The Joint Center for Deployment and Research of Earth Abundant Materials is a Washington State University Everett-housed research unit. Visit the research unit’s website at jcdream.org.
Solar is a frequent topic when discussing the world’s clean energy future. Inexpensive renewable electricity from solar is foundational to other carbon-reducing technologies, alternative fuels, and storage options. Data shows that deploying renewables as the primary energy source on the grid and supplementing peak times with fossil fuels can reduce fuel costs and carbon emissions significantly.
There is understandable resistance to change in the utility industry – decades of infrastructure have been optimized for existing energy sources and adding renewables would require adaptation for those sources and the grid system at large. While the outlook on solar energy is very positive, there are significant obstacles to overcome before grid-scale implementations can be the norm.
COST
Cost is one of the biggest success factors for solar in the US. To date, the US solar industry has thrived on significant subsidies and policy support. As a result, experts have expressed doubt that renewable sources would be able to compete without those subsidies. The most recent data speaks differently: by the end of 2019, the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) for renewables was falling fast and competing with traditional sources even without subsidies. Forbes explains, “Utility-scale renewable energy prices are now significantly below those for coal and gas generation, and they’re less than half the cost of nuclear. The latest numbers again confirm that building new clean energy generation is cheaper than running existing coal plants.”
In 2017, the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) conducted a study on integrating large amounts of wind and solar into the existing electric power systems in the Western US. They found that integration of 35% wind and solar energy would reduce carbon emissions by 25%-45%, fuel costs by 40%, and system-wide operating costs by up to 14%. The transition would result in a potential 2%-5% operating cost increase for the fossil-fueled plants that would stay deployed to manage the intermittent nature of solar and wind.
In many states the cost of solar-generated energy is already less expensive than existing grid energy, reaching the inflection point of grid parity. But it’s likely that solar energy will have to far surpass grid parity to fully displace fossil fuels at grid–scale. Raj Prabhu of Mercom Capital Group explains: “Reaching grid parity in itself does not automatically make solar the front–runner. Many countries and regions have reached grid parity but have struggled to manage the intermittent nature of solar and the grid issues that come with it…Reaching true grid parity will be when solar is financially viable after including the cost of power infrastructure or when the combination of solar-plus-storage reaches grid parity.”
STORAGE
In 2018, NREL conducted a benchmark study of solar-plus-storage that helps to inform where the grid parity level could be for those systems. Based on NREL’s data, storage systems are price competitive with traditional fossil-fueled peaking power plants up to the 4-hour mark.
Energy storage adds a significant level of effort and expense to the way we develop and deploy solar at utility-scale. Storage is the only foreseeable way that renewables can meet 100% of the energy demand on the grid without any assistance from fossil fuels.
The most common storage deployment involves lithium-ion or lead-acid batteries. Each of these has its unique challenges and cast a shadow on the idea of solar. Lithium batteries carry cost, critical materials, degradation, and recyclability challenges while lead-acid batteries suffer from a limited depth of discharge, cycle life, and efficiency.
Even if battery storage is not yet scalable to the massive level of the full power grid, there are other options in development as well. Energy storage is possible through thermal storage, phase change materials, hydrogen, and other low-carbon fuels. Research into these alternatives will rely on low-cost renewable energy integrated into the grid.
CRITICAL MATERIALS
The excitement of grid-scale solar always gets more complex when followed up with the reality of storage. This theme carries through when we consider the materials and supply chains used in these energy systems. Solar cells and storage batteries each use several critical materials, and their respective lists are very different. The most common solar cells on the market use indium, known for its usefulness as a semiconductor. Indium is produced mainly as a byproduct of zinc, and to a lesser extent as a byproduct of copper, tin, and polymetallic deposits from mineral ores containing less than 100 parts per million (ppm) (or less than 0.01%) indium.
To date, demand for indium has been considered fairly small despite its widespread use in electronics touchscreens and photovoltaics. NREL estimates that “New, widespread use could dramatically alter overall demand, which could grow faster than production capacity for up to about a decade, given the length of time needed to significantly increase production capacity. During this decade, indium prices could be high and volatile enough that thin-film manufacturers find it uncompetitive compared to competing PV materials.” With clean energy proponents hoping for solar on the grid and continued innovation in photovoltaics, this capacity issue is imminent. It then points directly back at the cost issues discussed earlier since solar’s success will be heavily dependent on cost competition.
The next frontier in the photovoltaic market is multijunction solar cells. Multijunction cells have already doubled the efficiency of solar generation and exhibit the potential to nearly quadruple it. Unfortunately, multijunction cells are not commercially viable due to the high cost of production. If indium prices were to soar, high-efficiency multijunction (MJ) devices would be even further from viability. In addition to indium, MJs rely on the use of other semiconductors containing gallium and germanium which are subject to the same type of market volatility due to their status as companion metals that can only be sourced as byproducts.
The economic indicators of indium, gallium, and germanium point to costs increasing as demand rises. While these materials enable high-performance photovoltaic technologies, they are also obstacles on the path to grid-scale implementation. In order to overcome these challenges and move toward grid-scale renewable solar energy, research and development of earth-abundant alternatives to these critical materials are crucial.
University of Washington’s Professor J. Devin MacKenzie has been researching one such alternative to indium. With the help of a 2019 JCDREAM grant, MacKenzie and the Washington Clean Energy Testbeds were able to purchase and install an ultra-high-resolution printer capable of printing transparent conductors. They have developed a conductive film using earth-abundant copper that can outperform indium tin oxide in photovoltaics.
If scaled, this type of technology could help to circumvent the criticality issues of indium and create a more secure supply chain for solar cells. While it would be nice to believe that there is no limit to how technology can advance clean energy, we must address the very real constraints of the critical materials that power many of these innovations. The earth-abundant materials research of today will be instrumental in ensuring that critical material shortages don’t impede our progress in the not-so-distant future.
Dear #EverCougs community,
We are so excited to welcome you back to campus this fall! As outlined in the letter from WSU Everett Chancellor Paul Pitre on Thursday, June 25, while campus life will look different, Student Affairs is working hard to ensure you have a great experience outside of the classroom this fall.
WSU Everett continues work with local health districts and governments to adapt to guidelines outlined by Governor Inslee. Maintaining the health and safety of our community continues to be our priority. All while providing opportunities to learn, connect, and live the New Coug Experience. Below are a few things you can expect from Student Affairs in the fall.
Health and Safety
- All students, staff, faculty and visitors will be required to wear a face covering while on campus. We will provide one face covering to all students.
- When you arrive on campus, you will be directed to enter through the South Entrance where you will sign in with your name, email address and phone number, and have your temperature checked.
- Classrooms and study spaces will be cleaned and sanitized throughout the day.
- All faculty and staff are required to complete a daily, online attestation that they do not have COVID-19 symptoms before coming to campus.
Cougar Food Pantry
- The Cougar Food Pantry will continue to supply students with non-perishable food items throughout the fall semester.
- Students will be able to schedule a pick-up of a prepackaged bag of food items. Please email Everett.StudentServices@wsu.edu to schedule a pickup.
Student Involvement
- Student leaders are encouraged to offer events and meetings virtually and on-campus when able.
- Physical distancing guidelines will be followed for all in-person events and meetings.
- Guidelines will be provided to each Registered Student Organization for the fall semester soon. This will include guidelines for meetings and events.
Student Engagement
- Welcome Week will still happen. Stay tuned for more details as we get closer to the first week of classes!
- The Student Involvement Fair will be held throughout Welcome Week, both virtually and through individual organization tabling if they choose.
- The Fall Career Fair will be held virtually, hosted by ASCC in Pullman. WSU Everett will hold virtual information sessions for industry partners.
- Career Services will continue in a virtual nature with integration of systemwide networking and engagement opportunities.
Study Spaces and Computer Labs
- Study spaces and computer labs will still be open and available for use. Computers have been removed from computer labs to ensure proper physical distancing.
- Each classroom and study space on campus has been marked with maximum occupancy limits.
- We encourage students to utilize larger spaces for their small study groups.
- For students who need access to videoconferencing to attend class, the seminar rooms can be reserved by calling 425-405-1600.
Mental Health Counseling
- Students will have continued access to our Mental Health Counselor, who has been available throughout the Pandemic to meet with students. Please visit: everett.wsu.edu/health-and-wellness-2 for more information.
It is important to know that our plans can and will change as needed to ensure the health and safety of our WSU Everett community. We will update our list of engagement opportunities as we get closer to the start of the semester.
WSU has done its part to reduce the risks so Cougs can come back to the Everett Campus. We will rely on all #EverCougs to do their part in reducing the spread of COVID-19 and keeping students, faculty, staff and our community healthy.
Stay healthy, and as always, Go Cougs!
WSU Everett Student Affairs
A world-class education is closer than you think!
Everett Community College and Washington State University Everett have partnered to provide excellent opportunities for academic and career success. Join us as we review the Technical, Associate, and Bachelor’s degrees available to you, as well as our unique and connected campus life. Representatives from both institutions will be there to help answer your questions and get you started.
Select which date you’d like to attend and click to register now!
Learn even more about Dual Admission at Everett Community College and Washington State University Everett here.
Dear WSU Everett Community,
We are experiencing a very disturbing, yet transformational time in our nation’s history. While we work our way through the fog of the COVID-19 virus, we have observed with horror, yet another incomprehensible act of racism in our African American community. Through the power of technology and social media, we all witnessed George Floyd’s life being extinguished under the pressure of the knee of a law enforcement officer. That incident sparked shock, disbelief, and sadness across the entire nation.
Emotions fused into anger and citizens in more than 100 cities nationwide have demonstrated in the streets every night since Mr. Floyd’s death. The faces of the protesters reflect every age, ethnicity, profession, and community. While we do not condone violence or destruction of property, we understand that the cries emanating from their lips echo a 400-year-old demand that America live up to its ideals of freedom and equality for all.
A new generation has taken up the cause, including many members of our own community. This is your time to speak truth to power. Embrace it with brilliance, civility, and courage. For an example of bravery and heroism you need look no further than 17-year-old Darnella Frazier who recorded the 10-minute video that chronicled George Floyd’s final moments. Her courage to stand tall in the face of a horrible act of violence and to bring the video forward as evidence is nothing short of remarkable. Darnella saw a grave injustice taking place and could not sit idly by. And now, neither can we.
Our younger generation has pulled back the covers of injustice to expose deep-rooted inequities that black and brown people have endured for centuries.
As an African American man, it is difficult for me to write this letter because it brings back memories of times when I have experienced blatant racism and menacing behavior from law enforcement. But the haunting image of George Floyd lying on the ground with a police officer’s knee heavy on his neck propels me forward. As I mourn his death, I am haunted by the reality that it could happen to me, to one of my family members or even to one of our students. It is time for all of us to help put an end to the ongoing tragedy of police brutality against Black males.
Excessive force by police is not the only thing stopping America from living up to its true ideals. We must implement new policies, programs, and actions to reverse the school to prison pipeline that has resulted in generations of Black men languishing behind bars. We must transform our outdated model of policing to a new model that has a clear focus on community health and safety. Finally, we must aggressively address the economic and health disparities that exist in the Black community and that keep so many from realizing their full potential.
To do this work we must acknowledge that racism is the fuel that stokes the flames of destruction. Indeed, we must do more than acknowledge it, we must step forward and bring about change. If you have tuned into the news in recent days, you know that the work has already begun. Our younger generation is leading us toward the democratic ideals espoused centuries ago. Let us hear them. Let us support and partner with them. While I mourn the specter of another black man’s death at the hands of law enforcement, I am hopeful that this time we will bring about change. We must.
Sincerely,
Dr. Paul Pitre,
Chancellor, WSU Everett
“Like every younger generation, our kids today see clearly, the hypocrisies and mendacities of our society, and as they grow up they begin to question in a fundamental way some of the lies they have received from society…This often leads to an ardent disappointment, and even anger, about the failures of our society to consistently uphold the democratic and humanitarian values that can be born in youths in this phase of their life…we should understand the expression of this moral outrage as having a profound kind of wisdom, even as we must also help to channel that outrage into a more productive sense of commitment to find a positive way forward.” Democracy Matters, Cornel West, Ph.D.
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Dear Faculty, Staff, and Students: Racism looms over our nation’s soul. Breonna Taylor. Ahmaud Arbery. George Floyd. Three on a seemingly endless list of African American fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, loved ones, and family members, all of whom were killed because they were black. Each a recent and stark reminder and memorial of the ugliness of historic, systemic inequality. Each a victim of our country’s severe racial and class disparities. The COVID‑19 pandemic has laid bare the truth about the unequal access to health care that people of color—specifically African Americans—face. This fact only compounds the current outrage. We are still so far from achieving the aspirations of racial and social justice. How do we acknowledge the atrocity and pain of past and recent tragedies? How, especially, do we acknowledge and respond to the ongoing racism suffered by African American students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members when they aren’t treated with the humanity and dignity they deserve? Given the recent killings and the protests and destruction of the past few days, the words of Martin Luther King Jr. offer a truth worth repeating. In a 1967 speech in which Dr. King referenced the nationwide riots of that summer, he said: |
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Black lives matter. Racial violence impacts our WSU family. As an intellectual community committed to learning and seeking truth, we must reflect on our own failures—individually and collectively.
In that spirit, we soon will release a report from an investigation into WSU police arrest rates that illustrates we have much work to do. We, like Bill Gardner, chief of university police, are committed to confronting this issue and will, in dialogue with the WSU community, work toward a just solution. Change starts with each of us, and we must hold ourselves and each other accountable. We must consider our own roles in maintaining systemic racism and accepting racial violence, even when it makes us uncomfortable. When our actions are informed by the truth of others, we can move forward, together, courageously and realize the aspirations of racial and social justice. Only then can we begin to create an authentic space from which to proceed. Kirk Schulz Bryan Slinker Elizabeth Chilton Lisa Calvert Asif Chaudhry Pat Chun Dave Cillay Daryll DeWald Theresa Elliot‑Cheslek Mary Jo Gonzales Sandra Haynes Chris Keane Colleen Kerr Mel Netzhammer Stacy Pearson Sasi Pillay Paul Pitre Phil Weiler |
Be a Coug—closer to home! WSU Everett is still accepting applications for summer and fall 2020, and financial aid is available. Whether you need to catch up or get ahead while you’re at home, WSU Everett is here for you!
In this moment that requires our grit, Cougs at Washington State University Everett are bonding together like never before.
We are here for you, to support your learning, so you earn your WSU degree.
We know there is uncertainty. But you can be certain of this: Once a Coug, Always a Coug.
See more Student Services and community resources here.
March 24, 2020
WSU Everett & Everett University Center community,
Effective immediately, Governor Inslee announced a Stay Home, Stay Healthy order.
This order requires everyone in the state to stay home except for essential activities such as grocery shopping, or going to medical appointments and pharmacies.
For those of you who have already made arrangements to work and study at home, little has changed. WSU Everett will remain restricted in accordance with Governor Inslee’s order. The building will remain locked and alarmed. Only essential personnel, with my official, written permission, may enter campus.
Students should review these resources provided by your campus personnel and the community.
All of us must adhere to Governor Inslee’s orders and stay home. We are emphasizing your safety, and that of your families, our students, and our state. I appreciate all you’re doing. Please stay safe and keep your families and friends safe, too.
Meanwhile, please stay connected to our educational family through your instructors, your peers, social media and communications from our campus and your university.
Watch for events online that are open to all students and the public, such as the discussion hosted on Zoom by Dr. Xiaopeng Bi tomorrow with City of Everett Public Works engineer Christina Curtis. The conversation he hosted with Blue Origin’s Heather Nelson was exciting and enlightening! On Friday, WSU will host a town hall about the COVID-19 response with Washington State University leadership streaming on YouTube.
We will all remain engaged in learning and working together, albeit at a distance, to use this time the best we can.
Stay healthy. Stay home.
Go Cougs! Go Vikings! Go Eags! Go Dawgs!
Paul Pitre, Chancellor
WSU Everett & Everett University Center
March 19, 2020
Greetings #EverCougs students, faculty, and staff,
I’m checking in with you during your Spring Break and this unprecedented public health crisis because I want you to know that you are not alone. We are in this together, EverCougs, and we have dedicated teams at WSU Everett to support you in earning your degree.
In a different kind of disaster, we would all rush together. When rains flooded our building last fall, students and staff came together to clear the water. When the mudslide hit our neighbors in Oso, we put money into fundraisers and then students focused projects and learning into helping to re-establish businesses in Darrington and Arlington.
In this public health crisis, we must come together in a different way that keeps us physically apart. That can go against our nature, but we must comply with the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and our Snohomish Health District.
We must take care of our families, friends, colleagues and classmates, and sometimes that means staying away and finding alternative modes of communication. Thankfully, we live in a time with technology that allows us to continue our studies and our lives, albeit via online platforms.
That’s why we’re so excited to welcome everyone back for all your classes on Monday – even if that isn’t in the form of being physically at 915 N. Broadway.
With public crisis comes some sacrifice. WSU Everett has updated hours, and updated procedures to utilize a building with restricted access. They are in place for the safety of our community. Being healthy at any given moment isn’t enough anymore. We know that mitigating exposure will save lives. We have been called upon to lead, and that’s what we’ll do, despite the short-term discomfort it may cause.
We’re going to be careful. We’re going to make good decisions. We’re going to pay attention to evidence shared by our public health leaders. And yes, we’re going to have a successful learning environment.
Until this subsides and we can reconvene on campus, please check in regularly with your professors and advisers, along with your WSU email and Blackboard at learn.wsu.edu.
Sincerely,
Paul Pitre, Chancellor
WSU Everett & Everett University Center
March 13, 2020
4:40 p.m.
Good afternoon students, partners, faculty and staff,
WSU Everett will use distance learning methods for the remainder of spring semester. This is in keeping with the announcement from WSU Pullman this morning that it will use distance learning through spring semester. In addition, at 1:30 p.m. today, Gov. Jay Inslee closed K-12 schools, and called for distance learning for colleges and universities in the state of Washington at least through April 24.
WSU Everett will remain operational, though with controlled access to physical facilities. Currently, the WSU Everett building is only to be accessed by faculty and staff from Monday-Friday. No outside visitors are allowed. Campus is fully closed on weekends.
Those students who do not have access to technology (computer/internet access) are able to work in our Student Success Center on the second floor to maintain their academics in their online classes on weekdays. For students who do need to use the Student Success Center, we ask that they notify us with the date/time they will be arriving so our on-site safety team can grant them access. Sean McNaughton, our safety officer, can be reached at 425-315-4014, or Bobby Christenson at 425-314-9514, Monday-Friday during the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Many March and April events have been canceled or moved to an online format. A decision about WSU Everett’s 2020 Commencement Ceremony scheduled for May 15 will be made closer to the event date.
During this time of unprecedented uncertainty, I ask for your patience. We are doing our best to manage through this crisis, and I will communicate with you regularly as things change. I also ask you to be kind. At WSU Everett, we strive to cultivate and sustain a welcoming and inclusive campus community for all students, faculty and staff, and stand against discrimination, oppression and harassment. We must all proactively foster inclusion and thoughtfulness in how our community supports rather than divides as we navigate the anxiety that accompanies COVID-19.
Remember regular updates are always available to you on the WSU COVID-19 Updates website (also available from the WSU Everett homepage).
Sincerely,
Paul Pitre, Chancellor
WSU Everett & Everett University Center
March 11, 2020
1:30 p.m.
Good afternoon,
Thank you for working together to support our WSU and Everett University Center community and each other during this challenging time. WSU continues diligent assessment of the unfolding COVID-19 situation and you are urged to track the latest developments at wsu.edu/covid-19. Questions, suggestions and recommendations from our community can be sent to COVID-19.info@wsu.edu.
In order to mitigate exposure of students, faculty, and staff, WSU Everett transitioned all in-person classes online effective Monday, March 9. This morning, the WSU system announced that after spring break, all campuses and courses will follow that example. Please see that message below.
- The WSU Everett building remains open and will remain open following spring break, but have limited access.
- Exterior doors will only be accessed via security.
- The Student Success Center is open for students who require access to computers and WiFi. Workstations will be cleaned before and after student use.
- Courses and exams which can be completed online shall be completed virtually using the Blackboard Learning Management System, recorded lectures, or synchronous Zoom sessions.
- Faculty will communicate their course plans with students expeditiously using all available means – Blackboard, email, etc.
Some course requirements and exams cannot be completed using an online platform. Program directors will work with faculty to identify those courses which cannot be migrated online and those exams that cannot be delivered online. When faculty continue labs, studios, etc., subject to approval, the instructor will work with students who cannot come to campus. Those course requirements that cannot be completed virtually using the online platform (labs, simulations, exams, etc.) will be coordinated through your faculty.
Please complete this survey to help us understand the impacts this will have on your learning experience.
The Cougar Food Pantry is still open for students who need to utilize that resource. If you are in need of the Cougar Food Pantry, please email anna.mcleod2@wsu.edu and holly.longman@wsu.edu. WSU Everett will pack up a bag and have it ready for you to pick up from the WSU Everett campus during regular business hours, M-F, 8-5.
Commencement is still scheduled for Friday, May 15. You should still apply to graduate, register for commencement and rent regalia through everett.wsu.edu/commencement in anticipation of the ceremony taking place. If the public health situation persists, we will notify those registered of any changes.
Be kind to each other and wash your hands.
Sincerely,
Paul Pitre, Chancellor
WSU Everett & Everett University Center
Washington State University to move in-person classes online following spring break
- WSU to transition from face-to-face instruction to distance learning following spring break.
- WSU facilities will remain open during this period.
- Employees will report to work as normal.
- Each campus will be communicating their plans directly.
All campuses in the Washington State University system will transition from face-to-face classes, testing, and advising to distance delivery beginning on Monday, March 23, following WSU’s spring break. This move is being made to allow for increased social distancing in light of the spread of the COVID-19 illness in the state of Washington.
WSU’s five physical campuses and other locations across the state will remain open during this period to provide for continued business operations. On the Pullman campus, residential, dining and healthcare facilities will remain open.
Employees will report to work as normal. Employees should consult the Human Resource Services COVID-19 FAQ if they have questions regarding leave and work options should they need to stay off campus due to illness or because they are at elevated risk for COVID-19. Supervisors will coordinate with employees who request to work from an alternate location to determine if business operations allow for telework or other arrangements.
Even though this is a WSU system decision, each campus or other location may have specific contexts that will determine some details of implementation. Any campus- or college-specific differences in implementation will be communicated separately by Chancellors and Deans in consultation with local public health officials.
The spread of, and response to, COVID-19 remains highly fluid. Please continue to monitor the COVID-19 website and your email for updates.
Kirk Schulz, President
Washington State University