University to screen film on future of energy

West Virginia University’s Office of Sustainability is offering students, faculty, alumni and community members an invitation today to watch a free screening of a new documentary looking at the future of energy.

The WVU Office of Sustainability, along with the Division of Resource Management, National Research Center for Coal and Energy and the Regional Research Institute, will introduce a documentary they have been developing since June.

The documentary "Switch" by Arcos Films has not yet been released. Viewers will have the first look at the film, which explores the future pathway of energy in and around the globe.

Wesley Burnett, Assistant Professor in the Division of Resource Management of WVU’s Davis College, said the film’s producer and narrator, Scott Tinker, is the director of the Bureau of Economic Geology and the state geologist of Texas.

In this film, Tinker goes on a global adventure to find what the future of energy really holds, Burnett said.

"According to the producer’s press kit, Tinker and director Harry Lynch seek the world’s leading energy sites from coal to solar, oil to biofuels and many highly restricted, never-before-seen footage," Burnett said. "Also, the film visits 11 countries, 26 world-leading energy sites, and Tinker interviewed approximately 53 experts."

The film is a part of the Switch Energy Project, a diverse effort primarily designed to educate students and the public on how to develop a balanced, nation-wide understanding of energy.

"The film is a fairly balanced and unbiased assessment about the future of energy," Burnett said. "Most energy documentary films, such as ‘Gaslands’, have a specific political agenda or slant; however, ‘Switch’ has no such agenda."

Since the screening is a one-day event, Tinker will be visiting WVU on March 19 as the featured speaker for the Festival of Ideas, which will be followed by a lecture and Q&A session.

Brian Anderson, along with the Department of Chemical Engineering, is helping to create an Energy Club on campus,
Burnett said.

Anderson will be present at tonight’s event to discuss his own energy-related research and his hopes for a future club at WVU.

Cosponsors for this event include the Davis College, along with NRCCE, RRI and the WVU Office of Sustainability.

"Anyone interested in learning more about the future of energy is encouraged to come out to the event," Burnett said. "There will also be free food and beverages provided by NRCCE."

A lot of work went into making "Switch" possible. Burnett said he has read several great reviews, including many from well-respected energy researchers.

Burnett also teaches two energy economics courses at WVU and is interested in helping students find the connection between energy and economics.

The screening begins at 7 p.m., but in case of a large crowd, there will be an additional screening of "Switch" at 9 p.m. in the Gluck Theatre in the Mountainlair.

For more information on the documentary, visit www.switchenergyproject.com, or learn how to get involved at www.wecan.wvu.edu.