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Ohio University

Sustainable Future

Fueling a New Economy
in one of America’s most disadvantaged regions

 

The decline of the coal economy in the Appalachian region left in its wake economic turmoil and environmental fall out. As one of the top national research universities serving the 13-state Appalachian region, Ohio University researchers are focused on empowering communities and entrepreneurs who are leading the rebirth of a region rich with talent.

Two photos. One of a female student conducting science research. One of coal-waste-based manufactured products.

From little black diamonds to back decks

In OHIO’s Institute for Sustainable Energy and the Environment, researchers have successfully converted coal waste and plastic garbage into new sustainable composite materials that meet the latest building codes. As their composite materials move into production as decking material, institute researchers are exploring other uses for coal waste – from increasing the storage capabilities of supercapacitors to creating a wire for use in electric motors. Their work is also training student engineers how to convert the waste of the past into possibilities for the future.

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New energy for one Appalachian County

Pike County, Ohio, is home to just over 27,000 people, thousands of whom once worked at the county’s largest employer, the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant. After its shutdown, local leaders partnered with OHIO researchers on economic modeling, workforce analysis, applied environmental work, community engagement and more, leading to the development of the Ohio Valley Green Energy and Manufacturing Initiative, and the creation of new clean-energy jobs for people in Pike County.

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Acid mine drainage in a creek and two people removing pigment from a kiln

Painting a Brighter Future

The state of Ohio’s largest single acid mine discharge sits in the community of Truetown, a short drive from Ohio University’s Athens campus. Approximately 2.2 million pounds of iron oxide flow into Truetown’s Sunday Creek watershed each year, decimating aquatic habitat for seven miles. OHIO researchers partnered with community leaders to convert the pollution into a commodity – paint. The result has been a full-scale acid mine drainage and pigment product facility and the launch of True Pigments, LLC, creating jobs for the rural community.

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Studying the Environment and Climate at Ohio University

The world needs leaders across various disciplines with the experience needed to advance the transition to renewable forms of energy production. The need goes far beyond the exploration of wind and solar technologies to considering the complex impacts the energy transition is already having on communities and ecosystems. From economics to biology, public policy to environmental health, Ohio University offers a wide variety of options for students interested in careers that will contribute to a sustainable global future.

Undergraduate Environmental Science & Sustainability Majors

Energy Engineering Program

Environment and Sustainability Graduate Programs

Student walks through rows of bamboo while carrying a basket
Forever Ohio text inside a shape of the state of Ohio