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REGION: North America
TOPIC: Science & Technology
Online NewsHour
FORUM
Posted: August 23, 2007

Physicist Seeks Alternative Fuels

Forum Introduction
Steven Chu Nobel Prize-winning physicist Steven Chu is leading the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's efforts to develop cleaner forms of energy, including new types of solar cells and new biofuels. He answered viewer questions about his research and the future of alternative fuels.
QUESTIONS
Do you believe we will find technology to reverse global warming?
Will "paint-on" photovoltaics be available soon?
What about developing technology to remove existing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere?
How will biofuel production affect our water supply?
Is enough being done to ensure that biofuels help the environment more than hurt it?
What's more important in advancing alternative fuel use, individual lifestyle changes or national policy?
Do you question the ethics or motives of your laboratory's funders?
What about conservation?
Can I run my car on salad oil?
Should we be partnering with researchers in other countries to solve our energy problems?
Wendy Smith, of the WWF Southeast Rivers and Streams Program, asks:
Because of my work on aquatic biodiversity and water issues I have concerns about biofuels. What is the ratio of water use to usable biofuels? How are scientists factoring in aquatic and terrestrial habitat needs into their research on biofuels?
ANSWERS
Steven Chu responds:

Fresh water supplies will be one of the primary limitations to biofuel production. That is why the development of better plants such as hardy grasses which require far less water than corn or sugar cane is essential. Biodiversity is also important, and much easier to achieve for energy plants than for food plants. Ideally, we would like to plant a mixture of grasses.

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