Blue Sky Research for Energy Technology
Organizer
IEA's Experts Group on Energy R&D and Priority Setting
Documentation
In this workshop, the EGRD examined ways to stimulate blue sky research within the energy sector in the broadest sense of the word. Different methods had been presented and discussed. The goal was to find examples of practical results borne out of blue sky research, determine how lessons from these examples could be applied to stimulate the pace of innovation in the energy sector, and advise policy makers as to how to engage at critical points in the process.
The goal of this workshop was to learn from examples of how the transition from BSR to application has been successfully undertaken in other sectors for example, space research, medicine or solid state physics in the context of microelectronics, and to identify from current basic research selected areas or ideas that might potentially have a huge impact on the energy sector. This should inform an understanding of how different governments engage in, fund, and structure their investments in energy-related basic science programs.
This workshop focused on blue sky research and its possible contributions to the developing energy system in various countries. With input from speakers representing public authorities, research institutes and the private sector, the participants discussed the rising demand for innovation, specific technologies, various models for applying public funds, target-oriented R&D programs and reasonable incentives to harvest the lessons and results of blue sky science for the development of the energy system of the future.
Program
Session 1: Introduction
Chair: Gavin Harper, University of Birmingham
- Introduction
- Blue sky research
- The role of innovation
Session 2: From concept to reality – and beyond
Chair: Birte Holst-Jorgensen, Danish Technical University
- Sustainability in turbulent times
- Spin-offs from space
- Google little box challenge
- UK cyber security programme
Session 3: Converging and enabling technologies for energy
Chair: Johannes Tambornino
- Technologies
- Materials
- Processes
- Business models
Session 4: From blue sky research to practical applications – and beyond
Chair: Robert Marlay
- Disruptive innovation
- Negative CO2 technology
- The promise of fusion
- The quantum technologies hub
- How to drive very fast on solar power
- Energy storage
Session 5: Policy and regulatory frameworks
Chair: Rob Kool
- Opportunities and challenges
- Mission Innovation
- New concepts in radical innovation
Session 6: Synthesis and take-aways
Chair: Herbert Greisberger
Discussion and recommendations
Downloads
Target Audience
In addition to EGRD members and national experts, we are seeking input from RD&D decision-makers, strategic planners, and program managers from industry, academia, think tanks, national laboratories, and government. Participation is by invitation only.
Contact Address
Diana Louis
E-mail: diana.louis@iea.org