EIU Media Relations

Public Meetings Planned to Discuss Center for Clean Energy Research and Education Facility

Eastern Illinois University President Bill Perry invites university and community members to two public meetings to discuss the institution’s Center for Clean Energy Research and Education (CENCERE) and plans for a building in which to house the center.

Groundbreaking for the 4,300-square-foot academic building, to be located immediately north of the newly commissioned Renewable Energy Center, is tentatively scheduled to take place in Fall 2012.  The site is located near the intersection of 18^th Street (Illinois Route 130) and Edgar Drive.

The building will house a research facility in which faculty and students can conduct hands-on investigations of various plant-based biomass sources that may be suitable as alternatives or additives to the wood chips being used in the Renewable Energy Center.  By studying the fuel characteristics of various biomass sources, students will gain a more integrated understanding of physics, chemistry, engineering and technology.

In an effort to share information and answer questions, community meetings have been scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 6 and June 13, at the Charleston Public Library, 712 Sixth Street, in Rotary Room A.

All interested persons are invited to attend either or both meetings.