Page, left, and Chu

Google Reps Visit Lab;
Discuss Energy Efforts

Google.com co-founder Larry Page and members of Google.org’s RE<C (Renewable Energy Cheaper than Coal) team visited the Lab last Thursday, meeting with Lab Director Steve Chu and energy researchers from the Lab and UC Berkeley. RE<C is an effort to develop electricity from renewable energy sources that are cheaper than electricity produced from coal. Three areas were discussed: solar thermal, wind, and geothermal. Geothermal information was presented by Ernest Majer, Stefan Finsterle, Curtis Oldenburg, and Mack Kennedy (Earth Sciences). Ryan Wiser participated in the talk on wind, while Arun Majumdar and Arlon Hunt (all EETD) discussed solar thermal. Policy and economics experts, including Mark Levine (EETD) and Wiser, explored the advancement of public policies that will accelerate the development of renewable energy.

Berkeley Chancellor Talks
Energy at Senate Hearing

Birgeneau

UC Berkeley Chancellor Robert Birgeneau testified last Thursday before a U.S. Senate panel, chaired by Senator Barbara Boxer, that is examining greenhouse gas emissions. During his testimony, Birgeneau discussed the collaboration with Berkeley Lab on the Energy Biosciences Institute, Joint Bioenergy Institute, and Helios. “California has demonstrated national and international leadership in committing to reduce its green house gas emissions,” he said. “Berkeley is at the forefront of energy research, and specifically energy research and implementation to make these goals viable.” Go here to read his full testimony.

Chemical Scientist First
Holder of Solvay Chair

Saykally

UC Berkeley Professor Rich Saykally, with Berkeley Lab’s Chemical Sciences Division, has been named as the first holder of the International Solvay Chair in Chemistry by the International Solvay Institutes of Belgium.  The chair was created to enable visits to Belgium by an eminent chemist. He will present the inaugural lecture “Water Music:  The Latest Word on the Most Important Substance in the Universe”  in Brussels on April 22. Saykally’s research involves spectroscopy of clusters, liquids, ions, nanostructures, and electrolyte surfaces, among other areas.

GM Tests Lithium-Ion
Batteries for Chevy Volt

Cairns

General Motors’ highest priority technology will reach the proving grounds this month as engineers test the lithium-ion battery for the Chevy Volt. Although lithium-ion has been used in cell phones and laptop computers, engineers don’t yet know how the technology will perform in an automotive setting. Battery experts have questioned whether lithium-ion EV batteries are ready. “It depends on your definition of the word ‘ready,’” says Elton Cairns, with Berkeley Lab’s Environmental Energy Technologies Division. “If you ask, ‘Can it be done?’ The answer is yes. If you ask, ‘Will it be affordable by today’s consumers?’ The answer is no.” Full story.

‘Daughters/Sons’ Day
Registration Now Open

Retirement Planning
Workshop Wednesday