Mark R. Shanahan, Governor's Energy Advisor and Executive Director, OAQDA, shares insight on research funding from the State available for energy programs. |
Moderator: Dr. Deanne Snavely, Interim Vice Provost for Research and Dean of the Graduate College, Bowling Green State University;
Panelists: Paul L. Bishop, Program Director, Environmental Implications of Emerging Technologies, National Science Foundation;
Mike McKay, Manager, Technology Business Assistance Office, Technology & Innovation Division, Ohio Department of Development;
Mark R. Shanahan, Ph. D., Governor’s Energy Advisor and Executive Director, Ohio Air Quality Development Authority; and,
Richard T. Stuebi, Fellow for Energy and Environmental Advancement, The Cleveland Foundation
Mark Shanahan set the context for this discussion on sources and methods of pursuing research funding in a challenging economy. He referenced comments made by keynote speaker Kathleen “Kate” McGinty, citing Pennsylvania and Ohio as leaders in clean energy research and technology. Dr. Shanahan noted three characteristics the two states have in common:
- both states are large users of energy;
- both states pay a high price in environmental damage for the relatively low cost energy they have consumed; and,
- both states have a wealth of energy resources.
He said resources for advanced energy research in Ohio are available at all levels; this availability parallels the University System of Ohio renewed focus on contributing to economic development. Many funds encourage the creation of public and private partnerships and collaborations to tie research to jobs development, while others foster exploration of technologies to address emission problems more economically.
Dr. Shanahan highlighted the recent announcement of the conversion of FirstEnergy’s Burger Power Plant in Belmont County from coal-powered to a biomass facility as an example of energy research that has reached the commercialization and deployment stage. The plant will be one of the largest biomass-generated power plants in the U.S. when the conversion is completed in 2012 and is part of the effort to increase Ohio’s reliance on renewable energy resources.
Other highlights of the discussion included resources for research and development funding and tips for applicants, such as:
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The Third Frontier Program, managed by the Ohio Department of Development, is a 10-year, $1.6 billion program for research stimulation and support that thus far has leveraged more than $3.5 billion in private and federal funds. The initiative is designed to build world-class research capacity, support early stage capital formation and the development of new products and finance advanced manufacturing technologies to help existing industries become more productive. Visit www.odod.state.oh.us for additional information.
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The Advanced Energy Job Stimulus Program, administered by the Ohio Air Quality Development Authority, offers $150 million for advanced energy funding (over three years). The program seeks to increase the development, production and use of advanced energy technologies in the state and is divided into two parts, with $66 million for clean coal technology projects and $84 million for non-coal-related projects. This program does not fund research. Visit www.ohioairquality.org for additional information.
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The Energy for Sustainability program is a two-year old program administered through the Chemistry, Bioengineering, Environment and Transportation Systems Division at the National Science Foundation. The program supports fundamental research and education in energy production, conversion and storage and is focused on energy sources that are environmentally friendly and renewable. The duration of unsolicited awards is generally one to three years. The average annual award size for the program is $100,000. Any proposal received outside the announced dates will be returned without review. Visit www.nsf.gov for additional information.
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When applying for funding, keep in mind that funding requests to foundations and other grantors far exceed available funds. The challenge is to be the best of all applicants, to acknowledge that your project has risks and the steps that will be taken to mitigate those risks, and to provide all required detail about your proposal. Demonstrate how your idea will lead to something world-class, how it will create jobs and economic activity, how it is inter-disciplinary or multi-disciplinary, and how it is commercially relevant.
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Issue Two, 2009
