Thomas E. Drennen

An innovator in his field, Thomas Drennen has an expertise that interweaves economics with environmental issues. Is it possible for the world to reduce its consumption of fossil fuels and replace them with an economically viable alternative, which might also reduce global warming? Could solar or wind energy, or even advanced hydrogen-fueled vehicles, be a solution? Drennen's research answers these types of questions.

GM’s Fuel Cell Vehicle on the HWS Campus

Drennen presents “Pathways to a Hydrogen Future” to GM’s Daniel O’Connell.

First year volunteers sand and paint 70 “Yellow Bikes” during 2008 Orientation.

President Gearan signs the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment

John Catillaz (’09) helps with launch of the “Pitch in one bin” recycling campaign.

Professors Halfman and Drennen along with Clancy Brown and Gil Carr check out construction on the Finger Lakes Institute

Professor Drennen views construction on the Three Gorges Dam in China

Professor Drennen explaining efficient lighting options.

Visit to the Tug Hill wind farm.

The “Energy Class” explores the renewable energy options at Prof. Halfman’s house.

Jerimiah Booream-Phelps (’11) checks out kitchen in Halfman’s energy efficient house.

Prof. Halfman explains the energy features in his house.

Beijing recycling center, summer 2009.

Visiting the Beijing Recycling Center with Professor Magee.

Drennen and son Skylar at Tiger Leaping Gorge on Yangtze River

Melting Arctic Sea Ice, Summer 2009

Energy class field trip to coal-fired power plant

Semester aboard program in Geneva Switzerland

During the past few years, he has created and continues to perfect interactive computer models that explain the relationship between energy use and climate change. These research projects, funded by the Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, N.M., where Drennen is also a senior staff economist, have been presented to members of Congress to facilitate analysis of the economic and environmental trade-offs associated with various energy options.

Since 2003, Drennen has been part of an interdisciplinary team at Sandia National Labs exploring options for hydrogen. Drennen and his team developed a computer simulation to explore the multiple ways to produce hydrogen, as well as determine the cost, accessibility and other factors associated with each production method. The overall goal is to figure out the most effective and cheapest way to make hydrogen a viable energy source. A book, based on this research, "Pathways to a Hydrogen Future," was published by Elsevier Press in October 2007.

As a teacher, Drennen's ability to relate his expert research to the general public, national media and other professionals comes naturally. In recent years, his calculations have been used to launch the nation's latest innovations in energy use for solid-state lighting. In July 2001, Drennen's paper titled "A Market Diffusion and Energy Impact Model for Solid-State Lighting" was used in support of Senate Bill 1166, a $480 billion bill to fund "The Next Generation Lighting Initiative Act."

Drennen is the author of more than 20 publications that were produced in collaboration with various colleagues, including "Who Will Fuel China?," "The Kyoto Protocol and International Trade: the Carbon Loophole," "Solar Power and Climate Change Policy in Developing Countries," and "Agricultural Dimensions of Global Climate Change."

An associate professor of economics at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Drennen holds a Ph.D. in resource economics from Cornell University, a master's degree in public affairs from the University of Minnesota, and a bachelor of science degree in nuclear engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Areas of Specialization:

Energy Use and Climate Change

Energy Efficiency

Electricity production costs

The U.S. and China's Environmental Policy

Climate Change Policy

Gas Prices, Oil Prices

Hydrogen as an Energy Source

Nuclear power economics and policy

Chinese energy demand

Drennen in the News