When people think of solar energy, they typically imagine vast arrays of solar panels that generate electricity. Electricity is great for powering homes and businesses, but it does not work well within the existing transportation system. For that we need liquid fuels.
We are developing energy systems that take sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water and produce sustainable, scalable, and infrastructure-compatible liquid hydrocarbon fuels.
We will create technologies that can take advantage of the existing supply and distribution system for petrol, jet fuel, and diesel to supply the same fuels but from local sources and sustainable technologies.
Our approach builds on new but established science and requires no “miracles.” It also limits new infrastructure requirements to the fuel production system. The transportation, distribution, and consumption of these fuels will make use of the trillions of dollars of worldwide investment that already exists.
The technology exists today to create transportation fuels from C02 and water using sunlight as the energy source. However, they are too expensive to compete economically with fossil fuels.
To achieve our goals we will approach the challenge comprehensively, engaging physical and social sciences and engineering through a “convergence” model that funnels research and development towards practical devices and systems following best practice project management.
Our research collaboration comprises leading physical and social scientists, engineers and business people from top universities, national laboratories, and the private sector. We combine this expertise with facilitative leadership and management skills all with a sharp focus on commercial viability.
LightSpeed Solutions is a collaborative effort among multiple institutions to develop energy systems that use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to produce sustainable, scalable, and infrastructure-compatible liquid hydrocarbon fuels.
