Including discussions ranging from reduced gas emissions to electric batteries that last for 150 miles, the Third Annual Emerging Energy Technologies Summit will take place at UCSB next month.

The event will also range from presentations on fuel cell technology to those about synthetic gas production from algae to create gases such as butane, methanol and ethanol. Another discussion will focus on the Solid State Lighting and Energy Center, which researches light-emitting diodes – devices that improve energy efficiency in tools such as cell phone displays.

According to External Relations Program Manager Bill Grant, approximately 500 people and 50 student volunteers are expected to attend this year’s summit, which should provide an enlightening experience.

“Having students walk up to Nobel laureates and talk about compelling ideas is invaluable,” Grant said. “To have them all in the same room is a powerful combination. … UCSB is a natural meeting place.”

Grant said attendees will come from various parts of the world including China, Canada, Norway, Japan and Germany. Among those representing UCSB are scientists from the Materials Research Lab, the Center for Nanotechnology in Society Institute and the Biological Sciences Dept. Other presenters include representatives from Altair Nanotechnologies, Clean Energy Systems and Pacific Gas & Energy.

Technology Management and Mechanical Engineering Associate Dean Gary Hansen said he began the summit three years ago in order to unite researchers and companies in an effort to solve a myriad of energy issues.

“Typically when there’s a problem, for an entrepreneur there’s an opportunity,” Hansen said. “Most conferences are narrow in who they invite. This is one of the few forums that bring everyone together.”

Hansen also said UCSB is a good place to host the summit because the university has several strong energy research programs in the College of Engineering and the Donald Bren School of Environmental Science and Management.

The event, hosted by the College of Engineering’s Technology Management Program, will begin at Corwin Pavilion on Feb. 8 from 1 to 8:30 p.m. and continue on Feb. 9 from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tickets to attend the conference cost $25 for students, $200 for community guests and $130 for faculty and staff. Meals are included.

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