A "Transforming Energy" Lecture by Victor Der
March 11, 2011

Abstract

Given the overwhelming reliance on fossil energy, the U.S. and the world face the competing requirements of meeting growing energy demand while addressing climate concerns over the use of this resource. The discussion will focus on how to address these challenges using a portfolio of options including fossil fuels to create an energy mix to meet the demand while still achieving the reductions needed to stabilize atmospheric greenhouse gas emissions. The discussion centers on how technology interplays with policy and market drivers. Specifically, the role of technology for carbon capture and storage (CCS) of atmospheric carbon emissions will be presented along with the challenges—technical, economic, and sociologic.  A summary overview is presented of what being done now in way of R&D, and what will be needed collectively to deploy CCS in both developed and developing economies so that a key energy resource can continue to contribute to the global sustainability of net low-carbon resources to achieve energy, economic and environmental security for the future. 

Biography

Dr. Victor K. Der has a distinguished 37-year career of leadership, achievement, and promoting international cooperation in science, research and development at the United States Department of Energy. He is currently Acting Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy, with responsibilities for office operations and managing the oversight of Fossil Energy's Research and Development program, which includes one of the world’s foremost coal and carbon capture research efforts, as well as the vitally important 727 million barrel U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Dr. Der also serves as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy, where he helped provide strategic planning, direction, and guidance for FE’s daily activities, as well as its long-term goals and objectives.

During his DOE career, he has played a vital role in developing, implementing, and leading several key programs within the Office of Fossil Energy. Prior to becoming the Principal Deputy, he was Deputy Assistant Secretary for Clean Coal, where he was responsible for directing clean coal R&D. Included in these responsibilities were implementation of energy policy initiatives and priorities relating to clean coal utilization and its role in climate change mitigation, including carbon capture and storage.

Prior to that he served as Director of the Office of Clean Energy Systems, where he led large-scale demonstration programs, including the highly successful Clean Coal Technology Demonstration Program. This program helped develop several innovative technologies – such as low-nitrogen oxide burners, flue gas desulfurization scrubbers, and fluidized bed combustors – that are today in wide commercial use. Dr. Der was also responsible for such high profile R&D programs as the Power Plant Improvement Initiative; Clean Coal Power Initiative; and efforts to demonstrate technologies for plants with near zero coal emissions, including carbon dioxide.

Earlier in his DOE career, Dr. Der worked as a structural and materials engineer in nuclear reactor plant designs; managed research in the civilian radioactive waste management program on geologic storage of high-level nuclear waste; investigated superconductivity in the Office of Energy Research magnetic fusion energy program; and worked in FE’s advanced coal and gas-based power systems program.

He holds a bachelor of science, a master of science, and a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the University of Maryland and is based at DOE’s headquarters in Washington, D.C.