On Wednesday, November 16, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. Muskegon Community College (MCC) will host a free, public lecture regarding the role of batteries in vehicles and our renewable energy future. Associate Professor Dr. Jennifer Schaefer from the University of Notre Dame will present “Advanced Rechargeable Batteries for Energy Storage” in Room 1300 at the MCC Stevenson Center located at 221 South Quarterline Road in Muskegon. 

Schaefer is an expert in renewable energy from the Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering and also serves as the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Notre Dame University. She will provide an overview of the role of batteries in a renewable energy future, the material chemistry of current commercialized Li-ion batteries, and the design considerations for future generation battery design to meet our global energy needs. 

While the cost of the generation of renewable electricity has plummeted, storage and use of that electricity at a large scale presents substantial technical challenges. Rechargeable batteries are believed to be a scalable solution for the storage of intermittently generated electricity (from solar or wind) that cannot be immediately used. Rechargeable batteries are also a means for vehicle electrification to reduce our dependence on liquid fuels for transportation.  

Dr. Andrew Wible, director of the MCC lecture series said, “From automobiles to solar panels, we need good batteries. I am fascinated to find out what the future of battery technology holds and invite others to join us!” 

Muskegon Community College offers 54 associate degree programs and 32 certificate programs in Muskegon, Newaygo, and Ottawa counties. Located on a 100-acre scenic campus, MCC is consistently recognized as one of the top community colleges in the state of Michigan.