Energy Conversion

Environmental scientist receives Alumni Achievement Award

RICHLAND, Wash. – Wayne J. Martin, recently retired from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory as acting chief operations officer for national security directorate, was honored Friday with the Washington State University Alumni Association (WSUAA) Alumni Achievement Award in recognition of career achievements, mentorship of aspiring scientists and service to education in the Tri-Cities community.

Researchers produce jet fuel compounds from fungus

By Tina Hilding, Voiland College of Engineering & Architecture RICHLAND, Wash. – Washington State University researchers have found a way to make jet fuel from a common black fungus found in decaying leaves, soil and rotting fruit. The researchers hope the process leads to economically viable production of aviation biofuels in the next five years.

April 29: Students present designs for forest waste facility

PULLMAN, Wash. – Students at Washington State University have developed facility site designs for a potential liquid depot to process wood from slash piles in the Pacific Northwest. The liquid sugar can be used to produce chemical products including biofuels. Designs and findings will be presented in a webinar at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 29.

Through August: Exploring hidden cost of Grand Coulee Dam

PULLMAN, Wash. – During the 1930s, proponents of the Grand Coulee Dam were quick to emphasize the progress the dam would bring to the country. Indeed, Grand Coulee provided thousands of jobs during the Great Depression, aided the American World War II effort and irrigated vast areas of central and western Washington. The dam remains […]

Direct measurements show lower local methane emissions

By Tina Hilding, Voiland College of Engineering & Architecture PULLMAN, Wash. – A team led by Washington State University researchers has found that methane emissions from local natural gas distribution systems in cities and towns throughout the U.S. have decreased in the past 20 years with significant variation by region. 

April 2: Energy summit tackles critical smart grid challenges

PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State University will host its inaugural energy summit on April 2 with a focus on storage technologies, one of the most critical challenges of incorporating renewable energy into the electric power grid.

April 14: Energy generation from food, animal waste

By Kate Halstead, WSU Extension MONROE, Wash. – On-site generation of energy and soil enhancements from organic waste will be demonstrated at a free Anaerobic Digestion Bioenergy Field Day 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, at Willie Green’s Organic Farm, 19501 Tualco Rd., Monroe, (www.williegreens.org).