The greatest challenges and opportunities for engineers and scientists of the 21st century likely will focus on the generation, transportation, utilization and storage of energy. Ohio is the state best prepared to advance energy in the United States.
The State of Energy in the United States:
- The U.S. Department of Energy estimates world energy demand will double by 2050 and triple by the end of the century.
- The United States is still heavily reliant upon non-renewable energy resources, which are by definition not sustainable and many of which have other adverse repercussions for the environment.
- The United States accounts for about 5 percent of the world’s population, but uses about 25 percent of the world’s energy.
- The United States is heavily reliant on foreign oil. Roughly two-thirds of oil comes from foreign sources, which is viewed by many as a threat to national security.
- In addition to the United States’ own increasing appetite for energy, the rapid industrialization of India and China—fueled by oil, gas and coal combustion—will only serve to amplify world demand and emission issues.
The State of Energy in Ohio:
- From its history of “firsts” in the field of energy and its host of natural and intellectual resources, Ohio is poised to be at the forefront of next-generation energy production.
- Ohio Lt. Governor Lee Fisher said that “advanced energy” industries could bring 22,000 or more high-paying jobs to the state.
- In addition to cleaner, safer energy for future generations, energy innovation will revitalize Ohio’s industrial base through the manufacturing of new products and cost savings from better, more efficient technologies.
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