The Advanced Coal and Energy Research Center (ACERC) at SIU-Carbondale is bringing together faculty and industry leaders to exchange ideas on our future energy needs.
"Let them discuss. Let them figure it out if any collaboration is possible, and if it is possible, what kind of benefit would there be for both sides," said SIU-C research center director Tomasz Wiltowski.
Wiltowski says while he concentrates on fossil fuels, he wants this Regional Energy Forum to incorporate all types of energy.
"I was discussing with someone from Washington, D.C. that there is a concept of taking carbon dioxide and using the fuel cells to produce electricity. So, you know, all those forms actually in turn increase the efficiency and we'll be able to produce more electricity without harming (the) environment."
At the forum, Wiltowski will speak on SIU-C's energy research and its local applications. Also speaking will be Peter Schubert, director of the Richard G. Lugar Center for Renewable Energy.
Wiltowski hopes this is the first of several events to discuss the future of energy locally and around the world.
The Regional Energy Forum will be held Friday at noon at the Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center in Carbondale. Lunch starts at 11:30. The public is invited to this free event.
