Rise in use of alternative energy sources predicted

While Missouri lags behind the national average in the amount of renewable energy it uses, awareness of alternative energy sources in the state is on the rise.

Only about 1 percent of the energy used in Missouri comes from renewable sources; the national average is about 7.5 percent.

The 99 percent of Missouri energy that comes from traditional sources such as coal, natural gas and petroleum is nearly all imported. While the numbers might not look impressive, a shift could be on the horizon.

“It is likely that we will see a significant increase in renewable energy production and use in coming years,” said John Noller, a planner at the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Energy Center.

Why are the numbers likely to increase?

• Three Missouri cities, including Columbia, will soon have the equipment to capture landfill gas and use it to generate electricity on site.
• Missouri students are learning by experience about solar energy through Missouri Schools Going Solar, a program that puts solar equipment in schools.
• Consumption and availability of electricity generated from wind power will increase with new in-state wind projects and programs to use electricity from out-of-state wind farms
• Steps are being taken toward developing flexible photo voltaic sheets. The goal is to make solar energy less expensive and more efficient.
• Future research expected on alternatives to using natural gas in ethanol production, as well as crop waste
• Before the year 1999 all ethanol used in Missouri was imported. By 2000, the first Missouri ethanol plant was operating in Macon. Currently, ethanol is being produced at three different locations across the state, with a fourth plant scheduled to open this fall.
• Mid-America Biofuels is working to bring the state’s first major biodiesel plant to Mexico.

“Studies show that a lot of the renewable energy potential in Missouri lies in biomass,” said John Noller, planner at the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Energy Center.

Biomass includes ethanol and biodiesel; as well as biogas and energy from crop and wood waste.

Noller predicts that increased consumption of alternative energy will have a positive impact on the state, including benefits for the environment, economy and energy security.

“Missourians currently spend about 14 billion on energy, and nearly all of our energy is imported from outside the state,” Noller said. “The more we can rely on energy close at hand, the less vulnerable we will be to disruption.”