Kentucky’s energy needs are critically important to its citizens. Our energy needs include assistance to develop renewable energy sources, and to devise methods for using energy most efficiently. The University of Kentucky College of Agriculture is active in a multifaceted array of energy related research, deployment and educational activities and programs. The goal of these activities is to efficiently use our natural resource base by developing new technologies, markets and tools and distributing these to the Commonwealth and beyond.

College of Agriculture energy related programs involve both development of renewable energy sources, and technologies to increase the efficient use of energy. Development of renewable energy sources includes projects related to biomass production and collection, and developing methods to convert this biomass to value-added biofuels, chemicals and materials through thermochemical or microbial and enzymatic conversions. The College also has energy efficiency programs to provide a safe, productive and healthy environment in residential and commercial buildings and agricultural facilities, processes and equipment. Many traditional College activities to improve productivity or reduce inputs directly or indirectly impact energy consumption. 

The goals of the College of Agriculture’s Energy Program include:

• To conduct research in the area of renewable energy and energy efficiency,

• To conduct research to develop new technologies and methods for the effective and efficient use of our energy resources,

• To develop educational and demonstration programs that encourage implementation of renewable energy production and energy efficiency appropriate to targeted sectors or groups,

• To increase energy efficiency in all sectors of Kentucky and in particular the agriculture and related industries and communities with activities such as the development of codes and standards, and

• To participate in the exchange of knowledge, programs, and ongoing activities of the College to the citizens of the Commonwealth.

From agricultural producers to businesses, industry and schools to families and individuals, Kentuckians are already benefiting and will reap even more benefits in the future from the energy-related research and extension educational programs being conducted across the state through the efforts of faculty and staff in the College of Agriculture.

Click here for PDF version

Updated: 02.12.06
Please direct questions to: snokes@bae.uky.edu
The University of Kentucky is An Equal Opportunity University