The development of a clean, sustainable and economically-viable energy supply will be discussed at a University of Queensland public lecture next week (Tuesday, June 3).
Dr Ben Hankamer from UQ’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB) will discuss Water to hydrogen fuel: A clean, sustainable energy cycle coupled to pure water production at 4.30pm in the IMB Auditorium, Queensland Bioscience Precinct, Chancellor’s Place, St Lucia campus.
“This is one of the most urgent challenges of our generation and there is now a concerted international effort to switch from a fossil fuel to a hydrogen economy,” Dr Hankamer said.
As part of his speech, Dr Hankamer will describe large-scale hydrogen production by a green algal system that uses solar energy to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.
He will be followed at 6pm by UQ Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis Director Professor John Drennan, who will talk about Delivering the hydrogen economy: The fuel cell.
“In a world where the continuing production of greenhouse gases goes on unabated, the development of a technology in which hydrogen can be used to directly produce electricity, with the main by-product being water, provides a tantalising goal for researchers,” Professor Drennan said.
The seminar is part of the Frontiers in science lecture series presented by UQ’s Bright Minds™ project, a $2.2 million initiative launched last year to further attract and nurture high-achieving students to a career in the biological and chemical sciences.
Tickets cost $15 (students $10), which includes refreshments. People interested in attending should contact Ken Aberdeen by May 30 (telephone 07 3365 9798 or email k.aberdeen1@uq.edu.au).
Media: For further information, contact Dr Hankamer (telephone 07 3365 6456), Professor Drennan (telephone 07 3365 6353), Ken Aberdeen from UQ’s Faculty of Biological and Chemical Sciences (telephone 07 3365 9798) or Joanne van Zeeland at UQ Communications (telephone 07 3365 2619).
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