General Monthly Meeting &
Joint Meeting of the Four Societies 2003
Australian Institute of Energy Australian Nuclear Society
Engineers Australia
The Royal Society of New South Wales
The February general meeting will be our annual four societies meeting. The topic should be of interest to most of society at the present time. How do we provide for the increasing energy demands of the world without causing catastrophic pollution and global warming?
The Quest for Zero-waste Nuclear Power
Richard HUNWICKChairman, Sydney Branch, Australian Institute of Energy
Date: Monday 17th February, 2003
Time: 5:30 PM Refreshments for 6:00 PM Lecture
Venue: Harricks Auditorium, Ground Level, Eagle House, 118 Alfred Street, Milsons Point
Many would argue that the original hopes for nuclear power, including "electricity too cheap to meter", can only be realised when useful amounts of energy can be released in a controlled manner from nuclear reactions that yield no radioactive wastes or any other pollutants whatsoever. Even the more familiar thermonuclear fusion reactions yield most of their energy as high-energy neutrons, a consequence being the production of some radioactive wastes.
An added bonus would be for reactions that may be harnessed to yield electricity without resorting to thermodynamic (heat-engine) cycles, i.e. to convert the energy released by them directly into electricity. There are such reactions, but they are exceedingly difficult to initiate. Still, intrepid researchers (often space travel enthusiasts) continue to pursue this dream.
The address will outline the nature and history of this quest, some of the personalities involved, and hopes for the future, including recent developments that may make the goal tantalisingly close.
For further information, please contact Richard Hunwick at 9410 9834, or visit the AIE Website.
Richard Hunwick has chaired the Sydney Branch of the Australian Institute of Energy for four years. In his day job, he works as an independent consultant advising utilities, government departments and major corporations on energy economics, policies and strategies, while staying close to his (chemical) engineering roots. He has also taken on the development role with some success, focussing on power from waste fuels and renewable energy sources, notably wind, all driven by a broader but always practical interest in the subject of electricity sources and uses over the very long term.