Nano4Energy 2010: 'Nano-enabled Clean Energy'

The Nanotechnology Knowledge Transfer Network (NanoKTN), one of the UK's primary knowledge-based networks for Micro and Nanotechnologies, is pleased to announce the date of its second Nano4Energy conference in association with the Carbon Trust. The conference, which takes place on 30th June, will focus on new developments in nanotechnology within energy generation and energy storage. The conference will feature technologies nearing commercialisation and the companies leading the way in the movement of clean, next generation energy solutions. Emerging clean energy technologies represent significant potential for nano-materials and nano-coatings in applications such as batteries, supercapacitors, fuel cells, hydrogen storage, thermoelectrics and photovoltaics. In order to see real commercial successes in this area, networking and interaction between all parts of the supply chain is essential. Organised in association with the Carbon Trust and with sponsorship from the University of Birmingham and Birmingham Science City, Nano4Energy 2010 will provide a forum where the latest developments and issues within the supply chain can be discussed between industry professionals and academics. Keynote speakers at the conference have been confirmed as Dr Garry Staunton, Technology Director at The Carbon Trust and Steve Groves, Vehicle Evaluation Manager at Nissan Europe. Currently responsible for development of Nissan's A & B Platform vehicles produced in Europe, Groves will focus his presentation on the new Nissan LEAFTM, a 100% electric, zero emission compact car set to push the boundaries of clean energy transport. The Nano4Energy 2010 conference will also feature two parallel sessions: Generation & Conversion and Storage & Conservation. In Generation & Conversion, speakers will include Nanoco, addressing the use of quantum dots in the manufacture of high efficiency, low-cost solar cells, and BRE looking at potential new products and ideas, many delivered by nanotechnology, for 'greening' the built environment and examining the challenges of communication between technologists and the construction industry. The Storage & Conservation session will feature a presentation from Nanotecture who will analyse the development of high speed, high power density electronic storage devices using nanoporous materials, and Promethean Particles showing specific examples of materials relevant to energy storage and examples of the types of services that can be offered to meet technically demanding targets. "A significant number of nano-enabled clean energy solutions are already on the market and are a huge success. This growing market has a great deal of potential and it is crucial to the UK economy to develop a sustainable UK industry in this area," says Martin Kemp, Theme Manager at the NanoKTN. Kemp continues, "In order to see real commercial success, nanotechnologies need to be incorporated into the energy supply chain. By hosting events like Nano4Energy, we hope to keep the UK to be at the forefront of this energy revolution." In addition to the technical presentations the conference will feature an exhibition and academic poster display, a one-to-one partnering service, a networking drinks reception, as well as a funding update on EU Framework Programme 7 – 2011 NMP Call and Technology Strategy Board Upcoming Competitions. The Nano4Energy conference takes place on June 30th 2010 at the University of Birmingham and all sectors of the supply chain are encouraged to register for the conference, including OEMs, manufacturers, technology developers, investors, commercial end users and anyone else involved in the renewable energy supply chain. To register click here.