Name: Power the Future
Start: 2017-05-15T
End: 2017-05-15T
Location: The Zetland Arms

Although clean energy may seem like the obvious path into the future, these friendly fuels are riddled with controversies and challenges of their own. Overcoming these obstacles will play a key role in replacing fossil fuels. Solar power and biofuels are promising emergent technologies – but how can they measure up to fossil fuels with their limited energy efficiency and supply-demand concerns?

Ethanol: Drink it or drive it?

Dr Jason Hallett (Reader in Sustainable Chemical Technology)

There is a lot of controversy around the role of biofuels in combating climate change. Most of these centre on the 'food vs fuel' debate - should we be using valuable crop land for growing fuels? In this talk, Jason will discuss the impact of fuels on the climate, the possibility of using non-food sources for biofuels, and the potential for turning environmental problems (waste wood) into opportunities to power the world!

Meeting the challenge: Making solar energy economical

Dr Christos Markides (Reader in Clean Energy Processes)

Solar technologies can be used to generate useful energy from a clean and secure source. Most solar panels are designed for either heat or electricity, and an electrical photovoltaic solar panel is typically less than 20% efficient. In this talk, Christos will discuss a hybrid technology based on a photovoltaic-thermal (PV-T) collector, which can reach efficiencies (electrical plus thermal) of more than 70%, and electrical efficiencies at least 20% higher than conventional solar panels. If it sounds too good to be true, come and join the discussion!

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