Alternative Energy

Field definition

The alternative energy sector is defined by technology that produces energy while causing less environmental damage than traditional means of energy production.

The main actors in this sector are government agencies, universities, and Alternative Energy Companies. Venture capitalists, nonprofit organizations, environmental advocates, and attorneys all play important supporting roles.

Conferences and State Task Forces provide important collaboration opportunities. Identification of challenges and opportunities for projects may be established at these meetings and collaboration continues through email contact and conference calls.

Government agencies and universities appear to be more eager to participate in data sharing than energy companies who are less consistent in sharing their data. While there may be differences between the main actors when it comes to data and research sharing, collaboration on policy appears to be strong from all the actors in this sector.

An example of industry collaboration can be seen in the “Iowa Alliance for Wind Innovation and Novel Development” which is a partnership between “state and local governments, the community colleges, universities, the private sector, associations and community organizations, and the federal government.”

The information above is largely the result of impressions of the alternative energy sector collected through research and experience.