MCARE2013 (Materials Challenges in Alternative & Renewable Energy 2013) aims to facilitate information sharing on the latest developments in materials for alternative and renewable energy sources and systems. The overall efficiency, effectiveness and practicality of potential future energy sources and systems are directly related to many materials and related factors. Some of these key features include materials costs, availability and improvements in chemical, mechanical, electrical and thermal properties of materials now being considered, as well as the ability to produce and fabricate materials that work effectively in areas of energy generation, storage and distribution. Energy 2013 will include tutorials and invited overview presentations on leading energy alternatives by global leaders as well as technical sessions addressing state-of-the-art materials issues involved with future energy sources systems. Emphasis will be on materials challenges and innovations in areas of batteries and energy storage, biomass, electric grid, geothermal, hydrogen, hydropower, nuclear, solar power and wind. ISC