Ideas

The Energy Center at Appalachian State University was established in 2001 to conduct energy research and applied program activities in a multi-disciplinary environment. The Center, working through faculty, staff and students, has programs in the areas of energy efficiency, renewable energy technology, biofuels, policy analysis, forecasting, and economic development. Appalachian State is home to one of the nation’s first degree programs in renewable energy technology, and remains one of a handful of schools in the world that offers a Masters-level degree in renewable energy technology.

In additional to being a closed-loop eco-industrial park, the Catawba EcoComplex is undertaking research and development on technologies to convert as much region “waste” to energy or other uses as possible. The facility includes a Landfill-Gas-to-Energy facility, a new Biodiesel Research Facility, and many more projects on the way.

Small and large regional companies benefit from our capabilities through the Center for Rapid Product Realization. Through the Rapid Center, university resources are matched to business needs. These resources include faculty who have industry experience in addition to an in-depth knowledge of their fields. Facilities are supported by dedicated engineering staff with extensive prototyping and custom machining experience. By helping companies rapidly bring new products and technologies to commercialization, the center helps generate value-creating jobs and improve the region’s quality of life.

The Mountain Horticultural Crops Research & Extension Center is leading research into oil and other energy crops and their potential for western North Carolina. The center is home to fifty faculty and staff from North Carolina State University College and strives to help improve economic advantage in WNC by conducting applied research and developing and implementing highly effective extension programs related to agriculture, the environment, family, and community.

NCDC is the world’s largest active archive of weather data. NCDC produces numerous climate publications and responds to data requests from all over the world. NOAA is currently adding a new Climate Services division to this center as well.

The Nauhaus Institute (NHI) is a not-for-profit research organization that aggressively develops, shares, and popularizes affordable carbon neutral building and living solutions. Our approach incorporates hyper-efficient designs, local / low embodied energy materials, self-sufficient mechanical and electrical systems, on-site food production, outdoor living, and smart growth development solutions.

Located just over the border in Tennessee is the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Scientists and engineers at ORNL conduct basic and applied research and development to create scientific knowledge and technological solutions that strengthen the nation’s leadership in key areas of science; increase the availability of clean, abundant energy; restore and protect the environment; and contribute to national security.

RENCI, which stands for the Renaissance Computing Institute, utilizes modern computing power, decision science and storytelling to help make sense of our most challenging environmental challenges. Working with regional partners such as NOAA’s National Climatic Data Center, UNC Asheville’s National Environmental Modeling and Analysis Center, USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station, and local businesses, RENCI helps to foster economic development in the environmental technology sector.

Appalachian State University’s Research Institute for Environment, Energy, and Economics (RIEEE) was established in November 2008 to enhance research opportunities for faculty and students whose interests are associated with environmental science, renewable energy and economics.

The Small Wind Research and Demonstration Site is a unique program to give first-hand experience with wind power technology. This facility is open to the public to see and hear wind turbines in operation. Tours and workshops are hosted at the facility, which is maintained by ASU students, faculty, and staff.