Materials For Energy

MRS Bulletin September 2011

By Dr. Russell Chianelli, The University of Texas at El Paso, M.R.T.I

Opening the grid across continents: Desert visions.

The September issue of Energy Quarterly in MRS Bulletin reports on the Desertec initiative that promises to distribute solar power from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) for distribution in to Europe. Corinna Wu describes Desertec as a centerpiece of Europe’s plans to dramatically increase renewable sources in its energy supply mix. There are many obstacles to developing the system, some political and some technical. However, one issue that arises in centralized solar with power transmission is the transmission grids that must be constructed and the materials used. In some areas, for example in the Southwestern United States, distributed energy systems involving individual people, businesses, and institutions installing solar power devices on local buildings eliminates the need for long transmission systems. However, in this case, energy storage is the issue. We look forward with interest to the competition between these two approaches.

Solid-state lighting: The future looks bright.

Also, in the September issue is an article by Prachi Patel in which she describes the progress in making LED (light-emitting diodes) for practical solid-state lighting devices. LEDs promise to reduce energy use by 75% and increase lifetime by a factor of ten. But technical challenges remain. LEDs are made using semiconductor materials (e.g., InGaN or GaN). However, cost and spectral properties need improvement. These issues are covered in detail in this article.

Batteries for energy: generation and storage

An interview with Yet-Ming Chiang of MIT covers a crucial issue for efficient use of energy in electrical vehicles and solar installations: batteries. Chiang is an entrepreneurial leader in next-generation nano-phosphate lithium batteries, having formed companies such as A123 Systems, which now supplies these batteries to industry, and 24M Systems, which produces flow batteries. Flow batteries are preferred for solar-produced-energy storage. The interview also discusses Chiang’s experience as an entrepreneur and the process that he followed from laboratory research to marketable products.

‘Fracking’ of Shale Holds Huge Potential for Natural Gas and Oil Production

UT Austin’s Energy Institute to Study Claims of Groundwater Contamination

By Raymond L. Orbach, Director, Energy Institute The University of Texas at Austin

Hydraulic fracturing of shale (also known as “fracking”) could unleash vast deposits of natural gas and liquids. In fact, current estimates indicate the practice could provide the United States with up to 200 years of natural gas reserves.

Projections indicate vast reserves of natural gas in several areas, including the Barnett play in north Texas and Eagle Ford in south Texas. Fracking extracts natural gas and oil from these formations, respectively, that otherwise would be unattainable.

While hydraulic fracturing has been in use for decades, it has come under intense scrutiny recently from environmental groups and others who fear it poses health risks from groundwater and air quality contamination. Oil and gas regulators and other experts have found little evidence of a direct link between fracking and groundwater contamination, but remarkably no comprehensive scientific study has been conducted to date.

In response, the Energy Institute at The University of Texas at Austin is conducting a comprehensive review of the impact of fracking on groundwater. The study combines an independent assessment of groundwater contamination claims, with an analysis of the effectiveness of existing laws and policies related to fracking.

Researchers also will investigate seismic events, fugitive air emissions, and other concerns associated with fracking in areas within the Barnett, Marcellus, and Haynesville shale plays.

The goal of the study, which the UT Energy Institute is funding directly, is to promote a fact-based approach to shale gas development so that policymakers can have a sound foundation for developing appropriate rules and regulations. The Environmental Defense Fund has been involved in the design of the study, and will provide comments to researchers before a final report is made public.

Stay tuned for preliminary findings from the Energy Institute study, which we expect will be released sometime this fall.