Algae farms may be on Colorado’s horizon, thanks to a partnership between Colorado State University and biofuel startup Solix. CSU Extension anticipates piloting algae production for use in research to investigate the properties of algae-produced fuels and combustion byproducts.
Extension is part of the team working on a five year grant with with CSU Engines and Energy Conversion Lab to develop algae biomass fuels. Extension will educate potential producers of algae based biofuels and plans to collaborate with producers on an experimental algae test bed in Colorado. They expect to be ready for field testing in year three of the project.
Agents are assisting communities with the latest information on implementing renewable energy options such as wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, hydropower and home or business energy efficiency. “Extension is perfectly suited and a natural fit in the overall New Energy Economy,” said Cary Weiner, CSU Extension’s Clean Energy Specialist.
On Sept. 11, 2010, Extension will present an educational event in Jefferson County on various home energy options including energy conservation and efficiency, solar PV and solar thermal, small wind and geothermal. The session will cover costs, incentives, payback periods. The event runs from 9 am to 10:30 am at the Golden Extension office on the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, 15200 West Sixth Avenue, Golden, Colorado. RSVP to Cary Weiner 970-491-3784 or cary.weiner@colostate.edu
Extension founded Clean Energy Strategic Initiative Team two years ago. The initiative is a team of Extension agents each focused on one new energy topic such as biomass, renewables, and energy efficiency. The team will broadly educate all extension agents on the basics of renewable energy so they know where to turn and where to find resources. Ultimately, they will become general information brokers to meet the needs of Colorado communities on energy issues.
Extension recently added 5 community energy coordinators to drive efforts helping towns, counties, residents and businesses become more energy efficient. They will serve the Morgan, Logan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Yuma and Washington, Gilpin, Clear Creek, Custer, Freemont counties and the San Luis Valley under a $220,000 energy efficiency and conservation block grant through the Governor’s Energy Office.
Dennis Kaan, Golden Plains Area Director for CSU Extension told the High Plains Journal that “The goal of the Community Energy Coordinators is to reduce the information barrier for Colorado citizens by providing them with access to simple and accurate information about energy efficiency and renewable energy opportunities”.
Extension energy efficiency outreach includes hosting weatherization training for contractors across the state. Air Sealing technician training will be offered in Frisco August 26, Steamboat Springs August 27, Monte Vista Sept. 18 and Fort Morgan. The first regional training in Montrose was held Aug. 20. The trainings teach contractors how to cost effectively improve the energy efficiency homes by reducing air infiltration and repairing insulation defects.
For more information on Air Sealing Technician training, visit http://www.usweatherizing.com/19843.html
In 1914 Congress authorized land-grant Universities to feed research-based information to Extension agents in each county to serve local communities. CSU Extension has traditionally offered expertise in agriculture, horticulture, range, forestry, water, health, financial literacy, business management, community development and 4-H programs.
–Brian Brainerd