Nanotechnology and Energy Dialogue:
Contributions of nanotechnology to
energy futures in Australia
Report from a deliberative workshop
held 3 June 2012, Brisbane Powerhouse, Newfarm
Prepared by Wendy Russell, DIICCSRTE
with assistance from Cathy Sage, Sage Words
1
Executive Summary
This diversiforum (a deliberative workshop involving a range of people and perspectives)
considered the ‘energy problem’ in Australia and different ways of defining it. With different
problem definitions in mind, participants considered nanotechnology developments in the
energy field, and how these ‘fit’ with different energy problem definitions. The forum was
held at the Brisbane Powerhouse, a decommissioned power station that has been converted
into an arts hub.
The workshop was attended by about eighty people, including nanotechnologists,
engineers, other scientists, environmentalists, social scientists, students, science
communicators, teachers, public servants, home-owners and consumers. It involved an
Open Space exercise to consider problem definition, a panel of experts on nanotechnology,
and a group work exercise to follow up.
Definitions of the ‘energy problem’
Some of the common features of problem definitions:
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the need for new visions
the need for measures to promote sustainable energy systems
the need for government policy, regulations and leadership
the need for engagement between government, industry and the community
Some of the key differences between problem definitions:
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improvements vs rethinking – some groups focussed on improving the current
system, particularly in relation to efficiency, to provide existing or projected energy
needs, whereas others saw a role for rethinking our use of energy
central vs distributed – some groups felt that energy solutions need to be distributed
and tailored to local conditions, while others focussed on improving the current
centralised system
top-down vs bottom-up – some groups clearly felt it is the government’s
responsibility to provide the lead in solving the energy problem, whereas others felt
that solutions need to come from the community; some felt that both approaches
are necessary
education vs empowerment – some saw education of members of the community as
critical, while others felt that citizens need to be empowered to contribute to
solutions
technical systems vs social architecture – some groups focussed on infrastructure
and technology, while others emphasised the important role of social systems and
values; others suggested the need to integrate these different aspects
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Nanotechnology in the energy sector
A number of contributions of nanotechnologies to energy systems were described, but
probably the most immediate and important was the contribution of nanotechnology to
energy storage. Nanomaterials can provide new properties to improve the cost, efficiency
and size of energy storage devices including batteries.
Considerations for decisions about the development of nanotechnology for energy:
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Consider the big picture
Integrate consideration of technical, economic, social and environmental dimensions
Communication is needed
The community needs information about nanotechnology, its pros and cons, and
about ‘real-world’ R&D developments
Nanotechnology is not a panacea
Research and communicate about risks as well as benefits; consider alternatives;
consider the cost of development against the benefits;
Technology has social effects
Consider how nanotechnology tools will affect behaviour, systems and motivations;
What is the vision that these new developments are part of? Whose vision is it?
The context is global
Nanotechnology is developed and adopted in a global market-driven context, which
affects how research translates into solutions, and how new areas deliver on their
promise
Energy use must be sustainable
How new technologies contribute to transitions to more sustainable systems and
lives is key; policy and incentives are also key
Safety is paramount
Regardless of the contributions new technologies may make, ensuring safety is of
primary importance
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Table of Contents
Executive Summary ........................................................................................................... 2
Nanotechnology & Energy Dialogue ............................................................................. 5
Event description and organisation .......................................................................... 5
Objectives....................................................................................................................... 5
STEP (Science & Technology Engagement Pathways) ..................................... 6
Working Group ............................................................................................................. 6
Background ............................................................................................................................ 7
Engagement method and process ................................................................................ 7
Before engagement ........................................................................................................ 7
Summary ............................................................................................................................ 8
Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 9
Problem Definition Session .......................................................................................... 9
Nanotechnology Panel ................................................................................................. 10
Nanotechnology and the energy sector session................................................ 10
Engagement Results ........................................................................................................ 11
Energy Issues exercise ............................................................................................... 11
Problem definition session ......................................................................................... 11
Problem solutions .......................................................................................................... 12
Nanotechnology panel presentations .................................................................... 15
Q and A ......................................................................................................................... 16
Nanotechnology and the energy sector session................................................ 17
Voting exercise ............................................................................................................... 20
Summary, Insights & Recommendations ................................................................ 22
Survey responses and feedback .................................................................................. 24
Reflections ........................................................................................................................ 28
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Nanotechnology & Energy Dialogue
Sunday, 3 June 2012, 10 am – 4 pm
Brisbane Powerhouse, Newfarm
Event description and organisation
This diversiforum (a deliberative workshop involving a range of people and perspectives)
considered the ‘energy problem’ in Australia and different ways in which it is defined. It
then went on to look at nanotechnology developments in the energy field, and how these
‘fit’ with different energy problem definitions.
Objectives
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To explore an application area for nanotechnology, particularly in relation to
problem definition, considering a range of perspectives and involving a range of
stakeholders, including members of the general public
To raise awareness amongst all participants by broadening a topic beyond the usual
focus on technology as problem solver and to consider technology in social context
The workshop was an awareness-raising project conducted under the STEP (Science &
Technology Engagement Pathways) framework by the National Enabling Technologies
Strategy – Public Awareness and Community Engagement (NETS-PACE) program. It was
organised in collaboration with the Engineers Australia National Committee on
Nanoengineering, and with assistance from the University of Queensland Energy Initiative.
The event was held in the Brisbane Powerhouse, a decommissioned power station that has
been converted into an arts hub – a venue for theatre, music, comedy, film, visual arts,
festivals and ideas. The quality and atmosphere of the venue, with large airy rooms and
balconies overlooking the Brisbane river, and the symbolism of discussing energy in a power
station contributed significantly to the success of the event.
The workshop was attended by about eighty people, including nanotechnologists,
engineers, other scientists, environmentalists, social scientists, students, science
communicators, teachers, public servants, home-owners and consumers (see Appendix B). It
involved an Open Space exercise to consider problem definition, a panel of experts on
nanotechnology, and a group work exercise to follow up.
Independent facilitation of the discussion was provided by Amanda Newbery and Katrina
Cutler, BBS Communications. Wendy Russell, NETS-PACE, assisted with facilitation. Notes
were taken during the workshop by Cathy Sage, Sage Words, Melbourne, and photographs
and video by John Harrison, UQ.
5
STEP (Science & Technology Engagement Pathways)
STEP is a best practice framework for community and stakeholder engagement being
implemented by NETS-PACE. The framework was developed through a co-design process
with stakeholders and citizens (for which DIISRTE was awarded the 2011 Australasia Project
of the Year Core Values Award from the International Association for Public Participation
(IAP2)). STEP provides principles and a platform for the conduct of engagement projects
focussing on providing input to policy. The framework is designed to be usable by a range of
organisations and is available at: http://www.innovation.gov.au/step.
This project involved a working group with a mix of interests and expertise who assisted
with the design of the engagement, established the scope and objectives, provided
oversight and evaluation, and participated in the workshop.
Working Group
Wendy Russell (NETS-PACE, Project Manager)
Darren Martin (nanotechnologist, member of the National Committee on NanoEngineering) unable to attend
Chris Greig (UQ energy initiative)
Justine Lacey (CSIRO Science in Society group)
Ian Lowe (Australian Conservation Foundation) unable to attend
David Rooney (UQ Business School)
Amanda Newbery (Independent facilitator, BBS Communications)
With assistance from: Scott Martyn (chair, NCNE), Hayley Brindell (NETS-PACE, logistics) and
Katrina Cutler (BBS Communications)
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Background
NETS-PACE had been in discussion with the National Committee for Nano-Engineering
(NCNE), a sub-committee of Engineers Australia, about support for a seminar series about
nanotechnology. Under the STEP program, we agreed to organise a dialogue which focused
on multi-way communication about nanotechnology between engineers, scientists and the
public, in collaboration with the sub-committee. This dialogue was to focus on an
application area for nanotechnology and raise awareness amongst engineers and the wider
community, as well as raising awareness amongst nano-scientists and nano-engineers about
societal perspectives and issues.
Enabling technologies are frequently claimed to provide solutions to many of the ‘grand
challenges’ that exist in society. However, these claims generally take the technologies,
rather than the grand challenges themselves, as a starting point. The grand challenges, such
as climate change, sustainable resource use, poverty and ageing populations, are complex
and technological developments contribute to them in multiple ways, in causing them as
well as solving them. A number of commentators, including Einstein, have suggested that
solving problems of this kind requires ways of thinking that are more sophisticated than the
thinking that gave rise to the problem, and others have suggested that understanding and
solving these ‘wicked’ problems requires the involvement of a wide range of stakeholders
and the wider community.
This dialogue was intended to bring together a mixed group with a range of perspectives to
consider the ‘problem’ of energy for Australia’s future. Without going into detailed or
comprehensive understandings of the problem, the dialogue was intended to demonstrate
that a range of problem definitions is possible, and that different definitions have different
implications for potential solutions, including technological ones. Such a view can shed light
on different dimensions of problems and their solutions, for example technologies, systems
and structures, values, culture and behaviour. These dimensions intersect in complex ways.
Engagement method and process
Before engagement
Following development of a proposal for the project with the working group, an invitation
list was drawn up with invitees selected from a range of organisations across a number of
stakeholder groups:
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Nanotechnology researchers, researchers in related fields (e.g. biofuels)
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Engineers and engineering students
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Industry, including nano applications and energy technologies generally
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NGOs, particularly environmentalists with interests in energy
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Social scientists, economists, science communicators and commentators
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Policy makers, state and federal
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General community
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Some participants were invited individually as key informants, others were invited via
networks and listserves, including through Engineers Australia, and some responded to
advertisements in local newspapers and magazines (the Brisbane Courier Mail and MX
magazine) and through Eventbrite. A few people walked in ‘off the street’ on the day,
attracted by signs about the dialogue. A number of participants (18) were recruited by an
independent market research company on the basis of low interest in science and
technology and a spread in terms of gender and age. Recruitment of participants in this way
is a common feature of STEP engagements, recognising that these ‘unengaged’ citizens
represent a majority of the community whose views are rarely heard at such forums. These
participants received an incentive to participate in the forum.
Participants were given an information sheet and consent form when they arrived at the
workshop and asked to complete pre-event and post-event surveys to assist with evaluation
of the event (see Appendix A). The information sheet had information about the dialogue
but not about nanotechnology. An overview of nanotechnology was provided by the expert
panel.
Summary
The workshop involved several different sessions, listed below.
Session 1: Introduction. What issue about energy is most important to you? - This session
asked for individual participant responses not group responses.
Session 2: What is the challenge or problem of securing Australia’s energy future? How do
we define the problem facing us? – This session began with individuals providing problem
definitions, followed by volunteers putting their definitions forward to the group.
Session 3: Define the energy problem and give possible actions, solutions, focus areas – This
session required participants to form discussion groups around their topics of choice using
an Open Space method.
Session 4: Panel presentations from nanotechnology researchers on where nanotech fits in
the energy sector – This session provided information to participants about nanotechnology
and about its contributions to energy technologies.
Session 5: Group discussion of nanotechnology in the energy sector – This session required
groups to explore where nanotechnology fits in relation to the problem definitions and to
provide considerations for nanotechnology developers.
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Introduction
The workshop began with an introduction from Wendy Russell about the dialogue and how
it was designed to consider nanotechnology in the context of the ‘energy problem’ for
Australia. It was pointed out that while the energy problem is clearly a global problem that
we would focus on the Australian context for the dialogue. Amanda Newbery also gave an
introduction to the dialogue process and what participants could expect.
This was followed by an ice-breaker in which participants moved about the room on the
basis of a number of questions, including: Where were you born? Do you have children
(toddlers, teens, grown-ups or none)? Do you track your home energy consumption? This
allowed people to meet one another and to ‘find their voices’, but also to invite sharing and
demonstrate commonality within the group.
This was followed by an exercise in which participants all individually wrote down an ‘energy
issue’ on a piece of card, with a rating out of 7 indicating its importance to them.
Participants then swapped cards, rating the issues once again, and this was repeated until
issues had been rated five times. Participants were then asked to line up according to the
overall ranking of the issue they were holding (which was not their own). The exercise got
people thinking and into a problem solving frame and demonstrated to them that all
contributions would be valued, not just expert ones. It also gave an indication of the issues
of importance to the group.
Problem Definition Session
This session considered the question:
“What is the challenge or problem of securing Australia’s energy future.
How do we define the problem facing us?”
The session was run using an Open Space method. Participants were asked to consider the
question above, discuss it in their table groups, and for individuals to write down a sentence
describing the energy problem, based on the following suggestions:
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The problem is …
Our biggest challenge is …
We need to focus on …
Or, your own sentence
Volunteers were then asked to come forward with their problem definitions and stick them
on the walls around the room. The other participants were asked to consider them and to
select a definition statement that they’d like to discuss. Participants then formed small
groups based on their choices and worked for 40 minutes to refine the definitions and to
‘identify some key things we need to do to solve the problem (possible actions, solutions,
focus areas)’. The groups were then asked to nominate someone to report back to the
whole group. Participants were asked to identify common features and key differences
between the problem definitions.
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Nanotechnology Panel
After lunch, a panel of nanotechnology researchers and industry representatives was held to
discuss developments in nanotechnology for energy applications. Chris Grieg, from the UQ
Energy Initiative, moderated this session.
Speakers:
Lianzhou Wang, School of Chemical Engineering, UQ (also presented slides prepared
by Max Lu, Deputy Vice Chancellor of UQ, who was only able to attend the
introductory session of the forum)
George Zhao, School of Chemical Engineering, UQ
John Bell, Faculty of Built Environment and Engineering, QUT
Shelley Brown-Malker, Very Small Particle Company
They each spoke for 5 to 15 minutes, aided by Powerpoint presentations. There was then a
question and answer session for about 20 minutes.
Nanotechnology and the Energy Sector session
In this final session, the original groups were asked to work together to generate a list of
considerations for nano-developers based on their previous work on the energy problem
and what needs to be done. They were asked to use an ‘In the perfect world’ approach to
resolving the energy challenge. Their discussion was structured around the following
instructions:
1.
2.
3.
Discuss which of the key things to be done could involve nanotechnology.
Consider how nanotechnology applications might inadvertently affect the other
key things to be done (e.g. might they detract from some of them?)
Develop a list of what nano-developers need to consider about the energy
problem. This could include opportunities, gaps, unintended consequences and
impacts for/of nanotechnology in addressing the energy challenge.
Each group was asked to fill in a table with three columns to indicate their responses to the
three instructions above. Each group was then asked to nominate a spokesperson to report
back to the whole group. This was followed by a ‘dot-mocracy’ exercise in which participants
were given 3 sticky dots to place next to the considerations they felt were most important.
The final session of the forum was a brief presentation by the organisers about next steps
and how the input from the day would be used, following by post-event evaluation forms
being filled out by participants.
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Engagement Results
Energy Issues exercise
The issues raised (see Appendix C) followed several main themes (roughly in order of the
number of mentions):
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Sustainability– current energy systems are not sustainable; they use depleting
resources and cause environmental impacts including climate change
Green energy – renewable energy sources are important
Policy – long-term policies for sustainable energy systems
Future – how to transition to a renewable energy system
Efficiency – efficient use of energy
Cost – the price and availability of energy
Technology – contribution of new technologies
Use and behaviour – energy use in the home
Interestingly, the ranking of issues according to the ratings given to them in this exercise did
not show a pattern in terms of the importance of these issues, i.e. each issue was expressed
multiple times and given a range of ratings. It appeared that the ratings discriminated more
in terms of how the issue was expressed than the issue itself.
Problem definition session
Of 42 problem definitions provided (see Appendix C, p 8), about 5 focussed on supplying
energy needs into the future, and the technical challenge of doing this, in terms of both
generation and distribution. These definitions considered cost-effectiveness and efficient
use of resources and some considered minimising impacts, but tended to see energy needs
as a given. They tended to frame the problem in economic terms, “as the world works this
way”. Interestingly, only one of these definitions mentioned the need for more research.
Policy was a focus of a number of problem definitions (about 8), with criticism of
government policies, processes and planning, including in relation to infrastructure and
economic instruments such as the carbon tax. A number of definitions mentioned political
mistrust, lack of political will, and lack of leadership as being part of the problem and called
for bipartisan solutions. One definition mentioned the negative influence of “doubters” and
lobby groups. One definition specifically pointed to the need for long-term policies and
incentives for renewable energy solutions to replace current support for fossil fuels. Private
sector decisions were also mentioned.
The need for sustainable energy systems based on renewables was a focus of a significant
number of problem definitions (about 13). They saw fossil fuel use as a dominant system
and paradigm, creating obstacles for change. They generally recognised the importance of
economic competitiveness in the development of renewables. These problem definitions
focussed on environmental impacts, including pollution and climate change, sustainable
resource use, environmental quality and biodiversity. One definition saw the problem
relating to people “not experiencing the consequences of their actions”, but leading “safe
and comfortable lives” while other species, people in developing countries and future
generations suffer the consequences.
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A number of definitions mentioned climate change as part of the problem, but others saw a
need to separate the debates about climate change and energy, and to focus on energy
sustainability and security. One definition saw the problem as relating to lack of political
support for resource industries, which they regarded as “one of the few industries Australia
has left”.
Some definitions saw the problem in quite a specific way and proposed specific solutions.
For example, one definition proposed a hydroelectric scheme in the north of Australia,
coupled with gas pipelines from neighbouring countries. Other definitions saw centralised
generation as the problem, and a “hybrid distributed model” or “decentralisation” as the
solution. Some definitions put forward a mix of energy technologies, eg “solar, nuclear and
wave power” or “hydro and gas turbine for peak loading”.
A number of definitions (about 8) saw education as an important part of the energy
challenge, with “lack of understanding and political will” a big part of the problem. They
mentioned the importance of increasing understanding and awareness, and promoting
energy solutions in the community. For a number of definitions, education was not only
important in relation to energy use and consumption, but a “better informed public” was
also important to influence government and industry policy. In line with this, another
definition saw community support as important in “developing greater consensus around
policy”.
Still other problem definitions (about 6) focussed on changing paradigms and mind-sets and
social and political solutions, rather than technical ones. There was reference to the need
for “credible ideas”, “appropriate technology” including low-tech, small scale solutions and
more “drive” and “motivation”, including within government and the energy industry to
transition to sustainable systems. One definition saw a problem in the “framing” for the
problem as “securing Australia’s energy future”, when the problem is not a security one, but
“a sociological challenge” of “rethinking what energy means in everyday life” and producing
an “engaging vision of more sustainable patterns of life”.
Problem solutions
Groups were asked to refine their problem definitions and to ‘identify some key things we
need to do to solve the problem (possible actions, solutions, focus areas)’. Each group filled
in a table (Appendix C, p 11) and their responses are summarised below.
1. Vision of prosperity
This problem definition related to a lack of long term vision, messages about energy based
on fear, and the need for strong leadership. The solution was based on a new definition of
prosperity and a new vision for the country. It was suggested that this should involve
industry, government and the community agreeing on actions towards future energy
systems. The vision should be aimed at driving social change, and should involve
understandings of what is needed at individual and group levels and incentives at micro
levels to stimulate changes.
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2. Engage for a new system
This problem definition focussed on the need to transform energy systems from a
centralised system to a new localised model through research, knowledge and innovation.
The solution was also about creating a single vision and re-education, focussed on what is
needed to run the home, the states and the country, defined by leaders, researchers, policy
makers and communities working together. This solution was seen to require a top-down
technology and commercial phase and a bottom-up visioning phase.
3. Global cooperation and policy
This problem definition related to a lack of political motivation, regulations and standards,
and international cooperation. The solution was to establish energy policies with global
reach and consistency, including a ‘reserve bank’ for electricity and carbon pricing based on
a binding emissions target, reinvestment of proceeds in sustainable energy technologies, a
global fund for action on lowering emissions, and enhanced international science
collaboration. The emphasis on promoting national initiatives on a global scale included a
carbon pricing system based on the energy intensity of products, to avoid impacts on local
products and industries.
4. Educate for sustainable energy
This contribution saw the challenge as promoting clean and sustainable energy and
increasing public awareness. The solution was to improve education and environmental
knowledge starting in schools, to improve energy production and consumption. As well as
an emphasis on public awareness and market research, this solution focussed on research
and regulation (eg to cap the number of vehicles on the road, reduce energy wastage).
5. Appropriate, decentralised energy
This definition saw the challenge as that of empowering communities to establish
appropriate energy technologies, focussed on long-term production and efficient energy
storage. The solution would revolve around a decentralised energy model to better match
the mix of energy resources to different populations and areas (fit for purpose) and with an
emphasis on lifecycle assessment and long-term production. This would require
consultation and communication between communities, government and industry and as
well as providing efficient and cost effective solutions, would empower communities and
individuals.
6. Integrated energy solution
This solution was based on a specific proposal of one of the participants for an integrated
system involving hydroelectric power, desalination plants, pipelines through Australia and
Papua New Guinea and food export to Asia. The plan would integrate energy, food and
water supplies and draw on regional strengths and resources. It would require dialogue,
particularly with China and India, and would require a high level of political support and
technical planning. The plan could provide cheaper energy solutions, but it was recognised
that it would require considerable infrastructure and would be politically difficult to
implement.
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7. Integration and synergy
This definition saw the challenge as providing and distributing energy in sustainable ways to
meet a growing population’s needs. They saw the solution as an approach to sustainability
that integrates and achieves synergy between technology, environment, resources, cost,
distribution and social structures (see Figure 1 below).
Technology
Social
Environment
Distribution
Resources
Cost
Figure 1 – Integration and synergy
8. Distributed model
This group focussed on the challenge of transforming the energy system away from a
centralised paradigm towards a more distributed model. This model would be informed in a
bottom-up way by social need and vision developed by communities, and would need
appropriate “social architecture” and leadership, including policy and regulation and public
acceptance of new ways of “getting and using” energy. This solution involved an expectation
and acceptance of “pain” associated with the transformation.
9. Sustainable energy
This group considered the challenge of providing clean, sustainable energy as relating to a
lack of awareness and education, but also to inefficiency of current approaches. They felt
that the solution lay in improvements to efficiency and cost effectiveness, including for
example, providing low cost public transport. Emphasis should also be placed on life cycle
assessment, efficient storage of energy, and a focus on long-term production. Awareness
and education of the general population were considered important parts of the solution,
including educating about the science of electricity generation.
10. Knowledge and encouraging change
In this case, the problem was seen to lie in a lack of planning, political distrust, vested
interests creating obstacles and the short-term focus of governments. The solution was seen
to lie in knowledge at individual, local and national levels, including knowledge about energy
efficiency in the home, understanding of green energy alternatives and cost comparisons,
and about alternative energy sources such as biofuels, renewables, shale and coal seam gas,
and nuclear. Safety was considered paramount, as was encouraging change rather than
dictating at a national level, and promoting grass roots solutions.
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11. Energy efficiency transition
This group also saw the problem (and solution) as political and economic, including loss of
control of Australian resources, including to China. They saw the solution as strong
government policy, based on a clear vision, to transition to a more sustainable system.
Natural gas was seen as an important part of the transition, with the ultimate aim being
renewable energy. Measures needed would include investment in R&D, in renewable
energy, and in infrastructure eg in the transport industry, and education eg about waste.
12. Shift to renewables
For this group, the problem is that government policy doesn’t currently support renewable
energy and there is an urgent need for change. The solution requires cutting subsidies for
fossil fuels, increasing renewable grants and subsidies, including for energy efficiency for
consumer products and services, and increasing awareness about renewable energy and
energy policy. This would require pressure on politicians to create bipartisan targets.
Nanotechnology panel presentations
Chris Greig, UQ Energy Initiative
Chris introduced the panel presentations by describing the current context in which
Australia is exporting coal to India and China, with both having huge and increasing energy
needs. He pointed out that in order to respond to the energy crisis, we need to reduce
emissions, and that new energy needs to be reliable, sustainable and affordable energy.
Also, each energy system (solar, wind, etc) has issues, for example, with storage; and they
are all expensive. The best approach seems to be to have a mix of options, and new
technology is definitely required, to overcome problems and to increase efficiency and costeffectiveness. In this context, nanotechnology could provide solutions.
Prof Lianzhou Wang, UQ
Nanotechnology – opportunities for sustainable energy
Lianzhou presented an introduction to nanotechnology on behalf of Prof Max Lu, Pro-Vice
Chancellor of UQ. He defined nanotechnology in terms of a nanometre, which is a billionth
of a metre. By comparison, a human hair is about 80 000nm wide. A strand of hair is in the
‘micro-world’; a strand of DNA is in the ‘nano-world’.
Nanotech is applicable in a wide range of areas, physical, chemical and biological.
Applications range from drug delivery to information technology to energy production and
storage, including clean energy applications. Specific applications include electronic devices,
photonic devices, sensors and biochips. In relation to energy, nanotechnology can
contribute to hydrogen production and storage, supercapacity batteries and low cost solar
cells. It can also contribute to water desalination, reuse and recycling through the use of
nano-membranes. Examples in consumer products are self-cleaning paints, super strong
adhesives and water storages materials, with these developments often mimicking
biological systems. Nanotechnology has applications in relation to electricity because some
nanomaterials are good conductors. Materials can be made stronger with nanomaterials,
and sunscreen with nanoparticles can block out UV while remaining clear. Some
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technologies can be vastly improved, and some processes can be done that couldn’t be
done before.
Dr John Bell, QUT
Nanostructure solar energy materials in action
John defined the problem as not enough energy for our future needs (we currently have
available about 20% of projected need in 2020). Nanotechnology can contribute through
improved battery storage, better and cheaper communications, cheaper solar cells and
reduced costs of heating, cooling and lighting. Innovations in solar cells include dye-solar
cells, which use dye and a nanostructured material called Titania to scatter light within the
structure, improving the harvesting (grabbing) of light to improve efficiency of the solar cell.
Dr Shelley Brown-Malker, Very Small Particle Company
Taking nanotechnology for energy storage devices from the lab-bench to production scale
The Very Small Particle Company is developing nano-scale metal oxides for use in lithiumion batteries. The nano-ions allow the batteries to hold charge for longer. In future,
batteries will be important in electric cars, and other energy uses in the home, so longlasting batteries will be important. The challenges in manufacturing these materials are to
make them small enough without using too much energy in the process and to provide for a
‘closed loop’ process that meets regulatory and health requirements. VSPC are currently
piloting a solution-based manufacture process using surfactants. As well as batteries, they
are working on supercapacitors (for cars).
Dr George Zhao, UQ
R&D of nanomaterials as electrodes for Li-ion batteries and supercapacitors
Lithium batteries and supercapacitors are used in planes, cars and trucks. Their physical and
chemical properties differ. UQ researchers are designing nanomaterials for next generation
batteries and supercapacitors. The current challenges are to develop high energy-density,
high power-rate energy storage technology for power management, electric vehicles,
renewable energy and electronics.
Dr Lianzhou Wang, UQ
Nanotechnology’s role in solar energy utilisation
Nanotechnology can play a role in converting and storing solar energy and in using energy.
Examples include hydrogen storage with application to fuel cells, nano-catalysts to increase
the efficiency of solar energy conversion, artificial photosynthesis and possible application in
carbon dioxide capture and storage.
Q and A
In the question session that followed, there were some questions about nanotechnology,
such as whether it’s possible to shrink any technology to nano; and how you make
nanoparticles and what are their properties. Speakers explained that nanotechnology
describes a range of technologies and application areas, that it is not possible to shrink
anything to nano, that nanoparticles are made by breaking things down to a nano level, or
16
building things at a nano scale, and that their properties vary depending on the substance
and its nanostructure.
There was also a question about the drawbacks of nanotechnology, including the toxicity of
nanoparticles, whether life cycle analysis was being applied and what the energy-intensity
of nanomaterials is. Shelley responded that VSPC is paying attention to these things, but
experts agreed that there was uncertainty.
Nanotechnology and the energy sector session
The aim of this session was to generate a list of considerations for nano-developers, based
on the following questions:



Which of the key things to be done could involve nanotechnology?
How might nanotechnology applications inadvertently affect the other key things to
be done (e.g. might they detract from some of them?) ?
What do nanodevelopers need to consider about the energy problem (opportunities,
gaps, unintended consequences and impacts for / of nanotechnology in addressing
the energy challenge)?
Participants worked in the same groups as for the problem definition session. Each group
filled in a table (Appendix C, p 15). Their responses are summarised below.
1. Vision of prosperity
This group were not sure that nanotechnology could help with any of the key actions
associated with ‘the big energy needs of Australia’. They felt that it was important to talk
about the pros and cons of nanotechnology, and that new technologies are selected by
markets and don’t necessarily come directly from research. They felt that nanotechnology
development could increase cynicism and distrust. The things they felt that nano-developers
need to consider were:









Look at the big picture
Nanotechnology is not a panacea
Communication is needed
Transparency is needed on pros and cons
There needs to be awareness that research is market-driven
Does it allow us to live sustainably?
How does it compare with other technologies?
Market forces and context will affect how it delivers on its promises
What is the vision that this is part of?
2. Engage for a new system
This group felt that nanotechnology could bridge the gap between knowledge and
innovation and provide mechanisms for change to low emissions alternatives. They did not
identify any inadvertent effects. For nano-developers, the considerations suggested:


Public perception is often shaped by media “manipulation”
Nanotechnology could provide new business opportunities
17
3. Global cooperation and policy
The third table felt that the proceeds of carbon (taxes/prices) must be invested in
sustainable energy technologies, for example, nanotechnology. They didn’t identify any
inadvertent effects. The considerations for nano-developers they put forward were:
 Who owns the research? (here, it is universities)
 Better structures are needed to facilitate uni research
 Scope for international standards of regulation for sustainable technologies
4. Educate for sustainable energy
For this group, discussing nanotechnology was seen as a way of increasing awareness of
alternative energy sources. They suggested that nano-researchers can help on the storage
of energy resources, but raised the question of how to store wind power and solar energy
for use. They felt that nanotechnology could contribute to solutions for storing alternative,
clean energy, which is not constantly available, for use when needed. They also didn’t
identify any inadvertent effects. The consideration for nano-developers was:
 How can nanotechnology help conversion of smaller energies into larger form (like in
solar panels etc)?
5. Appropriate, decentralised energy
Didn’t provide a response as all participants went to other groups after lunch.
6. Integrated energy solution
This group considered how nanotechnology could specifically contribute to their integrated
plan and agreed that it could contribute to the systems that power the pumping of water, it
could possibly improve the efficiency of the pipeline and power generation for the pipeline,
the train system, and the ships/barges/export vessels used to export food to Asia. They also
felt that nanotechnology could improve power storage capacity. In terms of inadvertent
effects, they were interested in the opportunity costs associated with producing
nanotechnology, and the cost and sustainability of nanotech in relation to the relative
export profits to Australia. Considerations for nano-developers that were put forward by
this group were:
 Co-operation interstate and internationally to sync the progress of nanotechnology
for the integrated energy project
 Is nanotechnology sustainable?
 Can we maintain our leadership in R&D (hold onto IP ownership) which benefits the
implementation of nanotechnology?
 Offsetting early adoption of nanotechnology with the completion of the pipeline
7. Integration and synergy
This group, when considering the role of nanotechnology, asked how we maintain energy
and distribute it. They also questioned the line between needs and wants (what is a real
need?). They felt that an integrated approach is key to tackling our energy needs using low
emission technologies, represented in Figure 1 below. In relation to inadvertent effects of
nanotechnology, they felt that it leads to the question of what is sustainability? It is
economic, social and environmental. The six pointed star shows how each is tied up with the
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others – technology, social, resources, distribution, cost and environment. The diagram was
also put forward for nano-developers to consider.
Technology
Social
Environment
Distribution
Resources
Cost
Figure 1 – Integration and synergy
8. Distributed model
This group felt that nanotechnology may contribute to demotivation and a sense that “it’s
not our problem, it’s someone else’s”. We all need to own the problem. There is a need to
understand the limitations of nanotechnology, as well as the unintended consequences and
unknowns eg exploding lithium batteries in airports. At the same time, they felt that the fear
people have about new technologies needs to be understood, as it can really “hold things
up”. In terms of distributed systems, nanotechnology could be involved in storage (with
improvements in life cycle analysis), photovoltaic cells and transportation. It may also
contribute to water purification. In terms of inadvertent effects, the effect in demotivating
action was mentioned (as people wait for the perfect technology) as was over-reliance on
technology and unintended consequences. They also felt that new technologies for
supplying energy might leave energy usage unexamined, including by consumers.
This group suggested that nano-developers should consider:

Motivation and what influences public responses (fear)
9. Sustainable energy
For this group, nanotechnology could contribute to all energy sources, particularly in
increasing efficiency in storage devices. However, they questioned whether the benefits
would outweigh the cost of research and production. In terms of inadvertent effects, they
asked “will we become complacent with monitoring our energy use if we think
nanotechnology has solved the problem?”
For nano-developers, they suggested:


Are other uses of nanotechnology more urgent than for energy sources?
Will nanotechnology developments breed complacency?
10. Knowledge and action
This group pointed to contributions nanotechnology could make in energy storage, and
making it more cost-effective. They also felt that nanotechnology could contribute to solar,
hydro, nuclear, bio-fuels and possibly to other areas. Inadvertent effects mentioned
19
included vested interests in privatisation. The group suggested looking at the history of
other ‘alternative’ technologies eg steam, Tesla. For nano-developers, they suggested:




Safety is paramount
Knowledge – get it out there
Encourage rather than dictate
“the world is your oyster”
11. Energy efficiency transition
This group also mentioned contributions of nanotechnology to energy storage, feeling that
this needs more work. They felt that the discussion, including the panel, raised more
questions than answers, particularly about whether benefits outweigh costs of developing
new technologies. For nano-developers, considerations put forward were:



need to communicate real-world R&D work in nano and energy spaces
need to address lack of awareness in general population via these types of events
consider historic research on other energy systems (Tesla, steam)
12. Shift to renewables
For this group, the main contribution of nanotechnology was in providing concentrated
storage of solar energy (wind can supply baseload energy). They also felt that it offers good
transitioning options for cars (increased battery capacity in electric vehicles). There was also
potential to reduce the price of renewables. In terms of inadvertent effects, waiting for
nano solutions could delay action to develop renewables that was needed now. Nanodevelopers should consider:


unknown risks with new nano properties
regulations
“Outlier”
There was another contribution in this session from an “outlier” group. They mentioned the
concept of fear that had come up in the discussion, and asked whether the current ‘safety
structure’ (including safety, regulation, research ethics) is good enough for this new (nano)
energy environment. They felt that safety and confidence were important issues for nanodevelopers.
Voting exercise
The tables prepared by groups were stuck on a wall, and a dot-mocracy exercise was
conducted, in which participants voted for statements they agreed most with by sticking
dots on them (3 dots each, place together or separately). Different coloured sticky dots
were provided to (nanotechnology) researchers and members of the public, so that their
choices could be distinguished.
The most popular choice for both groups was the diagram showing the integration of
technology, distribution, resources, environment, social and cost (11% of public votes, 13%
of researcher votes). The second most popular choice for public participants (7% of votes)
was the ‘need to communicate about real-world R&D in the nano and energy space’. A
significant number of public participants (5%) voted for ‘not sure nanotechnology can
20
contribute to any key actions’. For researchers, popular statements (8% of votes) included
‘nano provides mechanisms for change’, and ‘waiting for nano solutions could delay
renewable action now’.
The statements have been themed and the popularity of themes analysed below. Note that
there is some overlap between themes.
The most popular theme (27% public votes, 25% researcher votes) was “Big picture, tradeoffs”. This theme considered the importance of making decisions about nanotechnology and
energy in an integrated way, with consideration of the broader context and of the trade-offs
involved. This included the integration diagram, reference to looking at the big picture and
asking ‘what is the vision that this is part of’, and concern about over-reliance on technology
and whether benefits outweigh costs.
The second most popular theme (14% of public votes, 22% of researcher votes) was “Effects
on behaviour change and action”. This theme related to how a focus on nanotechnology
development might reduce the motivation to act and change behaviour, both of citizens and
governments. This included concerns that waiting for nano solutions could delay action on
renewables, it could demotivate action ‘as we wait for the perfect technology’, and could
make us ‘complacent about monitoring our energy use’.
Themes that were more popular with public participants than researchers were “Risk and
regulation” (11% public vs 6% researchers), “Communication” (11% vs 7%) and “Renewables
and sustainability” (9% vs 4%). The foremost concern in relation to risk and regulation was
unknown risks with new nano properties. Communication included communication about
R&D work (most popular), about ‘transparency about pros and cons’ of nanotechnology and
about countering ‘media manipulation’. Issues for renewables included a call to ‘reinvest the
proceeds of carbon pricing in sustainable energy technologies’, reference to specific areas
(solar, hydro, clean energy storage) and a question about whether nano developments
‘allow us to live sustainably’.
Themes that were more popular with researchers than public included “Energy storage”
(17% researchers vs 7% public) and “Nano as enabling” (14% vs 3%). Energy storage
included ‘storing alternative clean energy’, ‘converting small-scale energy eg solar’,
increasing efficiency and cost-effectiveness of energy storage. Nano as enabling was
reflected in statements about nano ‘providing mechanisms for change’, ‘bridging the gap
between knowledge and innovation’, and ‘providing new business opportunities’.
21
Summary, Insights & Recommendations
Definitions of the ‘energy problem’
Some of the common features of problem definitions:




the need for new visions
the need for measures to promote sustainable energy systems
the need for government policy, regulation and leadership
the need for engagement between government, industry and the community
Some of the key differences between problem definitions:





improvements vs rethinking – some groups focussed on improving the current
system, particularly in relation to efficiency, to provide for existing or projected
energy needs, whereas others saw a role for rethinking our use of energy
central vs distributed – some groups felt that energy solutions need to be distributed
and tailored to local conditions, while others focussed on improving the current
centralised system
top-down vs bottom-up – some groups clearly felt it is the government’s
responsibility to provide the lead in solving the energy problem, whereas others felt
that solutions need to come from the community; some felt that both approaches
are necessary
education vs empowerment – some saw education of members of the community as
critical, while others felt that citizens need to be empowered to contribute to
solutions
technical systems vs social architecture – some groups focussed on infrastructure
and technology, while others emphasised the important role of social systems,
values and action; others suggested the need to integrate these different aspects
Nanotechnology in the energy sector
A number of contributions of nanotechnologies to energy systems were described, but
probably the most immediate and important was the contribution of nanotechnology to
energy storage. Nanomaterials can provide new properties to improve the cost, efficiency
and size of energy storage devices including batteries. Nanotechnology may also provide
new opportunities for energy capture and conversion e.g. new solar technologies.
22
Considerations for decisions about the development of nanotechnology for energy







Consider the big picture
Integrate consideration of technical, economic, social and environmental dimensions
Communication is needed
The community needs information about nanotechnology, its pros and cons, and
about ‘real-world’ R&D developments
Nanotechnology is not a panacea
Research and communicate about risks as well as benefits; consider alternatives;
consider the cost of development against the benefits;
Technology has social effects
Consider how nanotechnologies will affect behaviour, social systems and
motivations; What is the vision that these new developments are part of? Whose
vision is it?
The context is global
Nanotechnology is developed and adopted in a global market-driven context, which
affects how research translates into solutions, and how new areas deliver on their
promise
Energy use must be sustainable
How new technologies contribute to transitions to more sustainable systems and
lives is key; policy and incentives are also important
Safety is paramount
Regardless of the contributions new technologies may make, ensuring safety is of
primary importance
23
Survey responses and feedback
Sixty six people filled in the pre-event survey. Of these, 47 also filled out the post-event
survey. A post-post-event survey was sent out four months after the event by email and 10
participants responded. Written responses to surveys are in Appendix D. The age range of
respondents was 17 – 76, with a bell-shaped distribution peaking in the 30s. Men were in a
majority (65%). A significant proportion (23%) reported English as a second language, which
is higher than the national average. Responses about occupation revealed that almost half
of respondents were involved in research or university education, including researchers,
academics and over a dozen students. There were also half a dozen engineers, several
public servants and about a dozen business people. The remaining participants represented
a range of other vocations, including a journalist, a home manager, several teachers, a taxi
driver, a landscape gardener and a flight attendant.
When asked about their current knowledge of nanotechnology, 37 (56%) rated their
knowledge as low or very low. The number of participants reporting a high or very high
knowledge of nanotechnology was 15 (23%), with 13 (20%) indicating medium knowledge (3
out of 5). Of those who filled out the post-event survey, 31 (66%) reported an increase (of
between 1 and 3 units) in knowledge about nanotechnology following the dialogue, so that
after the event, only 6 of these (13%) reported low or very low knowledge. Two people
reported a decrease in knowledge following the event. One person commented that the
scientists’ presentations were too short to impart much knowledge. Considering responses
to the post-post-survey, those who rated their knowledge increased following the dialogue
indicated a more modest or no gain after four months. Despite this, one of these
respondents commented “I feel I understand the concept more now after attending the
discussion in June.”
When asked about specific low carbon energy technologies, participants indicated moderate
knowledge, with solar, wind and hydropower some of the more familiar, and geothermal,
wave energy, kinetic capture energy and carbon capture and storage less familiar
technologies. One person commented that nuclear energy is not a low carbon technology.
Participants indicated slight gains, on average, in knowledge about these technologies
following the dialogue. This is interesting as panel speakers referred to only a few of these
technologies, so the increases in knowledge reflected learning from group discussions.
Knowledge levels reported four months following the event were similar to before, except
for nuclear, solar and wind, which showed increases, suggesting that these participants had
learnt more about these technologies, either through active research or because of being
more aware of information around them following the dialogue.
Participants were asked about the use of nanotechnology in different energy technologies.
However, the question asked was ambiguous (“Do you know whether nanotechnology is
used …”), so results should be regarded with caution, particularly “no” responses (which
could mean no or unsure). More than half of participants were unsure about all
technologies except solar power, for which just over half thought that nanotechnology was
used. About a third of respondents thought that nanotechnology was used in biofuels and
carbon capture and storage. Following the dialogue, most participants were still unsure
about most technologies. A larger proportion thought that nano was used in solar power
(72%) and in carbon capture and storage (45%), both of which were mentioned in the panel
presentations.
24
When asked about risks and possible uses of nanotechnology, participants were generally
more aware of possible uses than of risks, both before and after the workshop. Their
awareness of possible uses increased slightly more, on average, than their awareness of
risks during the dialogue, with 25 (53%) of participants indicating an increase in awareness
of risks, and 17 (36%) indicating an increase in awareness of possible uses after the
dialogue. In addition, 6 people indicated a decrease in awareness of risks following the
dialogue (2 indicated a decrease in relation to possible uses). For respondents of the postpost-survey, a number lost some of the gains in awareness made following the dialogue, but
a couple of participants had further increases, presumably from continued learning.
Participants were asked some specific questions about nanotechnology. There was a high
level of agreement that nanotechnology is an important area of research that will deliver
benefit to Australia (ave response 3.9 out of 5) with only five participants expressing mild
disagreement. There was a slight decrease in this average agreement (to 3.8) following the
dialogue. A similarly high level of support for the use of nanotechnology in achieving energy
efficiency was indicated (ave response 3.9 out of 5), with five participants expressing mild or
strong disagreement (interestingly, not the same five as above). This support remained, on
average, the same after the engagement.
There was also, on average, mild agreement that the use of nanotechnology should be
better regulated in Australia (3.6 out of 5), with four people mildly disagreeing. This
agreement strengthened (to 3.8) following the dialogue. Once again, four people disagreed,
mildly or strongly. Of 34 respondents (72 %) who were neutral about regulation at the start
of the discussion, twelve of these agreed that nanotechnology should be better regulated
and two disagreed at the end of the forum.
There was a high level of agreement that people should be doing more to reduce energy use
at home and work, with an average score of 4.3 for this question, and only 3 respondents
(5%) disagreeing. There were minor changes in people’s views on this following the
workshop, but the average remained the same.
When asked for written comments about nanotechnology and the energy challenge, some
participants were optimistic:
I think that nanotechnology is an exciting and new area that has a lot of potential to
meet our energy needs in the future. (post post)
Could be useful in ensuring we get the most out of our resources (post post)
It will be of great benefit I should imagine. There will be challenges with regards to
safety issues and resistance to change however (pre)
Others were more sceptical, concerned about impacts, and inclined to support other
alternatives:
solar power and wind farms are the future (pre)
nano is not a panacea (post)
‘cost vs impact vs environment vs health vs other choice’ (post)
I honestly think it is probably a dangerous and under-regulated, poorly understood
technology and that the real answer to energy challenges is to change human
behaviour (re: energy use) (post post)
25
We don't need to wait for nanotechnology to solve current energy challenges, when
existing wind and solar technologies can meet our demands (post post)
Participants were then asked about their agreement with the use of various energy
sources/technologies. The most supported technology was solar power, with an average
score of 4.6 out of 5 and only one person (2%) disagreeing with its use. Other technologies
with high support included wind power (4.3), geothermal (4.0), hydropower (4.1) and wave
energy (4.1). Less supported were biofuels (3.7), kinetic energy capture (3.6) and carbon
capture and storage (3.2). Note that these were also technologies that were less well known
by participants. The least supported source/technology was nuclear energy, with an average
score of 2.4 and 34 respondents (52%) disagreeing with its use.
The next set of questions was about the effect of the dialogue on people views and actions.
The first question was whether people thought the dialogue would affect their future use of
energy. The average response was 3.3 out of 5 and 45% of participants were ambivalent or
unsure. After the dialogue, 31 % were more in agreement that their future use of energy
would be affected, while 19% were less sure than before. Of those who responded three
months later, 75% reported that their energy use had not changed since the dialogue, with
the rest unsure.
When asked whether they thought the dialogue would affect their future interest in energy
technologies, 67% agreed that it would, with only 6% disagreeing, the rest unsure. After the
dialogue, about 20% of respondents agreed more that the dialogue would affect their
interest in energy technologies and a similar number agreed less that it would. An even
higher proportion thought that the dialogue would increase their future interest in
nanotechnology (74%), with 6% disagreeing, and there was slight increase in expected
interest, on average, following the workshop. Of those who responded three months later,
half reported that their interest had changed.
Nanotechnology researchers at the dialogue were asked whether they thought the dialogue
would have an effect on their future decisions about research. Of the 35 who responded,
71% felt that it would. There was little change in this response after the workshop. The two
researchers who responded three months later reported no effect of the dialogue on their
research focus.
Participants were asked, in the post survey, whether the dialogue had achieved its
objectives, which were:


To explore an application area for nanotechnology, particularly in relation to
problem definition, considering a range of perspectives and involving a range of
stakeholders, including members of the general public
To raise awareness amongst all participants by broadening a topic beyond the usual
focus on technology as problem solver and to consider technology in social context
The majority (65%) agreed that objectives had been met with strong agreement from 20%
of respondents. A small proportion (14%) disagreed. Respondents were asked which session
they learnt the most from. The most popular was the problem definition session (18 votes),
with the expert presentations and Q&A sessions also popular (11 or 12 votes). The final
session, in which groups considered nanotechnology in the energy sector and
considerations for nano developers, was not very popular (2 votes).
26
Participants were asked in more detail about their experience of the event. Most people felt
that they were made to feel included (90% agreed, 4% disagreed), that there was a diversity
of views present (81% agreed, 8% disagreed), and that the dialogue was a two-way/multiway dialogue (83% agreed, 8% disagreed). There was also a high level of agreement that the
dialogue had encouraged forward thinking about the grand challenge of energy (81%
agreed, 8% disagreed). Somewhat fewer respondents felt that there was adequate
knowledge sharing to allow participants to contribute fruitfully to the discussion (60%
agreed, 15% disagreed). Just over 20% felt that the information presented was biased1, with
40% disagreeing and 38% unsure. Respondents generally felt that the event had been well
organised (85% agreed, 6% disagreed) and well facilitated (90% agreed, 4% disagreed).
Those who responded to the post post survey four months after the event (9 participants
responded) were asked what they got out of the dialogue. Responses included reference to
being informed and gaining a broader understanding, to meeting people and being involved
in an interesting community exercise, and to feeling ‘more empowered to count science as
an interest as a general member of the community’. There was also reference to the
importance of considering a range of issues, including risks and impacts, of looking at the
bigger picture, and understanding the ‘huge gap between policy makers and researchers’. A
couple of participants expressed disappointment, at the lack of an ‘appropriate context to
explore the risks and needs around the application of nanotechnology to energy generation’
and a ‘lack of imagination’ in people’s thinking about energy.
They were also asked whether the dialogue had changed their views or actions and how.
One participant felt more hopeful as a result of the dialogue, another had their interest
raised. Others were less positive, one being made aware of challenges of increasing the use
of renewable energy, and another feeling less confident about the willingness of researchers
and industry to consider their research in a broader context and about the adequacy of
regulation. Others indicated no change because they were already involved in nano
research or research on nano impacts. In terms of actions, one person felt that they now
noticed information (e.g. advertising) about nanotechnology, and another was already doing
what they could to minimise energy use.
The post post survey asked for suggestions and recommendations for future events. One
person suggested a further series of discussions to ‘educate a wider audience’ and another
person also felt that there should have been more information provided and that experts
should have had a wider focus, considering their work in the context of what is needed and
alternatives. Another participant thought the event should have been ‘more open and
inclusive of all points of view’. There were some suggestions of additional people who could
have been invited, including experts in environmental health, more industry, and policy
makers. Several people had no suggestions, feeling that the event had been a good one,
with specific encouragement from one:
“Communities being empowered to take science on and not being
intimidated because of ignorance was the greatest achievement, I think, of
the event, so keep that up.”
1
Note that the agreement may be overestimated because this question was framed with an opposite polarity
to the others i.e. some respondents expressed strong satisfaction with the process and strong agreement with
all questions in this section, suggesting that they may have misread this question.
27
Reflections
This dialogue involved approximately 30 members of the general public. A bit over half of
these (18) were recruited. This balance seemed to work well and with a mix of ‘experts’,
public participants seemed reasonably comfortable and were all well engaged. There didn’t
seem to be a sense of ‘us and them’. The energy in the room was a feature of the dialogue.
This seemed to relate to the balance, to the quality of the venue, and probably to the
particular mix of people there on the day.
Having said this, one of the weaknesses of the dialogue was that the structure and method
did not help to break down the ‘expert’/lay divide. The panel, in particular, created a sense
of an expert group educating a non-expert group. In addition, many of the groups that
formed during the Open Space exercise were hosted by members of the working group,
particularly the scientific ‘experts’, who then tended to take an educational role. In this
sense, the engagement confused the distinction between information provision/education
and deliberative dialogue.
The intention in holding a panel discussion had been to use the problem definition exercise
to empower participants to consider the panel presentations critically and in a broader
context, and to challenge the scientists in relation to their assumptions. This aim was
arguably too ambitious and was not really successful, particularly because the focus of the
panel was on nanotechnology, which most other participants felt out of their depth with.
The panel was criticised by Friends of the Earth (see Appendix E and weblink) as not being
balanced by critical perspectives. Critical perspectives might have helped, but having
proponents and opponents on a panel tends to result in a narrow benefits/risks discussion,
which was not the focus of this dialogue. Risk was an important topic, which was raised
during the dialogue, but the intention was to scrutinise the promised contributions of
nanotechnology to this sector, including considering the ‘vision that these developments are
part of’.
A lesson from this dialogue is that an expert panel will have a strong tendency to shift the
discussion into an educational mode. Therefore, a different format is necessary to maintain
a deliberative mode in assessing the claims and visions of scientists and technology
developers. This might involve, for example, having scientists as part of small groups
assigned to exploring their area of work in a discursive way.
In addition, this dialogue pointed to the importance of preparing public participants by
providing them with information separately, and in a more controlled way. A couple of
people indicated an imbalance between information provision and capturing opinions,
suggesting that people had not felt fully informed to participate in the discussion,
particularly in the final session on nanotechnology in the energy sector. Providing
information separately from the dialogue allows participants to be better prepared, and
avoids the confusion about whether the event is an information provision or deliberative
exercise. The challenge is to gain commitment of members of the public to participate in
more than one day of engagement.
28