Energy Solutions Forum | University of Nevada, Reno

It’s essential that the world makes the transition very quickly to renewable energy. We know that there are a lot of systemic issues involved. Geothermal has unique traits that can help to ease that process.

Jack Norbeck

Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer at Fervo Energy

Speaking April 5, 2023 about Geothermal Innovations

What is the Energy Solutions Forum?

The Energy Solutions Forum seminar series brings together leading researchers across disciplines in science, engineering, and business to advance understanding of solutions-focused topics in climate and energy. Seminars are led by innovators in their fields and will focus on cutting-edge research happening in the areas of carbon capture, photovoltaics, geothermal energy, batteries and more. A reception following each seminar provides the opportunity for continued dialogue and an exchange of knowledge to strengthen collaborations within and between scientific disciplines, all with the goal of saving our home planet, Earth.

The Energy Solutions Forum is sponsored by the College of Science in partnership with the College of Engineering and the College of Business with generous support from Mick Hitchcock.

Upcoming speakers

Jack Norbeck

Geothermal Innovations

The Rotunda in the Knowledge Center
Wednesday, April 5, 2023 from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Jack Norbeck is the Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer at Fervo Energy where he is working on next generation geothermal projects and implementing novel technology such as horizontal drilling into geothermal reservoirs. The drilling technology used by Fervo Energy already exists, making large-scale projects an option in the not-too-distant future. Norbeck received his Ph.D. in Energy Resources Engineering from Stanford, after which he worked for the U.S. Geological Survey where he studied earthquake hazard analysis.

Yet-Ming Chiang

Flow Batteries for Grid Scale Storage

The Rotunda in the Knowledge Center
Wednesday, April 26, 2023 from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

With experience in both the private and academic sectors of battery science, Yet-Ming Chiang from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology brings a full perspective of battery technology to the Energy Solutions Forum. One of those technologies is the flow battery for grid scale storage, which will be critical for renewable energy sources that may fluctuate more, like solar or wind powers. Flow battery technology will be critical as renewables comprise more of the energy sources we use in our everyday lives.

Past speaker: Joey Luther

Solar Photovoltaics Technologies

Wednesday, March 15, 2023 from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Joey Luther is a senior scientist in the Molecular and Catalysis Science Group at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, where he works on research in perovskite quantum dot solar cells. In theory, these solar cells can be more than twice as efficient as conventional cells. Luther will share his perspective on the solar photovoltaics technologies that he is working to make more efficient to replace the greenhouse gasses we are currently so reliant on.

Past speaker: Christopher W. Jones

Carbon Dioxide Capture

Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023 from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Christopher W. Jones is a Professor of Chemical Engineering at Georgia Tech where his research on catalysis and carbon dioxide capture is making important new inroads in abatement technologies for greenhouse gases. Jones believes that carbon capture is the only realistic way to lessen the effects of greenhouse gas, at least over the next century. Jones is working on a variety of technologies for effective carbon capture that could limit emissions from gas and oil combustion (flue gas capture) as well as to counteract historical emissions (capture of CO₂ from the atmosphere).

Past speaker: Chris Field

Exploring Opportunities — Series Introduction

Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023 from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Chris Field, climate science pioneer at the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability and Director of the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment will kick off the Energy Solutions Exchange with an overview of climate change solutions that have the potential to improve lives now, decrease the amount of future warming, and support vibrant economies. Field has been deeply involved with national and international efforts to advance understanding of global ecology and climate change and was co-chair of Working Group II of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (2008-2015).

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