Inaugural Lecture by Professor S.S. Penner
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
University Of California, San Diego
4:00 P.M.
UCSD Faculty Club
Reception following on the Terrace
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"Energy Supplies for the Twenty-First Century"
This lecture deals with the following topics: (1) How much energy will be needed for 10 billion people in 2050 and later to ensure a desirable standard of living for all? (2) How extensive are our known non-renewable and renewable energy resources and reserves? (3) How long will they last while meeting the world's estimated needs? (4) What are our options if we terminate the use of fossil fuels in order to eliminate man-made contributions to the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere while securing worldwide economic well being? (5) What are our options if we terminate the use of nuclear fission and breeder reactors in order to stop the accumulation of long-lived radioactive isotopes and reduce the risks of nuclear proliferation while securing worldwide economic well being? (6) What are out options if we interdict simultaneously the use of fossil fuels and of nuclear fission reactors while securing worldwide economic stability? (7) What research and development programs (other than the construction of fusion reactors) should we emphasize while aiming for a stable world order without using fossil fuels and nuclear fission or breeder reactors?
