Alternative Energy Sources for MoDOT

Status

Sequential Number

Identification Number

Matching Research Agency

Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT)

Principal Investigator

Student Involvement

Project Objective

To investigate environmentally friendly alternative energy sources that could be used by MoDOT in various areas and to develop applicable and sustainable strategies to implement those energy sources. 

Project Abstract

Global environmental challenges such as climate change and carbon emissions have raised concerns about current energy consumption and awareness of renewable and sustainable energy sources. Although a complete transformation from a fossil-fuel-dependent economy to a clean-energy is not a short-term reality, research and practices for alternative energy have drawn significant research attention in recent years, and MoDOT has long been committed to engaging in environmentally friendly innovative technologies and practices. To better address this commitment and deliver tangible “Environmentally Responsible” results, MoDOT aims to develop applicable strategies to implement alternative energy in various areas.  Not only will these applications be environmentally friendly but, in some case, they may be technically and economically superior to traditional strategies.

In that regard, the objective of this proposal is to investigate environmentally friendly alternative energy sources that could be used by MoDOT in various areas, and to develop applicable and sustainable strategies to implement those energy sources.  Specifically, the project will conduct a thorough investigation of potential alternative energy sources that could be used by MoDOT, identify the various application areas in which the alternative energy may be appropriate, develop detailed and applicable strategies that will instruct the implementation of the selected energy sources based on appropriate technology feasibility analysis, as well as address technological issues and risk mitigation, perform appropriate cost-effectiveness and financial feasibility analysis as a function of electric utility rates and potential rate increases, as well as analyze various financing mechanism such as public-private partnerships, and deliver quarterly update reports and a final report as prescribed.

Anticipated Benefits

Successful completion of the proposed work will assist in developing a framework/roadmap for alternative energy in Missouri.  This roadmap will not only address the technical and economic feasibility of potential sources/applications, but will also address risk mitigation, financing mechanisms, and near-term actions with potential economic development benefits.

Project Deliverables 

A final report will include:

• a comprehensive literature review that provides background information, validates research efforts, and imparts best practice knowledge,

• a thorough investigation of potential alternative energy sources, as well as unique applications, that could be used by MoDOT,

• appropriate cost-effectiveness and financial feasibility analysis, and

• applicable strategies and procedures to implement alternative energy including detailed implementation plans and technological instructions, including financing mechanisms and risk mitigation.

Milestones

Relationship to other Research/Projects

Tangentially related to other alternative fuels/energy projects of the PI and coPIs.

Technology Transfer Activities

In addition to conference and publications, a workshop is planned to disseminate data and analysis from project activities. 

Transportation Research Board Keywords

Alternative Energy, Transportation Fuel, Transportation Systems