Public Lecture Series: The Energy Revolution

10 July, 2015

The age of fossil fuels is coming to an end. Global warming from their burning is undeniable. But when will tomorrow begin?

Will there be a long transition period, with a mish-mash of renewables while we learn to harness the sun’s energy efficiently, as plants have been doing for 3.5 billion years? Is there even enough sunlight striking the Earth to supply the increasing energy demands of 6-9 billion humans?

Nuclear energy may be the only realistic alternative for some countries but it’s not an option for a nuclear-averse country like New Zealand, with a small population and large land area split in two.

Can our renewable energy sources satisfy the extra load of a wholesale conversion to electric vehicles? Or would it be simpler just to filter the CO2 out of vehicle and other emissions instead? What are the options likely to mean for more remote centres like Nelson, Napier, Whanganui, Tauranga, and oil and gas-producing New Plymouth?

The MacDiarmid Institute is supporting regional development with this series of free public talks. Join with us to discuss The Energy Revolution.

Tauranga

Organised in association with Café Scientifique, Tauranga
Monday, 20 July, 6.30pm for 7.00pm start
Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club

Speakers: Keith Gordon, University of Otago & Luke Liu, Massey University, Palmerston North

Napier

Organised in association with Hawke’s Bay Branch of the Royal Society of New Zealand
Tuesday, 28 July, 7pm
Aquarium, Napier

Speaker: Jeffery Tallon FRSNZ, Victoria University of Wellington

Nelson

Organised in association with the Nelson Science Society
Maitai Room 1, Rutherford Hotel, Nelson
Thursday, 30 July, 6pm

Speakers: Justin Hodgkiss, Victoria University of Wellington, Luke Liu, Massey University, Palmerston North

Whanganui

War Memorial Centre, Whanganui
Tuesday, 4 August, 6pm

Speakers: Mark Waterland, Massey University, Palmerston North, Shane Telfer, Massey University, Palmerston North