UOW launches Energy Futures Network

Apr 24, 2007

The launch of the University of Wollongong’s Energy Futures Network took place last week as part of Sustainability Week 2007.

Sustainability Week included a wide range of events in the Illawarra on the theme of Climate Change and how we can personally influence this global issue.

On Thursday 19 April the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Margaret Sheil, launched the UOW Energy Futures Network.

The UOW Energy Futures Network is a new initiative that brings together researchers from a broad range of disciplines to maximise the effectiveness of UOW’s involvement in the global effort to develop sustainable energy supply systems and to better understand the impact that the use of energy has on the environment.

Following the launch, Professor David Officer (from UOW’s Intelligent Polymer Research Institute) presented a talk entitled: “Shedding Light on a Sustainable Energy Future: Is Artificial Photosynthesis the Key?” Sustainable economic growth in Australia and globally requires cheap renewable, environmentally acceptable, energy resources.

Professor Officer discussed the potential of artificial photosynthesis-based solar cell technologies and highlight the advances made at UOW and overseas.

Sponsors of Sustainability Week included Hatch, the University of Wollongong, Wollongong and Wingecarribee Shire Councils, Futureworld Eco-Technology Centre, BlueScope Steel Ltd, Oceanlinx (Energetech) and Blue Circle Southern Cement.