Mr.
UL Lafayette's Energy Institute of Louisiana forms the Louisiana C1 Extension Service
Mon, 06/07/2021 - 11:23am
The Louisiana C1 Extension Service or LC1ES was organized by UL Lafayette in May 2021 to assist Louisiana industries with reducing their greenhouse gas footprints. By far, the primary greenhouse gases released in Louisiana are carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) that are commonly known as “C1” chemicals. The LC1ES will utilize the vast expertise across UL’s campus to facilitate reducing the C1 footprint of Louisiana’s industrial base without adversely impacting jobs and economic development.
Dr. Mark E. Zappi, PE, Executive Director of the Energy Institute of Louisiana (EIL) and a Chaired Professor of Chemical Engineering, led the formation of the LC1ES. Dr. Zappi states “Our current situation is very similar to the challenge Louisiana faced in the 1970s and 1980s when water pollution control thankfully became widespread”.
Forty years ago, the level of water treatment needed seemed like a daunting task that some thought may actually shut-down Louisiana’s economic base. Yet, the state responded well and flourished as new technology was implemented to meet water quality goals across the state.
During that period of time, Louisiana companies needed help with technology selection, information distribution, and to educate the workforce of that period. Dr. Zappi further states that “Today, we face a similar challenge with C1 releases”. The LC1ES will provide the critical information flow to ensure that Louisiana responds well to the challenge while growing its economic base.
The EIL and its affiliated centers offer unparalleled expertise that will support this important endeavor for the future of Louisiana. In fact, Louisiana could emerge as a key source of technology and expertise for a global clientele attempting to reduce their own C1 outputs.
A key component to the mission of the LC1ES will be researching new C1 abatement and control methods while educating future experts in the many fields needed to responsively address C1 issues. This unique service is believed to be the first of its kind to be formed in the US. It will further position Louisiana as a technology leader in the energy and industrial sectors.
Sarah Simoneaux, a UL Lafayette chemical engineering graduate student, is studying the potential of green microalgae to remove vast quantities of carbon dioxide from gas streams (her work is being jointly funded by NASA and the LA Board of Regents)