iceland; opened 2003

Lee Edwards, Virent Energy Systems

BiofuelsFuture of corn-based ethanol

Can Wisconsin lead transition to next-generation biofuels?

Wisconsin home to nine ethanol plants/500 million gallons of production

Recent federal actions show tensions between ethanol industry and small engine producers, who are resisting E15 mandates

Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center focusing on “next gen” biofuels such as cellulosic ethanol, which is made from non-edible plants. 50 disclosures so far

Image: Badger State Ethanol plant in Monroe, Wisconsin

Wind energyBlowing in right direction?

Wisconsin has potential, mostlyin manufacturing and ‘small wind’

Proposed regulations make it harder to build wind-power projects in Wisconsin

However, many “choice” wind locations in Wisconsin are gone. Best opportunities may involve smaller wind turbines

Wisconsin’s manufacturing foundation has given rise to companies that build parts for wind turbines

Solar powerShining or cloudy forecast?

Solar power represents one-tenth of 1% of the energy supply, but technological improvements and growth is bringing down the cost of renewable power from solar panels

Passive solar and tech-based conservation is helping businesses reduce energy use and cut costs

Solyndra hangover hurts from policy perspective – cited as President Obama’s “venture socialism”

Nuclear energyFrom disaster to innovation

Fukushima was massive disaster for Japan and nuclear industry

Can Wisconsin’s expertise in engineering physics help pave the way for next-generation reactors that are safer and less expensive?

Federal R&D around nuclear energy is up; UW-Madison is major recipient of grants

Storage technologiesBatteries and storage systems

Emerging companies as well as some of Wisconsin largest firms have expertise

Johnson Controls building lithium-ion batteries for hybrid vehicles

ZBB Energy’s storage and power control platforms enable integration of renewable energy sources

Nanotechnology has potential to help

Eric Apfelbach, ZBB

Storage technologiesRole of nanotechnology:

“The most compelling reason for wanting to investigate nano-materials evolves from the fact that nano-materials are probably key to solving many of the energy problems we face today.”

Dr. Robert Hamers, UW-Madison Department of Chemistry; UW-Madison Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center; UW-Madison Materials Research Science and Engineering Center

A rich tradition meets world needs

World demands are changingA matter of demographics

Today = 1.8 billion people in ‘middle class’2020 = 3.2 billion2030 = 4.8 billion

With most growth outside U.S.

Source: NorthStar Economics

4 Fs will drive consumption of energy and other goods

Food

Feed

Fuel

Fiber

Summary: Smart policies will help

Wisconsin has right combination of R&D, market know-how and, increasingly, capital

What’s needed are clear signals from federal and state policymakers to help market adjust

It’s not just regulation and mandates OR just laissez-faire economics. It’s about finding the right combination, even in our divisive times

ConclusionsGreen and bold is part of our future

Give the markets a chance to work

Let policy be guided by solid science and economics

Encourage collaborations at academic and industry level

Free entrepreneurs and ‘enviropreneurs’ to do what they do best

Thank youWisconsin Technology Council:

Tom Still, president

Visit: www.wisconsintechnologycouncil.com

455 Science Drive

Suite 240

Madison, WI 53711