A "Transforming Energy" Lecture by Raymond Orbach
April 14, 2009

Abstract

Not too many years ago, we seemed to be living in a world where energy was inexpensive, readily available and seemingly limitless in supply. That world, if it every really existed, is now clearly a thing of the past. Global energy consumption is set to double by the end of the century. Some say it will triple. And if we attempt to supply that energy with fossil fuels, the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere will be enormous. These are the two questions that loom over humanity today: how will we supply all this needed new energy, and how can we do so without adding dangerously to atmospheric greenhouse gases?

Incremental improvements in our current technologies will not be enough to meet this challenge. Transformational breakthroughs in basic science that provide the foundation for truly disruptive technologies that fundamentally change the rules of the game are required. Orbach will discuss six areas of opportunity that a research university can address from this perspective: 1) Electrical Energy Storage; 2) Solar Energy; 3) Closing the Nuclear Fuel Cycle; 4) Fusion Energy materials; 5) Reduction of Carbon Emissions from Fossil Fuels; and 6) Transportation Fuels from Non-Edible Plant Material.

Biography

Raymond L. Orbach directed U.S. government's investment in basic science research, developed the science base for applied programs and integrated basic and applied research. He had direct responsibility for ten Department of Energy laboratories, developed business plans, transparent processes for performance appraisal, and technology transfer policy. In addition, he worked with administration and Congress to manage and fund research and develop policy for the physical and biological sciences. Orbach managed major public research university and was responsible for academic programs, budget, faculty hiring and promotion, student programs, interaction with state government, relationship with community, and private fund raising. Taught undergraduate and graduate physics classes. He conducted basic research in condensed matter physics, received grants from Office of Naval Research and National Science Foundation. Orbach received a Ph.D. in physics from the University of California, Berkeley, and a B.S. in physics from the California Institute of Technology.