By Jennifer Ailor, ONE Conference Coordinator
Focus on current and future alternative energy and sustainable fuels for the Ozarks.
The Ozarks New Energy (ONE) Conference Feb. 22-23 will bring a slate of prominent researchers and speakers to Springfield, as well as local experts, discussing alternative fuels to coal, gas and oil and their development and application in the Ozarks.
More specifically, speakers will explore biomass and gaseous fuels for power generation, alternative liquid and gaseous fuels for transportation, solar and wind technologies, efficient design and energy efficiency and conservation. Hydrogen, ammonia, algae, methane, cellulose and other biomass products are among the alternative fuels discussed at the conference. Elected officials representing the state and federal government and the chair of the Missouri Public Service Commission will discuss federal and state energy policy, initiatives and incentives.
This first-of-its-kind conference is the result of a meeting called last June by Dan Chiles of Springfield City Council to brainstorm ideas for a future new fuels conference in Springfield. The approximately 150 people attending that meeting enthusiastically embraced the idea of a conference. The result is the ONE Conference, sponsored by the City of Springfield, City Utilities of Springfield, Drury University, Greene County, Killian Construction, Missouri State University, Oakridge Consulting and Watts Radiant. Other sponsors will be announced. The conference, will be held at the Gillioz Theatre, Discovery Center and other downtown venues. It is intended for anyone interested in the development of alternative energy sources in the Ozarks.