Inaugural Energy Summit at Michigan State University Explores Sustainable Energy and Mobility Solutions
Hosted by the MSU Research Foundation, the summit brought together researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers to explore sustainable aviation, electric vehicles, energy storage, and grid resilience solutions for Michigan’s energy future.
EAST LANSING, Mich. (Nov. 12, 2024) — The MSU Research Foundation hosted its first Energy Summit on November 6, 2024, at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) on Michigan State University's campus. The event brought together over 90 industry stakeholders, researchers, policymakers, and innovators to address critical challenges in energy and mobility, focusing on infrastructure, transportation, and technological advancements.
The summit began with a networking breakfast, followed by opening remarks from David Washburn, Chief Executive Officer of the MSU Research Foundation, and Satish Udpa, Distinguished Professor of MSU's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Kelly Williams of Eaton Aerospace delivered a keynote on “Powering the Future of Sustainable Flight,” discussing advances in sustainable aviation technologies. The presentation highlighted developments in sustainable fuels, electric and hybrid propulsion systems, thermal management, and advanced manufacturing, emphasizing collaborations to reduce the industry’s environmental impact.
Rob Threlkeld of General Motors presented an additional keynote, addressing the automotive industry’s progress toward zero emissions and the future of sustainable transportation.
Electric technology was a primary focus, with a morning panel discussion on electric vehicle battery storage. Moderated by Judd Herzer, Director of MSU Mobility, the panel featured experts including Chengcheng Fang from MSU’s College of Engineering, Shafiq Bari from Michigan's Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, Jeff Myrom of Consumers Energy, and Jim Hotary from Lilypad Labs.
“The panel incorporated a fascinating mix of perspectives from industry, government, and university members on overcoming mobility issues like range anxiety and infrastructure challenges,” said Herzer. According to Fang, “Electrified mobility, powered by advancements in battery energy storage, is essential for a sustainable future and drives innovations in how we connect and move.” Hotary added, “To unlock the full potential of these technologies, we must move beyond the science to prioritize the needs of end-users, creating value and lasting enthusiasm for the technology's benefits.”
Dr. Mahmoodul Haq from MSU’s Composite Vehicle Research Center (CVRC) presented research on composite materials that combine carbon fibers and polymers to create lightweight materials, stronger than steel yet significantly lighter for vehicles. This was followed by a fireside chat on roadway environment and safety featuring Peter Savolainen from MSU College of Engineering and Cemre Kavvasoglu from ADASTEC, who commented “Bringing automated buses into the conversation on energy efficiency is critical, as these technologies are transforming our approach to safer, more sustainable public transportation.”
Afternoon sessions included a panel on sustainable energy solutions moderated by Annick Anctil from MSU’s Civil and Environmental Engineering. Panelists Tom Guarr from Jolt Energy Storage Technologies, Sherri Jett from MSU Infrastructure Planning and Facilities, and Justin Carpenter from Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council discussed sustainable energy implementation.
According to Garr, “Humans have an enormous appetite for electrical energy, and only sustainable approaches can meet this demand without harming our environment.” Jett added, “The energy sector is experiencing an exciting period of innovation, with significant research focused on battery energy storage, sustainable fuels, and advanced systems like nuclear fusion. The primary challenge is delivering cost-effective, reliable baseload energy while reducing emissions.”
The final session featured a fireside chat on energy storage with James Klausner of Redoxblox and Wolfgang Bauer, Distinguished Professor in MSU’s Department of Physics and Astronomy, focusing on grid sustainability and resilience solutions.
“When it comes to deploying renewable power infrastructure at scale, time is of the essence,” said Bauer. “Events like this summit, where industry experts, policymakers, and academic researchers can interface, are crucial for expediting progress and bringing current research into the marketplace.”
The event concluded with a social hour featuring a performance by a musician from the MSU College of Music, where attendees networked and discussed the day's sessions.
The MSU Research Foundation hosts industry-specific events like the Energy Summit to facilitate collaboration among academia, industry, and government, addressing regional challenges and supporting economic growth. For upcoming programming and events, visit msuresearchfoundation.org/events
Five Key Takeaways from the Energy Summit:
Sustainable Aviation Progress: The aviation industry is advancing through sustainable fuels, electric and hybrid propulsion systems, and improved thermal management, highlighting a commitment to reducing environmental impact.
Electric Vehicle Infrastructure: Battery storage technology and infrastructure development are critical for Michigan's electric mobility transition, requiring collaboration among utilities, manufacturers, and policymakers.
Grid Modernization: Integrating renewable energy sources demands new approaches to grid resilience and storage, with emerging technologies offering promising pathways for sustainable power distribution.
Cross-sector Collaboration: Successful energy innovation requires active participation from academic researchers, industry leaders, and government agencies, working to accelerate development and implementation.
Michigan's Energy Future: The state's energy sector transformation presents economic opportunities, particularly in electric vehicle manufacturing, battery technology, and sustainable infrastructure.
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About the Michigan State University Research Foundation
The MSU Research Foundation supports the Michigan State University ecosystem with resources that increase the impact of research and innovation. The Foundation achieves its mission through grant programs that contribute over $15 million annually to the University, entrepreneurial programming and early-stage investments that accelerate technology transfer and startup growth throughout Michigan, and environments where startup businesses and collaborators can thrive. The Foundation's work is made possible through its stewardship of a flexible and sustainable endowment, nourished by over 50 years of licensing revenues and investment returns. Learn more about the MSU Research Foundation and its impact at msufoundation.org