Introduction to Nano scale materials & nanotechnologies: synthesis, characterization, functionalization of nanomaterials: some applications and challenges. Energies and nanomaterials: Introduction; context and challenges dealing with energy; energy and power; production, storage, distribution (smart grids) and use of energy; some illustrations. Nanomaterials for solar energy applications: Semiconductors, Interaction of light with matter, solar cells basics. First to third generation solar cells, nanocrystalline-based solar cells, emerging thin film photovoltaic: organic solar cells, hybrid solar cells. Solar cooling and heating. Nanotechnology for bioenergy and biofuels production. Carbon-based nanomaterials in biofuel cells. Nanomaterials as heterogeneous catalysts in biorefineries for biomass conversion. Nanomaterials for energy storage applications. Nanoscale electrode materials