Steven Chu (USA Secretary of Energy) – ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit Keynote (2012)
Chapters
Abstract
“Harnessing the Power of Innovation: ARPA-E Summit Highlights Transformative Energy Solutions”
At the ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit, key figures including Dr. Steven Chu, former Secretary of Energy, illuminated the path forward in energy innovation. This year’s summit, marked by the introduction of an interactive tweet board, showcased over 180 ARPA-E projects, highlighting the urgent need for diverse energy solutions in the face of climate change, rising sea levels, and increasing energy costs. Arun Majumdar, the first director of ARPA-E, welcomed attendees to the summit, expressing excitement about the agenda and opportunities for interaction. The event, echoing historical breakthroughs in technology from the Wright Brothers to Henry Ford, emphasized the Department of Energy’s (DOE) multifaceted approach to addressing current energy challenges through advancements in aviation, automotive efficiency, battery technology, and renewable energy sources, setting the stage for a second industrial revolution in clean energy.
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Transformative Power of Science and Innovation:
Dr. Steven Chu began his keynote address by emphasizing the transformative impact of science, technology, and innovation, drawing parallels between historical advancements in aviation and automobile industries, and the current energy challenges. His message set the tone for the summit, highlighting the importance of innovative thinking in overcoming obstacles and shaping the future. Renowned thought leaders and innovators were present at the summit, including Dr. Chu, who possesses a deep understanding of the energy landscape. He had significant contributions to the creation of ARPA-E, served as the director of Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, and is now the Secretary of Energy.
Aviation and Automotive Breakthroughs:
The summit showcased the parallels between the past and present in technology and innovation. Samuel Langley, funded by the War Department, attempted to develop the first piloted aircraft but failed. Nine days later, the Wright Brothers succeeded, but the US lost the lead in aviation due to lack of government investment. After World War I, Congress passed acts to support private companies and establish safety standards, regaining the lead in aviation. Similarly, Henry Ford’s revolution of the assembly line process, which dramatically changed the automotive industry, was discussed to illustrate the impact of refining existing technologies. Ford improved the assembly line, making cars affordable and high-quality. The transition from horse-drawn carriages to automobiles was rapid due to the technology’s superiority and environmental concerns.
Urgency of Climate Change and Rising Sea Levels:
One of the summit’s focal points was the alarming rate of climate change and rising sea levels. Presentations highlighted the significant increase in global temperatures and sea level rise, surpassing previous predictions. This underscored the urgency for developing sustainable and efficient energy solutions. Studies show an increase in average global temperature from 1800 to 2011, with a plateau in the last 11 years. Sea level rise observations show a faster rate than predicted, and predictions of more violent storms seem to be underestimated.
Energy Innovation as a Necessity:
The summit stressed the importance of innovation in energy, especially in the context of rising gasoline prices and environmental concerns. The fluctuating oil market and its global implications were discussed, emphasizing the need for the United States to innovate and diversify its energy sources to maintain economic stability and environmental sustainability. Rising gasoline prices are correlated with the price of oil, which is a world commodity. OPEC countries can influence the price of oil but have limited control during high demand and economic downturns. The rest of the world’s oil production remains relatively constant.
Diversifying Energy Sources to Combat Oil Dependency:
Addressing the world’s heavy reliance on oil, the DOE’s strategy to diversify energy sources was a key topic. Electrification, biofuels, natural gas, and efficiency improvements were highlighted as essential steps to reduce dependency on oil and mitigate the risks associated with price instability and supply disruptions. Petroleum consumption has steadily increased until the worldwide recession, causing supply issues. To address this, we must reduce dependency on oil as the sole energy source by diversifying transportation energy sources through electrification, biofuels, natural gas, and increased efficiency.
DOE’s Research and Development Initiatives:
The Department of Energy’s commitment to advancing technology through research was evident throughout the summit. The DOE’s support for understanding complex combustion processes, developing laser diagnostic tools, and promoting lightweight materials for vehicles underscored their comprehensive approach to improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions. Basic science discoveries are used to model and understand complex combustion processes in internal combustion engines. Laser diagnostic tools are developed to measure actual combustion dynamics. Research shifts from basic energy sciences to applied areas, further developing laser diagnostics for combustion cylinders. The DOE played a crucial role in designing high-performance diesel engines with low pollution using high-performance computing. This approach allowed Cummins Engine to skip design cycles and quickly bring the engine into production. The DOE supports improvements in internal combustion engines, including lighter weight materials and more powerful and efficient engines.
Breakthroughs in Engine and Battery Technologies:
Innovative technologies, such as Umquat Energy’s hydrogen co-injection and Vorbeck Materials’ use of graphene, were showcased as breakthroughs in engine performance and battery capacity. The rapid advancements in battery technology, notably in the Chevy Volt, demonstrated the DOE’s pivotal role in fostering these innovations. Pacific Northwest and Vorbeck Materials are using graphene, single layers of graphite, to improve battery performance. Graphene batteries are rapidly being introduced into commercial products, showing great promise for future battery development. Battery technology has seen remarkable advancements in recent years, exceeding expectations for improvement. Newer developments, such as those in the Chevy Volt, are examples of these advancements.
The Future of Lightweight Materials and Biofuels:
The summit also focused on the potential of lightweight materials and composites in improving energy efficiency. The development of high-tensile strength steels and low-carbon composites, along with the Department’s research in biofuel development, presented promising avenues for cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.
Market Potential and Challenges in Clean Energy:
Discussions at the summit acknowledged the complexity of predicting the market potential for clean energy technologies. Historical examples and Bloomberg New Energy Finance’s predictions highlighted the challenges and opportunities in making accurate forecasts in this rapidly evolving field.
Solar and Wind Energy’s Remarkable Progress:
The significant reduction in the cost of photovoltaics and onshore wind energy was a highlight of the summit, showcasing the potential of solar and wind as competitive, sustainable energy sources. The target of achieving dollar-per-watt solar power was presented as a pivotal goal for making solar energy cost-competitive with natural gas.
Advances in Airplane Technology and Manufacturing:
The summit also touched upon the advancements in airplane technology and manufacturing methods. The significant improvement in fuel efficiency of modern airplanes and the development of new materials like titanium and aluminum showcased the ongoing efforts to enhance energy efficiency in various sectors.
Vision for a Second Industrial Revolution:
The summit concluded with a vision for a second industrial revolution, focusing on providing clean energy for both developed and developing nations. This vision, aligned with Alfred Nobel’s intention for scientific and technological advancement, highlighted the importance of discovery, invention, and innovation for national prosperity and the well-being of future generations.
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In conclusion, the ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit served as a platform for showcasing and discussing the Department of Energy’s efforts in promoting energy efficiency and clean energy technologies. The event highlighted the historical context of innovation, current challenges in climate change and energy dependency, and the DOE’s multifaceted approach to addressing these issues. The summit not only underscored the urgency of developing sustainable energy solutions but also illuminated the potential pathways and technological advancements necessary to achieve a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Supplemental Update
Collaboration for Energy Efficiency and Electrification:
The DOE collaborates with universities and the commercial sector to enhance vehicle performance and electrification. The focus is on developing lighter materials and high-tensile strength steels to increase fuel efficiency.
Low-Carbon Composites:
New techniques for manufacturing carbon fiber wings and fuselages reduce production costs. A carbon composite consortium and facility at Oak Ridge National Laboratory serve as test beds for developing new carbon materials.
Biofuels from E. coli and Yeast:
Researchers are developing biofuel technology that uses E. coli or yeast to produce drop-in diesel replacement fuels from simple sugars. The ultimate goal is to use complex sugars, biomass, cellulose, and hemicellulose for biofuel production.
Predictions and Market Potential for Clean Energy:
The market potential for clean energy and energy efficiency technologies is vast but difficult to predict. Historical examples show how predictions can be inaccurate, especially in rapidly developing fields.
Ongoing Progress in Energy Efficiency:
Engine efficiency has improved significantly in recent years and is expected to continue improving with lighter materials.
Bloomberg New Energy Finance Assessment:
Bloomberg New Energy Finance’s analysis shows the current costs of various energy sources. Solar PV and offshore wind are becoming increasingly competitive.
Historical Cost Reduction in Photovoltaics:
Photovoltaic (PV) prices have significantly decreased over time. Onshore wind is now more cost-effective than new coal-fired power plants. PV learning curves show that doubling production reduces prices by a certain percentage.
PV Cost Reduction Predictions:
Previous predictions projected PV costs to reach $1 per watt by 2015, but this was not achieved. In late 2011, PV module costs fell below $1 per watt.
New Technology Learning Curve:
ARPA-E focuses on inventing new technologies and establishing new learning curves. Cad-telluride is a new technology on a learning curve, currently priced at around 80 cents per watt.
Solar System Cost Reduction:
Fully installed utility-scale solar system costs dropped from $8 per watt in 2004 to $3.80 per watt in 2010. Module costs halved in two years, reaching $1.70 per watt in 2010.
Target for Solar Energy:
The aim is to reduce the total cost of solar power to $1 per watt, with module costs at 50 cents per watt. At $1 per watt, solar energy will match the cost of natural gas energy without subsidies.
Dr. Steven Chu’s Insights on Airplane Technology:
Modern aircraft, like the Boeing 787, demonstrate significant advancements in fuel efficiency compared to older models like the Boeing 707. Ongoing collaborations with companies focus on improving engine efficiency through computer simulations.
Aluminum: A Transformation through Manufacturing Innovation:
The development of new manufacturing methods revolutionized aluminum production, dramatically reducing its price.
Titanium Manufacturing Advancements:
New manufacturing methods for titanium aim to minimize waste and maximize product yield, reducing costs and increasing availability.
A Call for a Second Industrial Revolution:
Dr. Chu emphasizes the need for a second industrial revolution to address the world’s energy demands while transitioning to clean energy sources.
The Ultimate Goal: Conferring the Greatest Benefit on Mankind:
Dr. Chu concludes his speech by quoting Alfred Nobel’s vision for the Nobel Prizes, highlighting the significance of scientific advancements in conferring the greatest benefit on mankind.
Notes by: MatrixKarma