(53a) Sources Of Energy (from Wood to Hydrogen), How Did We Get Here and Where Do We Go Now

Energy is simply defined as the ability to do work.  Energy provides lights for cities and powers automobiles, trains, jets, machinery in factories and tractors on farms.  Energy warms homes, cooks food, and is generally responsible for what is defined as a better quality of life.  It is generally believed that a better quality of life should be provided for the next generation and generations to come.  Thus, over the past 40 years, the world need for energy has increased geometrically. 

However, all sources of energy discovered thus far are finite in quantity and as they are implemented, the supply of the source begins to be depleted.  This paper will introduce this session and will trace the utilization of primary sources of energy during the past 40 years, including chemical engineering contributions to development of technologies that have led to practical utilization of these sources and a brief discussion of how chemical engineering is poised to play a significant role in the utilization of energy sources of the future.