ASME hosts first Energy Grand Challenge briefings

As part of its efforts to assist policymakers in addressing the nation's major energy and environmental challenges, ASME recently sponsored two Energy Grand Challenge congressional briefings, which were focused on providing international perspectives on successful energy technologies.

ASME invited experts from France and the United Kingdom to brief congressional staff on nuclear power and ocean power during the sessions. The briefings were held in conjunction with the House Congressional Research and Development Caucus, which is co-chaired by Rep. Rush Holt, D-N.J., and Rep. Judy Biggert, R-Ill.

"ASME sees the need for government, business, and universities to partner together to create solutions to the major energy challenges facing our nation," said ASME President Terry Shoup. "We must move toward a balanced mix of energy sources that make it possible for global economic development without environmental degradation."

The first briefing, on the topic of "Next Generation Nuclear Power," featured Jean-Claude Gauthier from nuclear power plant construction company AREVA, which is located in Paris. Gauthier, the senior vice president of AREVA's plants sector, has extensive experience in nuclear power, including having had a former lead role at France's Atomic Energy Commission (CEA). Gauthier discussed the history of France's involvement with nuclear power and AREVA's future work on Generation III and Generation IV nuclear plants.

The second briefing, "Harvesting Ocean Power," featured Max Carcas of Ocean Power Delivery Ltd. of Edinburgh, Scotland. In his introductory remarks, Rep. Rush Holt mentioned that there will be "no silver bullet" to deal with our energy challenges and that a host of new technologies will be needed to diversify the U.S. energy picture. Carcas previewed a number of marine-based energy options, and suggested that the resource remains largely untapped, but requires investment by government in order to come online.

Presentations from the briefings will be available in early June at www.engineeringpolicy.org/RD_Symposium.cfm.

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