Abstract

Addressing the linked challenges posed by Global warming and meeting rapidly growing global energy demand require the development of large capacities of renewable energy by 2020. Solar power has the technical potential to play a major role. Every day, the Earth is receiving many times the energy demands of the global human population in the form of solar energy. Harnessing this energy and converting it into electrical energy could be the key for moving humanity towards a sustainable future, and as such, solar energy has become the fastest growing form of renewable energy. Almost any scale of implementation is, at least in theory, feasible; from a photovoltaic panel on the roof of a house to a country-sized installation in the desert. Yet what are the political and economical barriers which hinder solar power reaching its full technical potential and how can they be overcome? What are the relative advantages of the various forms of solar photovoltaic (PV) and the emerging Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) technologies? How and where can they best be implemented? Perhaps most importantly, what work is being carried out, both in academic and industrial settings, to explore and realise the full potential of solar power as an electricity generator?

CUEN believes that today’s energy challenge needs a comprehensive approach, and therefore convenes students, academics and leading figures involved in the technological, financial and policy aspects of sustainable energy. At the 2009 Cambridge Annual Energy Conference, today’s leaders and experts will talk about the current scenario on solar power, giving insights on developments that will revolutionise the sector within the next few years. Inspired generations of students from a variety of backgrounds will be the driving force of a solar revolution.

A lunch buffet, tea-breaks and a wine reception are included.

Registration now open: http://www.cuen.org.uk/registration