Power Charged

To generate the staggering amount of energy needed to survive, mankind relies on an advanced system of science, engineering and logistics to transform resources like coal, natural gas, wind and water—or utilize complex chemical reactions like nuclear fusion—to create energy.

With an aging infrastructure and increases in demand—especially with the rise of AI technology and cryptocurrencies, which require incredible amounts of electricity just to stay functional—the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects U.S. power consumption will rise to record highs in 2025.

But the energy question is best viewed not as a problem but an opportunity, said Bruce Tatarchuk, the Charles E. Gavin III Endowed Chair of Chemical Engineering and director of the Center for Microfibrous Materials Manufacturing.

“You’ve got to appreciate how ubiquitous and interconnected everything is,” said Tatarchuk. “We’ve got the whole interplay of the business world and the supply chain. It’s hard to pick something and say, ‘This is energy, or this is food, or this is water,’ because they all interact. This is a complex, highly interactive playing field, and when you want to change something, you have to look at the entire network that surrounds it.”

An Auburn professor for more than 40 years, Tatarchuk has studied the energy industry up close and strives to teach students that potential fuel sources can come from almost anywhere. One of the most exciting examples is a partnership between Auburn University and a local spinoff company, IntraMicron Inc., whose focus is to transform animal waste into renewable natural gas and jet fuel.

Tatarchuk has led efforts to refine scalable versions of the Fischer-Tropsch process by developing tools and structured catalyst systems that better accommodate and remove the immense amount of thermal heat generated during the chemical conversion. IntraMicron has successfully scaled and implemented the process in Auburn’s Research Park and has now installed and demonstrated commercial reactors in cattle and pig farms.

IntraMicron and Auburn own a number of patents related to microfibrous entrapment that uses the specialized catalysts required to run the desired reactions. These structured catalyst systems remove the heat from the reaction vessel, while simultaneously promoting the high rates of mass transfer required to feed the reaction.

“The methodology that we have developed and patented allows the practitioner to safely and controllably run chemical reactions faster and more efficiently than anyone in the world,” said Tatarchuk.

It’s not the only place Auburn University is excelling. Whether through educational experiences or the professional vocations of alumni, Auburn is an active participant in one of the most pressing issues of our time.

Following the Stream

Having operated “around the wheel” of the energy industry, she has a greater appreciation for the ingenuity and effort to make the interlocking parts whole. That experience is vital to managing Enbridge’s robust North American footprint as well as understanding the needs of customers, stakeholders and employees.

“We are an asset-intensive company,” said Clarke. “We own pipelines. We own infrastructure. Enbridge provides gas to residential and commercial-industrial consumers, so maintaining those assets is paramount to us, ensuring that the seven million customers we serve can receive their gas safely and reliably.”

Clarke not only manages the lifecycle of the organization’s assets, but also forecasts where to invest their capital for future needs. One of its most audacious is Dawn Hub, an enormous underground storage facility stockpiled with natural gas to balance out demand and prevent interruptions.

Managing an Industry

As the executive director of the Alabama Propane Gas Association (APGA), Bunn is advocate-in-chief for the clean-burning, environmentally safe fuel source. In addition to overseeing day-to-day operations and ensuring the needs of Alabama’s propane industry are met, she’s helping increase awareness of propane’s sustainability.

It’s surprising to learn that since propane evaporates into the air with no negative environmental impact, and produces considerably less carbon dioxide when burned, it’s one of the only energy sources approved by the Clean Air Act. With 100% of U.S. propane produced in North America, it increases America’s energy security too, said Bunn, adding that homes using propane can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 50% over an all-electric home.

A switch to high-efficiency propane appliances can further optimize energy usage and promote sustainability for residential consumers. School systems, transit fleets and delivery companies across Alabama are already taking advantage of these benefits while positively impacting the environment in their communities.

“Companies are actively researching and scaling up production of renewable propane, a biofuel made from sustainable sources like natural fats, cooking oils and agricultural waste that significantly reduces the carbon footprint compared to conventional propane,” said Bunn. “It is chemically identical to conventional propane, so it can [replace] all propane applications while delivering the same performance benefits, without requiring any significant modifications.”

The U.S. relies on several forms of energy conversion to generate electricity, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, in 2023 the U.S. generated 4.18 trillion kWh. Above are major energy sources’ net electricity generation.

The Path to Power Professions

One of Auburn’s strengths is combining faculty experience with innovative classroom programming to prepare students for real-world challenges. A prime example is the Nuclear Power Generation Systems (NPGS) program, a five-semester course sequence in the College of Sciences and Mathematics that prepares students for careers in the nuclear power industry.

Directing the program is Robbie Ledet, a 26-year veteran of nuclear power who spent time as both a senior reactor operator and manager, most recently at the Waterford 3 Nuclear Generating Station in Killona, La.

“I was a licensed operator for a long time in the nuclear industry, but this was too good of an opportunity to pass up,” said Ledet. “In my previous work experience I had relationships with Auburn engineers. Auburn has a reputation for producing hands-on engineers who are eager to roll up their sleeves and dig into challenges.”

A heavily regulated and complex industry, nuclear power can seem daunting to new recruits. By introducing them early and providing hands-on training exercises like the NPGS Lab Control Room Simulator, students can practice for potential challenges without real-world consequences.

Ledet took both his Fall 2024 semester classes on tours of nuclear power plants—one of the benefits of having strong industry involvement, including two CEOs serving on the program’s advisory board and several other industry professionals sharing their wisdom in guest lectures.

“You can’t overestimate the significance of having real-world engineers in the industry come and talk to students,” said Ledet. “[Several businesses] contacted us this semester to get involved, do a tour of our learning lab, and get their hands on some high-quality engineering graduates for possible internships, co-ops and future careers.”

A New Look at Nuclear

That is one of the reasons Lathem regularly finds herself at TerraPower and the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). After years of evaluation and research, her team believes that a technology called a molten salt reactor could be the next great leap in the world of nuclear fission.

First demonstrated at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the 1960s, salt reactors can operate at high temperature and low pressure, opening up their applicability beyond just electricity. Industries that require high-grade heat like oil, steel and even maritime trades could stand to benefit.

Nuclear is already one of the cleanest, most energy-dense and safest forms of power generation available. A single nuclear fuel pellet is equivalent to one ton of coal, but public perception has often lagged behind. Lathem and her team are exploring new ways to harness this salt reactor technology—and change public perceptions as well.

After the completion of a multiloop salt system at TerraPower’s headquarters, Lathem hopes the benefits will soon become apparent and outweigh the fear of failure surrounding nuclear power.

“For a long time we’ve become very passive in our societal feelings about how we push new technology, and how we prioritize the development and deployment of new technology,” Lathem said. “I think we’re right at the cusp again with the opportunity to change that attitude in a meaningful way.”

Advocating for a Sustainable Future

“It’s incredibly fulfilling to work for a company that is truly making a difference in the world,” Saia shared. “We are transforming how energy is used, making it more efficient and sustainable. By concentrating on reducing energy consumption and emissions, we’re paving the way for a brighter future for generations to come.”

With a background as a professor, management consultant and former legislative policy assistant for the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington, D.C., Saia also helped manage BP’s response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Now, he is dedicated to promoting the advantages of combining energy-efficient practices with advanced digital technologies at Schneider Electric, aiming to optimize resource use and minimize environmental impact.

“The Russia-Ukraine conflict has significantly heightened Europe’s focus on the demand side of the energy equation—how much energy is consumed and how efficiently it is utilized. This shift has led to increased investments in energy-efficient technologies, such as smart grids, energy-efficient appliances and building automation systems, along with a greater emphasis on replacing fossil fuel-based technologies with electric alternatives to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality.”

These futuristic tactics are already producing results. In smart buildings, digital technology can monitor and control lighting, HVAC systems and energy consumption in real-time, enabling more efficient energy use, waste reduction and lower carbon emissions, ultimately contributing to sustainability objectives.

By Derek Herscovici ’14