Runninghead:TACKLINGFUTUREENERGYCHALLENGE1

TacklingtheFutureEnergyChallenge
ShuYiNeoh
ENGL106i
MrsPark
PurdueUniversity

Author note
Correspondence concerning this article should be address to Shu Yi Neoh, First
Year Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47906.
Contact: sneoh@purdue.edu

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Abstract
This paper provides a summary of the opinion from an expert in the renewable energy
area. This paper mainly addresses the curiosity of the author in the area involving the
energy challenge, the solution currently planned to curb the future challenges that may
arise. A big part of this paper involves the opinion of a post-graduate researcher on the
urgency of the energy challenge that lies ahead, and how his current research will be part
of the revolution in the energy generation methods globally. His opinion is highly valued,
and is integral to the paper the author is working on, as his opinion reflect the current
scientific community and their concerns. This paper managed to capture the predictions
of the author, and also added value to the research the author is working on. The results
from this finding, and through this interview, the author managed to gain direction on the
research she is looking into.
Keywords: Green energy, green technology, energy challenge

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Tackling the Energy Challenge Interview Report

Introduction
Energy consumption is on the rise. With more advanced technology, energy
consumption continues to increase. The future energy challenge is the prediction of
shortageofenergythatmayarisewhentheconsumptionofenergyexceedstheabilityto
generateenergy.Additionally,energyintheformoffossilfuelsisfurtherdepleting.As
mankindlooksintodevelopingsustainably,renewableenergyisthemosteffectiveways
ofgeneratingenergywithminimalimpacttowardstheenvironment.However,asfossil
fuelsremainsthecheapestformofenergyavailabletoindustry,thebiggestchallenge
globallyistoreducetherelianceonfossilfuels,andlookforalternativesinstead.
Backgroundofinterview
Mr.NathanielCarterisapostgraduatestudent,currentlyworkingforthesolar
energy research under the guidance of Professor Agrawal, Wintrop E. Stone
DistinguishedProfessorofChemicalEngineering.Mr.Carterhasbeenworkinginthis
research for 5 years, upon graduating from Missouri University of Science and
TechnologywithaBachelorsofScienceinChemicalEngineeringdisciple.Mr.Carteris
asuitablecandidateoftheinterviewasheiscurrentlyworkingdeeplyintotherenewable
energytechnologybesideshavingvastinterestinthisarea.
The interview took place on February 27, 2015, at 1.30pm in Mr. Carters office
in Forney, also known as the Chemical Engineering building. Mr. Carter was really eager
to answer the variety questions relating to energy. Throughout the whole interview, he
displayed his passion, and calmness with a professional posture.

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Interview Overview
The interview centered around Mr. Carters opinion on the issue from the topic,
tackling the future energy challenge. The interview kicked off with a brief introduction
from Mr. Carter, subsequently transitioned to a discussion on the challenges of renewable
energy, which includes how generation of renewable energy is location specific, besides
being extremely inconvenient. Not to mention solar energy, other common form of
renewable energy, which includes geothermal and wind energy, faces the same
challenges. Generation of renewable energy takes up vast amount of space, which
increases the cost of generating energy through green initiative. These advantages made
the green technology market less attractive as compared to petroleum and natural gas
industry. Mr. Carter defended to my opinion, stating that the science community is
making changes to these by taking steps such as increasing the efficiency of the solar
panels, encouraging the generation of more energy, within a smaller area. He also
mentioned that they are developing a technique to be able to integrate solar cells as the
form of a flexible substrate rather than a piece of glass. This way, solar energy can be
generated without taking a large space, but rather, adding an extra coating to the current
building or vehicle surfaces.
As we moved on to the state of recognition of the energy challenge, Mr. Carter
replied promptly that the authority recognizes the future energy challenge. This
recognition of the problem that lies ahead is the critical reason behind several authority
bodies, such as the Department of Energy heavily supporting research towards a more
sustainable future, in another words, renewable energy. Nevertheless, Mr. Carter thinks
that even though such support continues, unless the politicians, also known as the

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governmental bodies, understand how drastic the effects of the amount of funding
available to these research, we will not be able to thrive as well as we should be.
Mr. Carter voiced out his opinion by the following words:
The issue, maybe this is me being a cynical fifth year graduate student, is in a lot
of the policy, and that I dont know that the politicians recognize, or is even
willing to consider that the energy crises is as imminent as most of us in academia
think it is, and realize it is.
His statement goes on to prove that the collaborative efforts from all level of society are
vital to find the solution to the future energy challenge that lies ahead. All the oil and gas
companies are also encouraged to invest in renewable energy. When compared between
efforts in investment in renewable energy, and oil and gas research, both are equally
important in making the world a sustainable place. I was in total agreement to this
statement. In addition, Mr. Carter believes that research in both areas is important in
terms of the period of time to consider. For instance, petroleum and natural gas is crucial
to uncover the most effective way of conserving oil and natural gas, a short-term plan. In
contrast, research in renewable energy is imperative to create a future of sustainable
energy generation, to cope with demand, which is significant in long-term planning.
Conclusion
Mr. Carter managed to add a unique perspective to the topic of discussion, and his
opinion is deeply appreciated, as well as agreed upon. His expertise reflected upon his
ability to convey his impression in an adequate manner. Indeed, renewable energy faces
unprecedented challenges, from all aspect, mainly financially, politically and
shortcomings of the current technology. Despite facing such difficulties, mankind must be

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able to accept that endurance is necessary, as it is one of the paths necessary to solve
future energy challenges. As the reliance towards fossil fuels continues, global citizens
should be aware of the current state of depletion that lies ahead, and take proactive
measures to seek the necessary actions to solve this obstacle. Collaborative effort towards
the same mission is necessary as the first step to accepting and solving the energy
challenge that lies ahead.

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References
Carter, N. (2015, February 27). Personal interview.

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Appendix
Question:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Can you explain a little about yourself, and what you do?
Besides Solar research, any particular research you are interested in?
When was it that you discovered your passion for energy?
What do you think about solar energy, as compared to other forms of renewable

5.

energy?
So far, can you summarize the progress of renewable energy replacing the non-

renewable energy? Is it possible?

6. What is your opinion on the investments given towards renewable energy research
in comparison to petroleum or any other form of non-renewable energy?
7. What is your opinion on the claim that fabrication of panels and processes, which
uses water and electricity as well, will undercut the ability to fight climate change,
or reduce environment toxics?
8. I am sure there will be opposing opinions on the benefits of renewable research.
Do you have any idea on the people/body that might be against the development
of this sector?
9. In your opinion, how efficient are we in terms of coping with energy demand?
10. In the future, do you think it is possible to replace the Grid?
11. We know that one of the challenges faced by the development of renewable
energy is that it takes up space. For example, solar panels and windmills. What is
your opinion on this?
12. What is your opinion on the future energy challenge? Will it be a major issue, or
something we will be able to overcome with the current progress of the research
on ways to generate energy?