E.ON-organises event showcasing innovative research initiatives this week (5-6 July). The event, organised by E.ON, will bring together over 50 scientists from Europe, Australia and America who form part of the company’s E.ON International Research Initiative (EIRI). The key objective of the initiative is to deliver cleaner & better energy through sustainable, reliable and affordable low carbon technologies and providing practical solutions that can be used in everyday life.
Dr Keussen , as Senior Vice President New Technologies at E.ON said: “ It’s fantastic to see such innovative technology being borne out of this initiative just 4 years after it was launched. Energy is such an important part of everybody’s lives its great to see so many countries coming together with a common aim – to make energy cleaner & better and to improve the way that we do things.”
In total, the EIRI comprises 24 projects with universities and research organizations worldwide receiving funding worth 18 million Euros up to date from E.ON. The initiative focuses on three core areas: renewable energy, low carbon transport systems and energy efficiency in the home.
Renewable energy
The drive for more renewable energy is a major part of the EIRI. One group of projects concentrates on energy storage which is central to enabling an increased roll out of renewable power like wind that might generate even when the power is not needed. Another group of projects looks at new ways of capturing the sun’s energy through a technology called concentrating solar power. Other research is looking at how the advanced molecular engineering of nanotechnology can improve the production, storage and use of energy.
Energy storage
Results being discussed at the conference will also include expanding wind power by storing the energy it produces as compressed air in caverns or in giant energy bags anchored to the seabed.
Electric Vehicles
Another project involving battery storage technologies and electric vehicles could lead to supermarket grocery vans also delivering power to homes through links to the electricity grid. Other research looks at how a special solar-powered electricity generator used in spacecraft could be adapted to capture the sun’s energy on Earth and supply limitless renewable electricity.
The findings from these projects are already feeding into E.ON’s own activities and into the wider energy industry as a whole.
Dr Keussen said: “What’s wonderful to see is the diversity of ideas and concepts. The science and research here is inspiring and it’s really wonderful to see.”
The two-day conference opens on Tuesday, 5 July at the Ramada Hotel, Sutton Coldfield, near Birmingham, with delegates from research teams in Europe, America and Australia.
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Source: E.ON, July 05, 2011;