RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES IN THE ENERGY SECTOR. IN: ENERGY AND TRANSPORTATION. CHALLENGES FOR THE CHEMICAL SCIENCES IN THE 21ST CENTURY

The present consumption of energy in the United States is mostly from fossil fuels, and that pattern is not likely to change, as carbon based fuels will likely remain plentiful and low in cost. This paper, even considering the above supply predictions, examines some drivers for changing the U.S. primary fuel sources. Identified are: a desire to reduce the nation's dependence on imported petroleum; the need for clean burning fuels; and the increasing concern about man-made carbon dioxide emissions being released into the atmosphere. The paper identifies the following four areas for research opportunities for the chemical sciences: technologies that are carbon efficient; technologies that enable carbon dioxide sequestration; technologies that enable the use of natural gas to produce liquid fuels; and, technologies that enable the use of biomass, solar energy, and renewable sources of energy in general.