A "Transforming Energy" Lecture by Patricia Dehmer
December 1, 2006

Abstract

Abundant energy is intimately linked with global stability, economic prosperity and quality of life. However, even with aggressive conservation and energy efficiency measures, the projected increase of the Earth's population accompanied by rapid technology development and economic growth is projected to double the demand for energy by mid-century and more than triple the demand by the end of the century. The reserves of fossil fuels that currently account for 85 percent of U.S. energy will fall far short of demand over the long term, and their use is associated with environmental contaminants ranging from greenhouse gases and toxic gases to particulates. Our energy challenges cannot be met by incremental improvements to existing technologies. Transformational changes and disruptive technologies will be required to provide clean, reliable and economic solutions. As in the past, many of these changes will likely come from fundamental research in the physical sciences. How we approach the problem as a nation and how we respond as a community of scientists will determine our success. This talk will review some "energy facts" that together provide an overview of our current situation and will present the scientific challenges that our communities face. The details of these challenges derived from five years of roadmapping exercises that looked at "Basic Research Needs" in a variety of energy areas.
(See, for example, reports at www.science.doe.gov/bes/reports/abstracts.html).

Biography

Pat Dehmer has served as the director of the Office of Basic Energy Sciences (BES) in the Department of Energy's Office of Science since November 1995. Prior to coming to DOE, she was senior scientist at Argonne National Laboratory where she led research activities in experimental atomic, molecular, and optical physics; chemical physics; and multiphoton processes. She has published more than 125 refereed articles. As director of BES, Dehmer manages a $1.4 billion portfolio of research in condensed matter and materials physics, chemistry, geosciences and biosciences and also the nation's largest suite of user facilities for x-ray, neutron and electron-beam scattering. Included in this suite are the new Spallation Neutron Source and the Linac Coherent Light Source, a short wavelength free electron laser, which is still in construction. Dr. Dehmer was honored with the Meritorious Presidential Executive Rank Award (2000) and the Distinguished Presidential Executive Rank Award (2003) for her exemplary federal service.