A study in conjunction with

Energy and Nanotechnology

In May 2003 a major initiative began to research the role nanotechnology will play in the development of clean, affordable energy, whose supply is sustainable and universally available. This Baker Institute Energy Forum study is in conjunction with the Rice Alliance for Entrepreneurship and Technology, the Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology (CNST) (now called the Richard E. Smalley Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology), and the Energy & Environmental Systems Institute (EESI).

For more information on the Baker Institute Initiative on Energy Policy and Nano-Science, please click here.

Breakthroughs in nanotechnology open up the possibility of moving beyond our current alternatives for energy supply by introducing technologies that are more efficient, inexpensive, and environmentally sound.

A solution to the global energy problem will require revolutionary new technology, as well as conservation and evolutionary improvements in existing technologies. Efficiencies in the use of energy will come from many advances, but particularly from revolutionary new materials that are inexpensive, environmentally safe, and both stronger and lighter than steel. Transmission and storage of energy, particularly electrical power and hydrogen, is a major societal need, and holds the most promise in solutions with new nanotechnologies. It is in this area that we believe nanoscience can bring the most immediate benefits, with nanotubing and other nano-based materials creating new opportunities to transport electricity efficiently and at lower cost over very long distances.

The most dramatic, real and concrete long term benefit in energy research would be if the U.S. science community could deliver a breakthrough fuel system that could both allow society to avoid reliance on volatile Middle East oil supply while at the same time avoiding harmful emissions or other environmental impacts during the energy conversion process. Perhaps the greatest challenge, but most dynamic change toward these goals, would be if nanoscience could render the widespread collection, conversion and transmission of solar energy viable and affordable.

A major conclave, Energy and Nanotechnology, was held at Rice University to address the potential of nanotechnology to help solve the challenge of developing less expensive, more efficient and environmentally sound energy supplies. As part of the Rice Energy Program initiative on Energy Policy and Nanotechnology, the Baker Institute Energy Forum hosted a series of workshops investigating the potential for nanoscience to make contributions to potentially revolutionary energy breakthroughs in the areas of solar energy and electricity transmission, transport & storage. The workshops brought together nanoscientists from around the country, solar, electricity and hydrogen scientists, government policy makers, industry participants from energy companies, solar companies, electricity companies and hydrogen companies, and Rice researchers from the Baker Institute, the Richard E. Smalley Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, the Economics Department, the Physics Department and EESI. The goal of the seminars was to gather more data and build a team to create an expanded research program.