The Global Energy
Challenge
The expected doubling of
global energy demand by 2050 challenges our traditional patterns of energy
production, distribution and use. The continued use of fossil fuels
raises concerns about supply, security, environment and climate. New
routes are needed for the efficient conversion of energy from chemical fuel,
sunlight, and heat to electricity or hydrogen as an energy carrier and finally
to end uses like transportation, lighting, and heating. Opportunities for
efficient new energy conversion routes based on nanoscale materials will be
presented, with emphasis on the sustainable energy technologies they enable.