Course

Energy Seminar

Stanford University

The Energy Seminar is an interdisciplinary series produced by the Woods and Precourt Institutes at Stanford University, featuring experts discussing a variety of energy topics. This seminar includes:

  • Lectures from renowned Stanford scholars
  • Topics covering fuel economy, greenhouse gas regulation, sustainable aviation, and more
  • Innovative discussions on renewable energy technologies and climate change adaptation

Designed for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of energy systems, this seminar emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing today's climate challenges and advancing sustainable energy practices.

Course Lectures
  • This lecture by Lee Schipper, held on January 7, 2009, explores the complexities of fuel economy in the US and other developed countries. Schipper emphasizes the necessity for realistic assessments of fuel efficiency and discusses:

    • Current standards for fuel economy
    • Implications for developing Asia
    • Strategies for improving fuel efficiency

    Through analytical insights, the talk sheds light on the multifaceted challenges of achieving better fuel economy.

  • In this January 14, 2009 lecture, David Victor presents innovative approaches to regulating greenhouse gas emissions. He argues for a shift in focus from compliance to effective action. Key discussion points include:

    • The global need for universal regulation
    • Misplaced concerns on compliance issues
    • Strategies for fostering international cooperation

    Victor’s insights challenge current regulatory frameworks and suggest new pathways for climate action.

  • Ilan Kroo's lecture on January 21, 2009, delves into the environmental impacts of aviation and explores the concept of sustainable aviation. Key topics include:

    • The role of aviation in climate change
    • Innovative technologies for reducing emissions
    • Future prospects for environmentally friendly air travel

    Kroo emphasizes the urgency of addressing aviation's ecological footprint while advocating for sustainable solutions in the industry.

  • On January 28, 2009, Julie Young presents a comprehensive overview of renewable ocean energy technologies. Her talk covers:

    • Current advancements in ocean energy conversion systems
    • Technological innovations and their potential
    • Challenges and opportunities within the industry

    Young's discussion highlights the importance of ocean energy as a sustainable resource in the broader renewable energy landscape.

  • In his February 5, 2009 lecture, Nicholas Jenkins explores the concept of smart grids and their role in decarbonizing the power sector. The discussion focuses on:

    • Technological advancements in smart grid systems
    • Cost-effective analysis of implementation
    • Benefits of adopting smart grids for sustainability

    Jenkins emphasizes how smart grids can enhance energy efficiency and contribute to a lower carbon footprint in energy consumption.

  • Jefferson Tester's lecture on February 11, 2009, examines the potential of geothermal energy as a sustainable resource. Key points of discussion include:

    • Benefits of geothermal energy utilization
    • Challenges of resource harnessing
    • Complementarity with solar and wind energy

    Tester advocates for a multi-faceted approach to energy sourcing, emphasizing geothermal's scalability and carbon-free advantages.

  • On February 18, 2009, Brent Constanz presents innovative ideas on sequestering CO2 in the built environment. His talk covers:

    • The role of concrete in carbon storage
    • Annual storage potential of concrete
    • Techniques for safe and efficient CO2 sequestration

    Constanz emphasizes the significance of utilizing widely used materials to tackle greenhouse gas emissions effectively.

  • In his February 25, 2009 lecture, Jacques Bouchard provides an overview of France's nuclear energy innovations and their contributions to climate change mitigation. Key discussion points include:

    • The sustainability of nuclear energy
    • France's advancements in nuclear technology
    • The role of nuclear energy in addressing climate concerns

    Bouchard's insights encourage a reevaluation of nuclear energy's place in sustainable energy strategies.

  • Global Coal Market
    Richard Morse

    On March 4, 2009, Richard Morse discusses the global coal market, emphasizing coal's growing significance in energy production. His lecture includes:

    • Trends in coal consumption worldwide
    • The impact of regulation and policy on coal energy
    • Mitigation strategies for reliance on coal

    Morse highlights the urgent need for understanding coal's economic role, particularly in developing countries.

  • In his April 1, 2009 lecture, Dan Arvizu discusses the current state of renewable energy technology in the U.S. Key points include:

    • Recent advancements in renewable energy
    • Implementation challenges and opportunities
    • Future prospects for renewable technology

    Arvizu's insights provide a comprehensive overview of the trajectory of renewable energy in the U.S. and its potential role in a sustainable future.

  • On April 22, 2009, Scott McGaraghan discusses the development of technologies aimed at maximizing the energy-saving benefits of smart grid systems. Highlights of his talk include:

    • Current technologies in smart grid applications
    • Future developments and their potential impact
    • The importance of local and national-level strategies

    McGaraghan emphasizes the crucial role of smart grids in achieving energy efficiency and sustainable energy management.

  • In his April 29, 2009 lecture, Frank Wolak explores the restructuring of the electricity industry in the U.S. He discusses:

    • Examples from California's energy market
    • Challenges in energy market design
    • Implications for policy and regulation

    Wolak's insights provide a clear understanding of the complexities involved in restructuring the electricity industry for better efficiency and effectiveness.

  • On May 6, 2009, Lisa Schipper discusses the connection between climate change adaptation and international development. Her lecture includes:

    • Theoretical frameworks linking adaptation to development
    • Concrete changes implemented in Southeast Asia
    • Broader implications for global development strategies

    Schipper emphasizes the need for integrated approaches to address climate vulnerabilities while promoting sustainable development.

  • In his May 13, 2009 lecture, Ed Moses presents insights into laser inertial fusion energy technology and its future potential. Key topics include:

    • Current state of laser fusion technology
    • Scalability for large-scale energy production
    • Projected advancements in the next decade

    Moses advocates for continued research and investment in fusion energy as a viable solution for addressing future energy demands sustainably.

  • On May 20, 2009, Mark Zoback discusses recent developments in natural gas extraction and their implications for carbon capture and storage. Key points include:

    • Advancements in extraction methods
    • Cost-effective solutions for carbon capture
    • The role of natural gas in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions

    Zoback emphasizes the importance of integrating carbon capture technologies with natural gas operations to combat climate change effectively.