Upton, Western Michigan University participate in Energy and Environment Innovation Showcase

Statement

U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, the leading Republican on the House Energy Subcommittee, today hosted Dr. Qingliu Wu, Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical and Paper Engineering at Western Michigan University, at the Energy and Environment Innovation Showcase in Washington, D.C.

The event highlighted organizations from across the nation that are using innovative technologies to reduce emissions, tackle climate change, protect our environment, secure reliable and affordable energy, create American jobs, and strengthen our economy.

"Today we had a packed house with 18 companies, like DTE Biomass Energy from Ann Arbor, academic institutions, such as Western Michigan University from Kalamazoo, and other organizations to showcase their innovative work that is really making a positive impact on our environment and our economy," Upton said. "Our planet is facing unique challenges, and we need bold ideas that address current and future risks while also maintaining reliable and affordable energy options for consumers. Today's presentations proved that innovation is the answer. With innovative, all of the above strategies, we can protect our environment, address our energy challenges, and strengthen our economy."

Across the University and in multiple disciplines, WMU has a long history of scientific discovery and innovation designed to improve energy efficiency and to advance sustainability.

"The showcase was a wonderful platform to highlight--to government, industry and society at large--WMU's research into energy delivery and emissions reduction," Dr. Wu said.

Monday's showcase included University projects focused on lithium-ion battery technology and creating efficiencies in printing.

"We have gained great success in fabricating electronic devices by using high-throughput printing processes, and currently, we are trying to apply these technologies in lithium-ion battery technology to further reduce energy consumption during manufacturing processes and thus also reduce the cost of battery products," Dr. Wu said.

Lithium-ion batteries offer the advantage of storing significant amounts of energy from renewable sources, such as solar and wind power, making possible a fossil fuel-free society. In the area of printing, employing high-throughput processes in manufacturing could further reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.

"This is important research, and we appreciated the opportunity to exhibit and explain our work," Dr. Wu said.

Dr. Wu joined Western Michigan University in August 2017 as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical and Paper Engineering. Prior to joining Western Michigan University, Dr. Wu was a Senior Research Scientist at Navitas Advanced Solutions Group from 2015 to 2017. Dr. Wu also received a three-year postdoctoral training in the Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division at Argonne National Laboratory.

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