STFC & The Energy Futures Programme

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1 STFC & The Energy Futures Programme Geoff McBride, STFC Horizon Scanning Kevin Smith, STFC Futures CLASP Information Day, 2 July 2013

2 HM Government (& HM Treasury) RCUK Executive Group

3 Facilities Laboratories Campuses Grants Underpinning technology

4 STFC sites in the UK

5 To maximise the impact of our knowledge, skills, facilities, and resources for the benefit of the UK and its people.

6 Solutions for global challenges Ambition: Ensure that our science, technology, skills and facilities are at the heart of the research effort to develop innovative solutions for global challenges. The Futures Programme

7 Energy Futures Challenge Areas

8 Global challenge schemes NETWORKS creating and supporting multidisciplinary communities Batteries Science & Technology Geological Repositories Environmental Radioactivity CONCEPTS proof of concept projects 2 projects on advanced solar absorbers STUDENTSHIPS Batteries, fuel cells, solar absorbers, materials for CO 2 capture, nuclear decommissioning and disposal. Workshops Hydrogen and Fuel Cells

9 STFC capabilities NEW / IMPROVED MATERIALS Study of structure and processes Through experimental and computational studies LIFE CYCLE OF DEVICES Batteries, fuel cells, hydrogen storage materials Observations and modelling SENSOR DEVELOPMENT e.g. Trace gases Extreme environments (planetary)

10 Diamond Light Source

11 Diamond Light Source Gas storage: Studies of H 2, CO 2 absorption / desorption mechanisms in the framework of porous materials. Batteries: Following structural and electronic changes under operating conditions; Nuclear waste: Studies of ionexchange materials for remediation; Polymer photovolatics: Investigations of surface structure and ordering in thin films and coatings;

12 ISIS Neutron Source

13 Contribution to zero emission vehicles Scientists at the ISIS neutron source are developing new materials to provide a safer, cheaper and more efficient method of hydrogen storage. o They have been able to look at the atomic and molecular structure of new materials to see how they absorb and release hydrogen gas. o o Researchers have identified new materials that can safely release hydrogen at the right temperature for the operation of fuel cell based engines. This avoids the safety fears associated with compressed gas.

14 Technology to support research Technology is required to develop accelerators, new beamlines, instruments, sensors & detectors, micro electronics, data acquisition systems, networks, etc. Often this technology must be designed to withstand harsh environments, be compact and energy efficient whilst delivering cutting-edge performance. High-performance computing, visualisation and e-science capabilities are required to exploit the vast amounts of data that are produced and develop models. Application specific integrated circuits on board STEREO Particle physics huge data volumes/rates High performance computing & e-science

15 Technology to increase efficiency An STFC spinout company, Oxsensis, develops engine sensor technology to improve the efficiency of turbines, reducing costs and cutting carbon emissions. o o The Wave Phire sensor is the world s first commercial temperature and pressure sensor capable of operating at over 1,000 degrees Celsius. The rugged sensors provide previously unavailable information at extreme temperatures and pressures to enable intelligent control of equipment, improving the efficiency and reducing fossil fuel usage.

16 The programme is challenge-led. Energy Futures Programme Priorities are under development but likely to include the following: o Renewables (thin-film solar, next generation biofuels). o Nuclear (plant life extension, decommissioning, disposal, advanced reactors and fuels). o Storage and grid balancing (fuel cells, hydrogen, batteries, air-fuel synthesis, next generation storage). o Cleaner fossil fuels (CCS). Funding: Global Challenge Networks, Global Challenge Concepts, Global Challenge Studentships and cooperation with CLASP.