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New Triangle consortium to focus on energy

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Researchers at three Triangle universities and RTI International are pooling resources for energy research ranging from new sources to improved efficiency and lessen environmental impact.

The Research Triangle Energy Consortium, or RTEC, includes Duke, UNC-Chapel Hill and N.C. State as well as RTI.

The group did not spell out financial or resource commitments.

Specific objects include:

• Developing new, sustainable sources of energy
• Improving efficiencies in the production and consumption of energy
• Reducing the environmental impact of energy production and use
• Improving the security of energy sources and infrastructure
• Educating public and private leaders, and students, in the implementation of new energy technology and public policy.

"We can do things together that we cannot do individually," said David Myers, vice president of engineering and technology at RTI International. "By combining our strengths in energy research, we can tackle the most complex energy problems."

In addition to Myers, other leaders of the consortium include:

• Douglas Crawford-Brown, director of the Institute for the Environment at UNC-CH.
• Chris Gould, associate dean for administration in the College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences at NCSU.
• Lincoln Pratson, head of the Nicholas School Energy & Environment Program at Duke.

Over time, the group hopes to develop joint proposals for energy research projects, Myers added.