Energy and nanotechnologies: Priority areas for Australia's future

This paper explores the possibilities offered by the use of nanotechnologies to contribute to new and improved approaches to energy conversion, storage and distribution in Australia in the short term (less than 5 years), medium term (5–15 years) and long term (greater than 15 years). In 2007 the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) examined the potential for the application of nanotechnologies to future energy systems in Australia. Four workshops were held in major cities around Australia bringing ATSE Fellows and experts together for brainstorming sessions and a questionnaire was circulated more widely. These provided inputs on future energy needs in Australia and the critical areas to be considered in research and commercialisation of nanotechnologies in energy systems. Using a matrix approach a number of opportunities were identified as short term — energy conservation, environmental management, catalysts for combustion, photovoltaic cells; medium term — catalysts for conversion of biomass, gas and coal, fuel cells, advanced photovoltaics, capture and storage of carbon dioxide; and long term — hydrogen production, storage and use. These applications are discussed in the Australian context. The implications for government policy on support of the findings are discussed.