Racing to Discover New Energy Technologies

The combination of motorsports and advanced vehicle technologies has one of its homes in Indiana and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The tradition of applying lessons learned at the racetrack to the cars we drive on the road is a long one.

Nationally, federal workers are being highlighted for their work in this area. The subject of this profile is Forrest Jehlik, lauded for his expertise in alternative fuels. An excerpt below and the full story.

Jehlik said many decisions that are made in the political and commercial arenas regarding energy sources and auto technology are not always based on the best science, but driven by economic considerations and the power of vested interests. He said his federal energy laboratory engages in pure research and makes its findings widely available, letting the results speak for themselves.

“We are not paid if hydrogen or ethanol wins out. We look at the technology and the fuels and see what works,” said Jehlik. “That’s what makes us unique.”

 

States Seek to Batter(y) Up

The competition to be the leader in advanced battery technology is heating up. Indiana, with its recently announced Indiana Energy Systems Network, figures to be a player. The focus at this point is relying on the people and technology that have served the state well in the past in automotive and related industries.

Others are counting on splashier efforts. Texas is reportedly seeking $1 billion from the federal government to construct a lithium ion battery plant. In addition, two Indiana neighbors are also putting their hats in the battery ring.

Michigan is focused on automotive batteries, with various tax credits and incentives geared toward building four manufacturing facilities. Kentucky has a more broad based approach. The state, the universities of Kentucky and Louisville, and Argonne National Laboratory are developing a national research and development center in Lexington. In addition, the National Alliance for Advanced Transportation Batteries (affectionately known as NATTBatt), plans a research, battery plant and headquarters campus 45 miles south of Louisville.

The large scale manufacturing plants seem to be ahead of their time. While the Indiana plan may seem a little slower and safer from afar, it might well prove best in the long run. Wins along the way, such as the addition of Altairnano and its battery productuion efforts in Anderson, could lead to a major victory down the road.