Energy, Biofuels Attracting Attention
A new focus on bioenergy is emerging at both the state and national levels. With gas prices climbing and global warming concerns rising, there is a greater emphasis on going "green" and becoming environmentally friendly. Jynell D. Berkshire, president and chief executive officer of eGlobal Consulting, Inc., stated, "Indiana is focused on renewable energy – we rank in the top five states on corn and soy beans exporting. Technology is driving this industry."
Over the last several years, energy has become a broad term ranging from mobile applications (think transportation) to stationary applications (think homes and buildings). More emphasis on energy, in particular biofuels, has created a growing sector that has led to new legislation, industry applications, and technology transfer opportunities. 
"As more companies are becoming "green," there is a greater focus on advanced technologies," commented Berkshire. "The Indiana General Assembly has provided specific incentives for industries that are focused on alternative energies. When the Indiana General Assembly recently adjourned, they provided some significant incentives for industries and interested parties in respect to coming online and working toward ethanol."
Indiana Senator Richard Lugar and other government officials are spotlighting bioenergy with a particularly strong focus on renewable energy. Berkshire remarked that Indiana’s abundance of corn and soybean crops give the state a solid foundation for narrowing in on the emerging and expanding sector of ethanol. With Indiana’s central Midwest location, strong farming community, progressive government, and rich agricultural base, Berkshire anticipates Indiana being at the forefront of ethanol growth.
Already emphasizing renewable energy is the Indy Racing League, which brought the ethanol industry into Indiana when they announced their fuel of choice to be ethanol. Now other racing leagues across the United States are examining renewable energy, particularly ethanol, as their fuel source.
Recognizing the growing potential within the energy sector, a focus on cultivating energy technologies has emerged. The Flagship Enterprise Center and the Purdue University Discovery Park are the state’s first two locations for incubating ideas and companies concentrating on energy, commented Berkshire. She also mentioned that other universities and institutions are exploring ways to assist energy through enhancing and combining educational curriculum and technology transfer.
With technology driving this industry, it will hold the key to future advancement and success. Berkshire believes that "technological transfer between different sectors is crucial to advancing energy as a whole. I also think we will see more businesses work with the academic community to increase the overall importance of energy."
As the public and private sectors continue to accentuate energy, the organizations and institutions supporting and cultivating energy-related technologies will strengthen. Simply stated by Berkshire, "Exploring advanced technologies will lead Indiana and the United States to a new energy economy."
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