Much Ado About Nearly Nothing: Nanotech And The Future Of Energy

Nanotechnology can currently be found in a wide range of consumer products from cell phones to odor-resistant socks. But is this tiny technology up to one of the biggest challenges of our time: meeting the energy demands of an exploding population on a warming planet? In this program, world-class nanoscientists and environmental leaders explore how advances in nanotechnology are spurring spectacular innovation — including light-weight “wonder materials,” vital energy-storage technologies, and new sources of renewable energy — which promise to redefine the very future of energy production, storage, and consumption.

Find out more about the original program and participants: https://www.worldsciencefestival.com/programs/small-solutions-big-problem-renewables-nanoscale/

This program is part of the “Big, the Small, and the Complex,” series sponsored by The Kavli Foundation and The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters. The Kavli Prize recognizes scientists for their seminal advances in astrophysics, nanoscience, and neuroscience.

MODERATOR: Walter Isaacson
PARTICIPANTS: Sanjoy Banerjee, Yury Gogotsi, Paul Weiss

Nanotech And The Future Of Energy 00:05

Participant Introductions 05:05

What do you mean when we say nano technology? 06:30

Why is constant reinvention of material so important? 14:13

Are there any diverse effects of nano technology we should be aware about? 26:57

How will the possible technology reduce climate change? 38:02

How much would a crowd sourced grid help to reduce energy consumption. 45:15

How can you use nano technology to reduce solar costs? 54:31