Speakers Symposium 2025
Repowering of coal-fired power plants: from mega polluters to green transition champions
Mariusz Cieplik
Abstract
Biomass is one of the critical resources in making our society sustainable. Traditionally used in construction and as a fuel, biomass remains a versatile feedstock for sustainable carbon and renewable energy. In the long term the non-energetic use is projected to play a dominant role, but currently much of the biomass modern applications are as a biofuel. One of such applications is co-firing in coal-designed pulverized fuel power plants to replace coal. Seemingly straightforward, this application requires (thermal/mechanical) upgrading of biomass and adaptations of the power plant infrastructure. This, due to vastly different properties of biomass and coal. In this presentation an overview of critical biomass properties in relation to coal replacement will be given. Examples of real-life application of upgrading and co-firing will be discussed as well.
The dynamic ocean: from turbulence to climate
Miriam Sterl
Abstract
The ocean is not only home to many fascinating physical processes, but also plays a crucial role in the global climate system. In this talk, I will introduce the fundamentals of ocean physics, showcase different methods to study oceanographic processes, and discuss the interaction between the ocean and climate change.
Climate change and the cultural theory of risk
Prof. Marc Davidson
Abstract
It has now been scientifically established that humans are changing the climate. However, much remains uncertain, such as the likelihood of catastrophic consequences and the pros and cons of deploying new technologies. In this 'epistemic fog,' people fundamentally differ in their expectations and their preferences on how to respond to these uncertainties. Cultural risk theory provides insight into the various positions within the societal debate.
|
