In January, the New York Times reported, “Antarctica is warming.” A half-century of scientific data indicates that all seven of our planet’s continents are now affected by global warming. Global warming, however, is only one of several challenges posed by our dependence on fossil fuels for energy. Energy security is a mounting concern, as the United States grows increasingly dependent on other nations for petroleum; in 2007, for example, 67 percent of the petroleum consumed in the United States was imported. Our nation’s reliance on expensive imported petroleum endangers both our economic stability and our competitiveness.
Addressing this problem is a massive effort. A first step is to use energy more efficiently in our vehicles, buildings and homes. Experts have estimated that a determined effort to improve energy efficiency could reduce our generation of carbon by up to one-third. The next step is to find ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy use. Electric vehicles offer possibilities but require reducing reliance on carbon-emitting coal for electric power generation (or sequestering the carbon dioxide), as well as new battery technology to make such vehicles more flexible and cost-effective. We also need to increase domestic renewable resources like wind and solar power, which require a more capable electric grid as well as technologies for improved energy storage.
The energy problem is tough, it is large, and it is long-term, which is exactly why universities should be working on it. So, in January, Stanford launched a research institute focused solely on finding solutions to global energy issues. The Precourt Institute for Energy engages scientific leaders across campus and the world, to accelerate breakthroughs in renewable, efficient and environmentally friendly energy.
This new institute builds on existing efforts. In 2002, the Global Climate and Energy Project ( GCEP) was established at Stanford. In just six years, our energy-focused research increased fivefold, ranging from renewable technologies to carbon capture and storage.
But to address the problem effectively requires additional expansion of our research efforts and our curriculum. Some compare the development of green technology to information technology in the ’70s and ’80s. Today’s energy challenges, however, are far more difficult, in scale and complexity. With the decline in the endowment and its effect on University finances, we felt unable to respond to the challenge at the necessary level.
Fortunately, visionary donors share our belief in the urgency and importance of Stanford’s involvement. Jay Precourt, ’59, MS ’60, and his family, together with Tom Steyer, MBA ’83, and Kat Taylor, JD/MBA ’86, provided founding gifts for the institute. Other donors, including Doug Kimmelman, ’82, Mike Ruffatto, ’68, and the Schmidt Family Foundation, also stepped forward, so the University could launch this new endeavor with a combined total of $100 million.
The Precourt Institute for Energy is a broad-based effort to address the challenge of providing energy for our growing world in ways that are sustainable and economically feasible. As part of the institute, existing ventures such as GCEP and the Center for Energy Efficiency will continue to address a range of critical problems, including promotion of more efficient technologies, systems and practices, and contribute analysis for policymaking.
Identifying new technologies and policy approaches to make renewable energy the energy source of choice is a significant undertaking. To focus attention on that effort, Tom Steyer and Kat Taylor funded a major new center within the institute, the TomKat Center for Sustainable Energy. The center will explore technologies for alternative energy by bringing together faculty from many disciplines.
Outstanding faculty and students are key to any project’s success, and the institute will draw on the collective excellence of the entire University. Lynn Orr, ’69, distinguished scientist and teacher, former dean of the School of Earth Sciences and the inaugural director of GCEP, is the new institute’s director.
Venture capitalist John Doerr, in a panel discussion at the Precourt Institute announcement, noted that although green technology is the way of the future, only six of 30 leading companies in the field are based in the United States. At Stanford, we do the research and educate students with an aim to change our energy future and become leaders in green technology.
This is a complex and long-term project. In the years ahead, hundreds of faculty and thousands of students will be engaged in the energy challenge. Through their efforts, we hope to find solutions that will benefit the lives of millions throughout the world and leave our planet a better place for our children.
