This talk celebrates the 80th birthday of Professor Jeffrey J. Siirola and shows how his process-systems mindset continues to guide the energy transition. For five decades Jeff has fused techno-economic analysis with molecular-scale insight, charting new, cost-effective pathways for fuels and chemicals. His counsel has been decisive in three Purdue-led efforts: in the NSF ERC
CISTAR he defined value-driven routes for light-alkane upgrading; for the proposed Manufacturing Innovation Institute
ELECTRIFY he quantified the economic and emissions benefits of electrified process heat; and within the college-wide
LEAPS initiative he mentors teams pursuing affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy through nuclear innovation, grid modernization, and circular-carbon strategies.
From these examples one enduring lesson emerges: start with system-wide economics, then pinpoint the technology gaps and focused research needed to close them—making elegance serve relevance. Extending Jeff Siirola’s systems perspective to today’s frontiers can power a more equitable and prosperous energy future. The reflection concludes with priorities for the coming decade, emphasizing open-source digital frameworks and cross-sector partnerships.
