CleanTX Forum: The Role of Semiconductors in Clean Technologies

The Role of Semiconductors in Clean Technologies

Semiconductors play a key role in our daily lives. They are used in everything from greeting cards to satellites, and form the basis of all modern electronics. There are over 500 billion semiconductor devices sold each year. In much the same way as energy enabled the industrial revolution, semiconductors enabled the technology revolution. In order to sustain these advancements, however, we need to develop sources of clean renewable energy and learn how to use that energy more efficiently. Semiconductors can and do play in important roll in both of these areas. Semiconductors are the basic material from which photovoltaic cells are made, and they are used to control PV systems and wind turbines (as well as all conventional power plants). Integrated circuits are also used improve the efficiency of nearly all energy consuming products, including automobiles, appliances, lights, and consumer electronics. Beyond enabling clean energy sources and improving energy efficiency, semiconductors can help promote a sustainable future by enabling new more energy efficient lifestyles such as telecommuting and on line commerce.

While semiconductors play a key roll in clean energy, these devices are also becoming significant consumers of energy themselves. Data centers consume over 1% of all electricity used in the US, and that amount is on the rise. Add to that the energy consumed by semiconductors in PCs, telecommunications systems, and consumer electronics, and it becomes clear that energy efficiency within semiconductors themselves is an important issue.

This panel session will address the roll of semiconductors in enabling clean technologies. Panelists will address questions on applications of semiconductors in clean technologies as well as the development of more energy efficient semiconductor devices. Topics will include:

How can semiconductors enable more efficient means of transportation?
How are semiconductors used in high efficiency lighting systems?
What approaches are being taken to improve the energy efficiency of processors?
What new semiconductor materials are being developed to enable new energy sources and drive improved efficiency?
What opportunities exist on the state and local levels to leverage our semiconductor expertise in clean technology?

Go to www.cleantx.org to register
$20 pre registration adn $30 at the door.

Where: Austin City Hall
City Council Auditorium
301 W. Second Street
Austin, TX 78701