A Public Lecture Series

Energy Talks is a speaker series featuring groundbreaking research presented by experts from the University of Alberta's Future Energy Systems research initiative and Energy Systems Signature Area. Energy Talks lectures can be delivered in numerous venues across Canada, in partnership with local host organizations.
If you are interested in hosting an Energy Talks lecture, please contact fescom@ualberta.ca indicating your organization, preferred topic(s), proposed date, and audience. Please note that due to research and teaching obligations, our research group may not be able to accommodate all requests.
Upcoming Dates
January 27, 2021
New Year, New Tech
Explore a series of new energy technologies with the University of Alberta Future Energy Systems program. Researchers will present technologies in 5 minutes or less -- using understandable language -- then answer your energy questions!
Make lithium ion batteries better – a new anode technology
The world is electrifying. Global demand for electric vehicles and consumer electronics continues to grow. Better, longer-lasting, and more economical batteries are critical to the advancement of renewable energy and electric vehicles, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions worldwide.
Dr. Bing Cao holds a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Alberta. She has almost 10 years of experience in the research and development of developing new renewable energy materials and devices such as organic solar cells and lithium-ion batteries. She is the CEO and co-founder of Nanode Battery Technologies which is developing new lithium-ion battery components.
Evolution of the electric grid
From the of the Current War between Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison, to the present-day alternating current (AC) grid, and the future direct current (DC) smart grid, this talk introduces the fascinating stories and technologies behind the evolution of the grid and how we can make our grid system more efficient and stable.
Zhongyi Quan received the PhD degree in Energy Systems in 2019 from University of Alberta. After a year of postdoc research, he founded Electronic Grid Systems, a spinoff startup of UofA, and he is now trying to commercialize the microgrid technologies to make our grid systems greener.
From waste grease to your next flight trip
Can kitchen grease and waste cooking oil be something other than a nuisance in need of disposal? An exciting project at the University of Alberta is focusing on converting waste greases into high-quality jet fuel using a patented Alberta-developed technology. After processing in high temperature and pressurized vessels, kitchen grease, crop oil, and tallow could all help fuel your next flight!
Yeling Zhu is a postdoctoral researcher from the University of Alberta. Dedicated to providing solutions for agricultural and industrial operators, he has expertise in developing technologies that create values from Alberta-sourced sawdust, waste materials in the cattle rendering industry, and waste grease. He believes that the derived smart materials and low-carbon fuels help support Alberta's sustainable development.
February 24, 2021
Click here to pre-register – you will receive a notification when speakers are announced!
March 24, 2021
Click here to pre-register – you will receive a notification when speakers are announced!