Latest Events

Speaker: Dr Femke Nijsse, University of Exeter

Abstract:

Solar power has seen massive and unexpected growth over the last decade. It developed from a niche technology used by ambitious citizens to a utility-scale resource used all over the world. Net-zero plans across the globe aim for 2050 or 2060. Solar energy is the most widely available energy resource on Earth, and its economic attractiveness is improving fast in a cycle of increasing investments.

During my talk, I will discuss a data-driven technology and economic forecasting model to establish which zero carbon power sources could become dominant worldwide. The simulation models seeks to explore likely future scenarios, based on historical trends, rather than exploring “least-cost” configurations of a future clean energy system, as is usually done in energy modelling.

We find that, due to technological trajectories set in motion by past policy, a global irreversible solar tipping point may have passed where solar energy comes to dominate global electricity markets, without any additional policies directly supporting solar. Uncertainties arise, however, over grid stability in a renewables-dominated power system, the availability of sufficient finance in poorer economies and the capacity of supply chains. Policies resolving these barriers may be more effective than price instruments to accelerate the transition to clean energy.

Bio:

Dr. Femke Nijsse specializes in modelling climate, energy systems, and the economy. With a background in climate physics, they earned a Ph.D. in mathematics, focusing on multi-model comparisons and statistical techniques related to decadal variability, historical warming, and climate sensitivity. In energy research, Dr. Nijsse contributed to the Economics of Energy Innovation and System Transition project, informing energy policies in China, Brazil, India, the UK, and the EU. They improved the E3ME -FTT model’s power sector representation, using evolutionary economics for technology diffusion. Currently, they’re working on cascading tipping points across sectors and a stronger implementation of hourly supply and demand in E3ME -FTT.

Talks from 1pm

Short introduction to Royce Cambridge open access facilities and funding - Dr Andrew Dobrzanski.

Followed by a talk from Vasilis Theofylaktopoulos, Business Development Manager from Heidelberg Instruments and a remote demonstration of the Nano AG.

Finish with a Q&A session and an optional tour of Royce equipment in the Maxwell Centre.

Summary

E-beam and focused ion beam are the most common methods for achieving nanometer resolution patterning in research. They each come with their strengths and weaknesses. Join us to learn about Thermal Scanning Probe Lithography(tSPL). This method relies on a heated cantilever to sublimate the resist with sub 15 nm resolution. It allows for grayscale patterning and read-write capabilities. You can perform tSPL with the NanoFrazor and focus on your research in 2D materials, optics and photonics or biosensing.

A free one-hour tour of the Royce Institute 3D X-Ray Computer Tomography Facility in the Maxwell Centre at the University of Cambridge.

The 3D X-Ray Computer Tomography microscope is used for in-situ characterisation of the composition, deformation and damage development of materials for ICT at length scales on the order of 1 micron. It is useful for determining the relationship between processing and microstructure, for observing fracture mechanisms, for investigating properties at multiple length scales, and for quantifying and characterising microstructural evolution.

It can perform in-situ and 4D (time dependent) studies to understand the impact of heating, cooling, oxidation, wetting, tension, tensile compression, imbibition, drainage and other simulated environmental studies. It can perform non-destructive views into deeply buried microstructures that may be unobservable with 2D surface imaging; compositional contrast for studying low Z or “near Z” elements and other difficult-to-discern materials.

A particular emphasis will be the development of specialised loading stages that will allow for accurate monitoring of 3D deformation processes (such as the swelling of a battery) during operation.

This tour will give an overview of the capabilities of the 3D X-Ray Computer Tomography microscope as well as information on booking, funding opportunities and the work of the Royce Institute.

For more information about Royce Facilities at Cambridge please contact royce@maxwell.cam.ac.uk and see our full equipment listing at: https://www.maxwell.cam.ac.uk/programmes/henry-royce-institute

We are constantly surrounded by a wealth of materials in our environment, but the magic of materials goes so far beyond the wood of our bars and the glass in our pint glasses. In this evening, we explore how materials can be used to create solar cells, develop artificial photosynthesis and inspire new ways to generate energy.

So, come with us as we 'weave' through the wonders of materials and 'forge' a new understanding of the place they may have in our future.

Kindly sponsored by the Henry Royce Institute.

Can life inspire energy technologies?

Professor Ewa Marek (Associate Professor from Department of Engineering at the University of Cambridge)

Based at the Maxwell Centre, Royce@Cambridge is the centrepiece for industrial engagement with the scientists and engineers working across the materials sciences on the West Cambridge Science and Technology Campus.

Through an initial £12M capital investment in research facilities, they support research and innovation through an inter-departmental network of 18 open access deposition, fabrication and characterisation facilities. Their focus is on supporting the development of materials for energy efficient devices as part of the Royce AtomsToDevices research theme.

Solar cells for space

Jiayi Li (PhD student in Semiconductor Physics)

Without the protection of our atmosphere and magnetosphere, solar cells on satellites and space exploration payloads are exposed to space radiation like high energy particles, which will degrade their power generation performance. Radiation tolerant solar cells made of ultra-thin III-V materials are desired for extended missions in highly damaging environments, along with their advantages of high specific power, weight/cost reduction and flexible form factors.

Artificial photosynthesis: a sustainable society powered by sunlight

Tessel Bouwens (NWO Rubicon Postdoctoral Fellow in the Reisner Lab at the University of Cambridge)

To limit the future global warming to 1.5°, we need to transition to an industry that uses abundant and non-polluting resources to provide us with energy, food and medicines without the use of fossil fuels. To design an alternative system scientist are inspired by nature, where for example, leaves on a plant use solar power to convert simple molecules into the building blocks of life. In this seminar Tessel will explain what we can learn from nature to develop artificial photosynthetic systems to achieve sustainable pathways for the production of solar fuels and pharmaceuticals.

Speaker: Chris Coleridge (Judge Business School)

EPRG Energy & Environment Seminars Easter Term 2024 Tuesdays fortnightly at 12.30-1.30pm (in-person)

Please contact EPRG Administrator (eprgadm@jbs.cam.ac.uk) for further details