This presentation by Bryan Furnass is hosted by the Frank Fenner Foundation – all are welcome.
Almost all climate scientists are convinced that the main cause of global heating and climate disruption is the prodigious combustion of hydrocarbons over the past century, with anthropogenic pollution with greenhouse gases causing grave threats to biodiversity, food security and population health. Local particulate emissions also pose a risk to cardiorespiratory health, particularly in the crowded cities of developing countries.
The ANU and the ACT government are at the helm for research and development of renewable energy to replace fossil fuels and mitigate climate change (www.desertec.com). Fossil fuelled transport remains a problem. A promising alternative lies in anhydrous ammonia (NH3), which can now be synthesised locally from air, water and renewable energy, using concentrated solar or wind power. It can be used to power internal combustion engines and steam-driven turbines for base load electricity generation in remote areas (www.greennh3.com.)
Ammonia has about 2/3 of the energy density of diesel, can be safely transported and stored at 150psi and ambient temperature, with virtually zero greenhouse gas emissions and nitrogen and (re-cyclable) water as combustion products. Its application in remote areas both in Australia and developing countries, as well as for transport, could make a contribution to a new low-hydrocarbon industrial revolution.”
When: Thursday 7 May 2015
Time: 5.30pm to 7pm
Where: ANU’s Frank Fenner Building, corner of Daley Road and Linnaeus Way.
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