Beyond Coal Script

Michigan State’s consumption of power is constantly increasing and MSU’s T.B. Simon power plant will need to expand in the near future in order to meet with the rising demand.

However, Coal prices are likely to rise in the near future due to increases in demand for coal in the global market as a result of industrial growth. The majority of coal burned at MSU is sub-bituminous coal from the Appalachian region, and is obtained through a process known as mountaintop removal. There is currently legislation being passed to curtail this practice. As a result, MSU will be forced to purchase lower-quality coal from further away, increasing shipping costs. These costs add up quickly, as 250,000 tons of coal are burned yearly.

In addition, MSU was recently fined $27,000 for passing the emission limits of Sulfur Dioxide and Nitrous Oxide, set forth by the EPA

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The problem of rising power-demands provides an opportunity for MSU to consider implementing various non-coal power sources.

One such option would be Biofuels. Biofuels include wood, corn, garbage and its associated methane gases, and alcohol fuels. Many biofuels can be already be burned in the existing equipment at the T.B. Simon power plant, and would require little additional infrastructure. The power plant is currently testing a mixture of coal and compressed wood in their furnaces.

Wind energy is another viable option. Wind turbines require an initial investment in the form of land and building costs, but generate electricity with little cost associated with upkeep. They also have the added benefit of utilizing a free fuel source, the wind, and produce zero emissions.

Solar energy pairs well with wind power, since wind generation tends to be at its highest during periods of low sunlight, and visa versa. Solar requires a larger initial investment in materials and construction, but can be added to existing structures, and has no fuel cost or emissions.

Another option is Geothermal energy. Geothermal energy works by using the earth's heat either directly, or as a means of generating electricity. A system is already being planned for the addition on the Nursing building. Ball state is also currently constructing a large-scale geothermal power system. Geothermal would compliment other power sources well in that it is very efficient at heating buildings.
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Many of these alternate energy sources have the benefit of utilizing local resources. All of MSU’s coal must be purchased out of state and then transported long distances. However, Biofuels can be obtained within Michigan, keeping our expenses local, while stimulating Michigan’s economy, and reducing shipping costs. Wind, Solar, and Geothermal energy would all generate local jobs as a result of their initial construction and upkeep.

MSU has the opportunity to be the first in the Big 10, and one of the first in Universities in the nation to move off of coal-generated electricity, and implement a more Green system in its place.

The exact solution will take some research, but a combination of power sources is likely to meet MSU’s power needs while reducing our dependence on Coal.

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