Energy and Nanotechnologies Greg Tegart Victoria University Third International Seville Conference on Future-Oriented Technology Analysis (FTA): Impacts and implications for policy and decision-making 16th- 17th October 2008

Energy and Nanotechnologies Background Project funded by Australian Research Council under Linkage Learned Academies Special Projects Aimed to bring together Fellows of Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering from industry and academia with invited experts to identify promising areas for R&D in Australia on upgraded and new energy systems utilising nanotechnologies-short, medium and long term Overseen by a Steering Committee Workshops held in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra with 25 to 30 participants Followed up with questionnaire to wider group Review of literature Discussions with interested groups Final report launched in September See

Energy and Nanotechnologies Energy Future for Australia Various projections show energy demand to increase over next decades to support increased population and industry demands (particularly mineral processing)-fossil fuels to be major energy source up to 2050 Coal will continue as a major energy source together with natural gas increasing its role but oil is a problem as imports are needed to make up shortfall from local fields Critical areas are: reliable electricity supply, land and air transport systems Major concerns are: security and sustainability, emissions and climate change, and availability of suitable technology Need to examine potential of energy conservation, improve efficiency of current technologies and identify opportunities for new ones Infrastructure lifetimes are major factor in the rate at which new technologies enter the economy e.g. hydropower plant 75+ years, coal fired power plant 45+ years, gas turbine 25 years, motor vehicle years No single technological solution to meeting future energy demand-need a mix ideally of low carbon emission technologies

Energy and Nanotechnologies Applications of Nanotechnologies in Energy systems All elementary steps of energy conversion occur at the nanoscale-look to nanotechnologies to change patterns of energy activity Nanotechnologies are the design, characterization and manipulation of structures, devices and systems by controlling shape and size at nanometer levels Distinguishing feature is the production of new materials at the nanoscale with new physical and chemical properties Nanomaterials have very high surface area per unit volume-much higher activity than bulk material. This has potential for speeding up chemical reactions and catalysis and thus improving efficiency Nanomaterials can be produced in a variety of material classes-carbon- based materials, composites, metals and alloys,biological materials, polymers, glasses and ceramics. Most of these can be produced in a variety of shapes

Energy and Nanotechnologies Energy and nanotechnologies Opportunities Identified for Australia Possible technologies in the Australian context were rated against a number of factors to identify possibilities-potential market, potential contribution to reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, degree of contribution of nanotechnologies, capability in R&D, capability to manufacture systems, long term potential requiring strategic investment SHORT TERM (less than 5 years)-energy conservation(transport, insulation and lighting) ; environmental management( water remediation); catalysts for processing and combustion of fossil fuels; photovoltaic cells MEDIUM TERM (5 to 15 years- catalysts for conversion of biomass, natural gas and coal; fuel cells; capture and storage of carbon dioxide; advanced photovoltaic systems LONG TERM (greater than 15 years) –hydrogen production and hydrogen storage

Energy and Nanotechnologies Potential of Nanotechnologies in Australia TRANSPORT-high dependence on motor vehicles. Nanocomposites can lead to liquid fuel savings and reduction of emissions. Improved electricity storage in batteries and supercapacitors speeds up introduction of electric vehicles. Production of substitute liquid fuels from conversion of natural gas or coal or biomass needs improved catalysts. AIR CONDITIONING-high electricity loads. Improved insulation for domestic and commercial buildings reduces demand. LIGHTING-high electricity loads. Introduction of LEDs reduces demand. ELECTRICITY GENERATION-major power source based on fossil fuels. Replace with distributed systems based on photovoltaics for domestic and commercial use. Also use fuel cells as alternative sources for commercial use and vehicles. LONGER TERM-overall change in energy system. Move to hydrogen economy. Need to develop production systems, distribution and storage.

Energy and Nanotechnologies Markets and Commercialization in Australia MARKETS- initially small-more efficient use of existing resources. Market could be A $3 billion by Will increase significantly as existing systems are replaced. DEVELOPMENT OF MARKETS- (1) introduce new technologies into existing firms-need to cover demonstration and risk costs; (2) set up new companies to exploit research outputs-need venture capital and demonstration support CURRENT SITUATION-(1)limited penetration-major cooperative effort on carbon dioxide capture and storage linked to fossil fuel use and on combustion technology; (2) new companies established in supercapacitors, fuel cells, photovoltaics; others in start up phase in LEDs, hydrogen storage, advanced photovoltaic systems RESEARCH BASE-critical to future of industry. Strong teams in most opportunity areas-need to strengthen catalysts, membranes and organic photovoltaics. SKILLS BASE- need to maintain output of researchers, engineers and technicians to support industry development

Energy and Nanotechnologies.Conclusions and Policy Implications Nanotechnologies can make a substantial impact on all areas of energy conversion, storage and distribution in Australia, both in terms of security of energy supply and sustainability, and in reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. No one technology can replace the existing system and a variety of technologies will be needed to ensure a viable energy future. A National Strategy is needed to coordinate and make best use of available skills, facilities and funding to successfully apply nanotechnologies to present and future energy systems. Thus funding for research and demonstration must be maintained on a long term basis to provide the driver for change and to build up the overall skills base for a new industry sector. Because of the long lifetimes of energy infrastructure a major public-private effort is needed to cover risks of introduction of new technologies into existing energy systems. Government incentives need to be provided to assist new companies arising from research activities and to stimulate introduction of their products.

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