Dr. Holly Krutka, the Executive Director of the School of Energy Resources (SER) at the University of Wyoming, has sparked a conversation surrounding renewable energy in light of a recent study published by the SER and the celebration of Earth Day over the weekend.
“I oversee SER’s robust outreach program to ensure transparency with all we do and ensure we’re connected to Wyoming’s energy industries, communities and elected and appointed officials,” said Krutka.
“I am also responsible for SER’s research program. We work with faculty, staff and students across campus in a wide variety of energy-related research areas. Our flagship focus areas are carbon capture, use and storage and carbon engineering. We also have growing programs in policy and regulatory research, hydrogen, energy economics, nuclear energy, rare earths and critical minerals, visualization and much more.”
In a study that was originally conducted by SER, two UW researchers, Selena Gerace and Jessica Western, found that Wyomingites favor natural gas as an energy source, but are becoming increasingly interested in renewable energy options.
“We’ve been conducting such surveys over the past several years. Therefore, we’ve been able to track changing perceptions and support, or lack of support, about various energy technologies. We find increased support of technologies like carbon capture and storage, but still a great deal of Wyomingites who are neutral or uncertain about energy technologies.” said Krutka.
“Selecting one energy source for Wyoming wouldn’t serve the state’s best interest. Wyoming is an ‘all of the above’ energy state and a leader in several important energy technologies. In addition, SER and our partners at UW are here to support the state in several capacities.”
In an initial survey in 2019, Gerace and Western found that natural gas was the preferred energy resource, with nuclear being the least.
“Energy touches everything and we ask so much from our energy sector – reliability, affordability and sustainability are all vital. Students should understand that these are all being balanced on a tremendous scale with massive infrastructure that has taken decades to develop. Changes will not come immediately and it is important to consider how changes will impact the entire energy ecosystem.” said Krutka.
“I would encourage students to learn about various energy technologies and, if they are interested, participate in undergraduate research programs related to energy. Then participate in the public discussion on energy issues. I’m not sure others outside Wyoming are always fully aware of all the innovation that has happened in this state. Students at UW can contribute to that innovation and to our cumulative future.”
