A "Transforming Energy" Lecture by Herschel Specter
April 1, 2011

Abstract

There are two major energy-related threats to the environment: 1) the release of greenhouse gases that can lead to climate change and 2) insufficient energy that has the potential to lead to economic collapse and even global warfare.  Our lack of a national energy policy has led to a dire situation with both threats worsening.  We are nearing a repeat of 2008, when prices rose to $147/barrel and precipitated a deep global recession.  Meanwhile, atmospheric CO2 concentrations continue to rise to unacceptable levels.  We must address these threats, but not one at the expense of the other.  The sequence of actions which we choose is crucial. If we fall into back-to-back deep recessions, it is unlikely that we will have the means to attain energy independence at present standards of living or to prevent climate change. Mr. Specter will share his ongoing analyses that shows first emphasis should be placed on reducing our oil consumption to immunize the nation from the economic stress of future world oil shortages and considerably abate greenhouse gas emissions. To complete this effort and lower greenhouse gas levels further, additional steps must eventually be taken to establish a sustainable energy future.

Biography

Herschel Specter holds a B.S. in Applied Mathematics from the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn and an M.S. degree from MIT in Nuclear Engineering. He did further graduate studies at the Univ. of Maryland, but chose to serve as President of Big Brothers in the Greater Washington area instead of completing his dissertation.  His professional career has centered around nuclear power plant safety.  He served as a federal regulator at the Atomic Energy Commission, and for five years conducted a nuclear safety standards program at the International Atomic Energy Agency.  He has authored numerous technical papers on emergency planning, probabilistic risk assessment, source term technology, containment analysis, and risk-based regulation.  He has presented testimony at the National Academy of Sciences on the safety of spent fuel pools at nuclear power plants.   Recently, he became a Topic Director in a large non-partisan effort called Our Energy Policy Foundation whose purpose is to provide scientific advice to our national political leaders and other concerned groups on energy matters.   For his work with youth, he was selected as “Big Brother of the Year” for the United States and Canada.

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.

A "Transforming Energy" Lecture by Al Weimer
February 25, 2011

Abstract

Sunlight is concentrated  to achieve ultra-high temperatures for the efficient and clean conversion of  chemical reactions to produce renewable fuels. Solar-thermal reactors have been designed, constructed and tested on-sun for the splitting of water through thermochemical cycles and for the rapid dissociation of cellulosic biomass to intermediate sygnas. This presentation will focus on

1. base thermodynamic considerations for using solar energy to drive highly endothermic reactions,
2. experimental results for both water splitting and biomass conversion reactions,
3. materials challenges/solar reactor design, and
4. economics/process scalability.

A thin film two-step ferrite based water splitting cycle and the rapid conversion of cellulosic biomass—without producing tars and with > 90% utilization of the biomass will be reviewed with experimental results presented. Finally, the challenges and opportunities for the commercialization of solar-thermal processes will be discussed.

Bio

Al Weimer joined the faculty of the University of Colorado after a 16 year career with the Dow Chemical Company.  He was named Dow Research Inventor of the Year in 1993 and received Dow’s “Excellence in Science Award” in 1995 for commercializing high temperature processing to produce advanced materials.  He is recipient of the 2005 DOE Hydrogen Program R&D Award in recognition of outstanding achievement in R&D for solar-driven high-temperature thermochemical cycles for hydrogen production and more recently received the 2009 AIChE Baron Award in Fluid-Particle Systems and the 2010 AIChE Excellence in Process Development Research Award.   He is Executive Director of the Colorado Center for Biorefining and Biofuels, a partnership of the three major research universities in Colorado and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.  His former students have co-founded two spin-off companies out of his university laboratory.  He teaches the senior undergraduate capstone design course and supervises the research of 12 Ph.D. students.

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.

A "Transforming Energy" Lecture by John A. Turner
November 10, 2006

Abstract

It is rapidly becoming apparent that energy is one of the most important issues facing our world today; in fact, in today's society energy is as important as food and water. Humankind finds itself facing the challenge of how to continue to power society, particularly in the face of the rapidly growing economies of emerging nations like India and China, and yet answer questions of sustainability, energy security, geopolitics and global environment. One of the major issues facing America and most other countries in the world is how to supply a transportation fuel, an energy carrier to replace gasoline. Hydrogen as an energy carrier, primarily derived from water, can address issues of sustainability, environmental emissions and energy security. The "Hydrogen Economy" then is the production of hydrogen, its distribution and utilization as an energy carrier. While the vision of a hydrogen economy has been around for more than 130 years, the most recent push to use hydrogen as an energy carrier came as part of a U.S. Presidential Initiative, announced in the 2003 State of the Union Address. It is important that we consider hydrogen in tandem with other technologies as an alternative to the once-abundant hydrocarbon resources on which our society depends. This talk will introduce sustainable energy systems, including fuel cell technology and discuss the vision, the barriers and possible pathways for the production and implementation of hydrogen into the energy infrastructure.

Biography

John A. Turner, Ph. D., is a principal scientist at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. He received his B.S. degree from Idaho State University, his Ph.D. from Colorado State University, and completed a postdoctoral appointment at the California Institute of Technology before joining the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in 1979. His research is primarily concerned with enabling technologies for the implementation of hydrogen systems into the energy infrastructure. This includes direct conversion (photoelectrolysis) systems for hydrogen production from sunlight and water, advanced materials for high temperature fuel cell membranes, and corrosion protection for fuel cell metal bipolar plates. Other work involves the study of electrode materials for high energy density lithium batteries and fundamental processes of charge transfer at semiconductor electrodes. His monolithic photovoltaic-photoelectrochemical device has the highest efficiency for any direct conversion water splitting device (>12 percent). He has twice received the Midwestern Research Institute President's Award for Exceptional Performance in Research. In addition, he has received the Hydrogen Technical Advisory Panel award for Research Excellence, an Idaho State University Outstanding Achievement Award (2006), and two Outstanding Mentor Awards from the US Department of Energy for his work with undergraduate students. He is the author or co-author of over 75 peer-reviewed publications in the areas of photoelectrochemistry, fuel cells, batteries, general electrochemistry and analytical chemistry.

A "Transforming Energy" Lecture by Jefferson W. Tester
September 15, 2006

Abstract

Faced with the enormous challenge of providing clean, secure and sustainable energy that is essential to maintaining our social and economic well-being, many argue that the U.S. and other developed countries should be pursuing options more aggressively. There are many reasons why a transition from our current fossil fuel-based energy supply system is needed for the long-term. While renewable energy systems from solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, and hydro sources offer the potential for achieving a more sustainable system, the transition to a renewable energy future has been painfully slow. This seminar will examine both the context and the options for accelerating such a change. Two specific technologies will be explored in detail as examples for understanding the potential and engineering challenges for creating a sustainable energy supply: 1) developments of geothermal energy; and 2) the conversion of biomass for transportation fuels.

Biography

Dr. Tester is the H.P. Meissner Professor of Chemical Engineering. For three decades, he has been involved in chemical engineering process research as it relates to renewable and conventional energy extraction and conversion and environmental control technologies. He has published extensively in the energy area with 190 research papers and 7 co-authored books. His other assignments included director of MIT's Energy Laboratory (1989-2001), director of MIT's School of Chemical Engineering Practice Program (1980-1989) and a group leader in the Geothermal Engineering Group at Los Alamos National Laboratory (1974-1980). He is a member of the advisory boards of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory as chair, The Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust as chair, American Council on Renewable Energy, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Cornell University, and the Paul Scherrer Institute in Switzerland. He was a member of the Energy R&D Panel of the President's Committee of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) in 1997 and has served as an advisor to the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Research Council in areas related to concentrating solar power, geothermal energy and other renewable technologies and to waste minimization and pollution reduction. Dr. Tester received a B.S. and M.S. with distinction in chemical engineering in 1966 and 1967 at Cornell and a Ph.D. in chemical engineering at MIT in 1971.

A "Transforming Energy" Lecture by Michael Corradini
April 20, 2007

Abstract

In the midst of new power cycle designs being studied for future power plants, the use of supercritical fluid has generated more and more interest for the scientific and engineering community. Indeed it has been shown that use of supercritical fluid can simplify the cycle by avoiding the presence of a second phase, and can increase the thermal efficiency due to an increased operating temperature.

Generation IV reactor systems, whether they be thermal reactor systems or fast reactor systems, have been considering the use of supercritical fluids for energy transfer, power conversion or production of other energy products (e.g., hydrogen). This talk will present an overview of GENIV reactor systems as well as discuss some of the more challenging engineering research in supercritical fluids; e.g., supercritical fluid stability, heat transfer degradation, critical flow.

Biography

Prof. Corradini is a mechanical and nuclear engineer with research interests centered primarily in thermal hydraulics and multiphase flow. He especially emphasizes the areas of reactor operation, reactor safety, waste reprocessing, and recycle and risk assessment. He is director of the University of Wisconsin's Wisconsin Institute of Nuclear Systems.

The goal of his research in multiphase flow is to help students understand basic physical phenomena which they analytically model or experimentally measure. Current research programs focus on four areas:

1. First, light water safety research analytically and/or experimentally looks at physical processes for accidents that go beyond the design base (degraded-core or core-melt accidents). These processes include hydrogen generation, molten fuel (coolant interactions, debris-bed formation and heat transfer, and molten core), concrete interactions, and containment response. All of these physical processes are coupled together under the risk assessment methodology and deterministic analyses.
2. Second, light water reactor operation research aids Midwestern utilities in simulator modeling, operator training and accident response and nuclear systems analysis. Research results contribute to advanced fission reactor designs.
3. Third, fusion reactor research identifies and analyzes generic thermal hydraulic phenomena to improve current design studies including liquid-metal heat transfer and liquid-metal/water-safety concerns.
4. Finally, his graduate students are developing new technologies related to waste reprocessing and recycling (e.g., molten metal systems). These technologies minimize waste streams and recover valued by-products.

A "Transforming Energy" Lecture by Geo Richards
March 30, 2007

Abstract

Richards will discuss efforts to develop energy systems suitable for carbon dioxide capture and storage. Geological storage options for CO2 include depleted oil and gas reservoirs, unmineable coal seams, and deep saline formations. These storage options will be described. A review of techniques to efficiently capture carbon dioxide from power plants is presented along with estimates of the efficiency of these power plants. Advanced power cycles using fuel cells and so-called "zero-emission" combustion will also be discussed.

Biography

Geo Richards received his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from Purdue University on the subject of gas turbine combustion. Since coming to the National Energy Technology Laboratory in 1988, he has conducted research on various topics in thermal science and energy production, with a particular emphasis on combustion dynamics. He currently leads the Energy Systems Dynamics Focus Area, providing technical direction for research groups investigating turbine combustion, carbon dioxide capture, high-temperature fuel cells, fuel processing and stationary reciprocating engines. In addition to conducting his own research, Richards' responsibilities include developing and executing cooperative research agreements with private industry and academia, and evaluating proposed concepts related to energy conversion. He also serves as a research advisor for both graduate and post-graduate investigators visiting from academic institutions.

A "Transforming Energy" Lecture by Jon Bloom
February 23, 2007

Abstract

Natural gas is the world's fastest-growing source of energy. Gas supplies are plentiful worldwide, but the largest resources are generally located far from the markets that need them. Thanks to recent advances in technology, these resources can be super-cooled and liquefied, then shipped in massive tankers to markets around the world. When the tankers reach their destination, the LNG can be regassified and shipped to consumers via pipelines. This presentation discusses the important role LNG will play in meeting the world's future energy needs, the regulatory environment required for success, and the outstanding safety performance of the industry.

Biography

Jon Bloom is a Washington government relations representative for Exxon Mobil Corporation. In his role, he coordinates advocacy on various business issues with federal departments and agencies. Bloom received his Bachelor of Science degree in geology from Rutgers University in 1980, and his Master's degree in geology from the University of Florida in 1982. Upon graduation, Bloom began his career with Exxon in Houston, where he worked for nine years in the Exploration Company. Through most of the 1980s, he was involved in Exxon's frontier exploration program in Alaska, where he held diverse assignments ranging from basin modeling to remote well drilling to supervising geologic field programs. In 1991, Jon relocated to New Jersey when he moved to the downstream part of the business. He held various management assignments, ranging from service station construction to site remediation. In 2000, he moved to Fairfax as a result of the merger, and in April 2004, he moved into his current assignment.

A "Transforming Energy" Lecture by Steven E. Koonin
October 9, 2007

Abstract

The world's demand for energy will grow by some 60 percent in the next 25 years. Satisfying that demand in an economical and environmentally acceptable manner is one of the most significant challenges facing society. New technologies will play a central role in meeting this challenge, albeit conditioned by the economic, social, and political contexts in which they are developed and deployed. The presentation will focus on the major forces shaping the World's energy future and the technologies required to respond to them.

Biography

Steven E. Koonin was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and educated at Caltech (B.S. in physics), and at MIT (Ph.D. in theoretical physics). He joined the Caltech faculty in 1975, becoming a full professor in 1981 and serving as the Institute's Provost from 1995 to 2004.

Koonin left Caltech in March, 2004 to become BP's chief scientist. BP is one of the largest independent oil companies, producing some 4 percent of the world's oil and gas. It refines and markets petroleum products in more than 100 countries and serves more than 13 million customers each day. Among the well-know BP brands in the United States are Arco, Amoco and Castrol.

In his capacity as chief scientist, Koonin is responsible for BP's long-range technology plans and activities, particularly those "beyond petroleum." He also has purview over BP's major university research programs around the world and provides technical advice to BP's senior executives on matters on Group significance.

Koonin is a fellow of the American Physical Society, the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, as well as a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the Trilateral Commission. He has served on numerous advisory bodies for the National Science Foundation, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Energy and its various national laboratories. His research interests have included theoretical nuclear, many-body, and computational physics, nuclear astrophysics and global environmental science.