Atomically Precise Manufacturing

Current trends emerging in the electricity science and technology. Third workshop in a series of three. In light of repeating oil supply disruptions and emerging environmental pressures, the international energy industry and scientific community are looking to non-conventional solutions to confront our ongoing energy security concerns. Energy is not just a critical concern to the United States, but also a global one. Among the most important technical challenges facing the world in the 21st century is providing clean, affordable energy, whose supply is sustainable and universally available. A solution to the global energy problem will require revolutionary new technology, as well as conservation and evolutionary improvements in existing technologies. “Energy and Nanotechnology: Storage and the Grid” explored the state of current and emerging electricity science and technology and investigated the opportunities for nanoscience to contribute revolutionary changes to the current system. The conference was the third major conclave held at Rice University as part of our ongoing series on Energy and Nanotechnology. Topics of lectures during this portion of the workshop included: Superconductors & Innovative Visions for a New Electricity System; Has the Moment Come? When (and Why) the Smart Grid Will Reach the Tipping Point; 3G Systems for the Future; Grid Intelligence, Nanocomputers and Sensors, and Rick Smalley’s Vision of Energy Abundance for All. November 16, 2005