Energy In Germany Research Articles

Progress in large-area glass coatings by high-rate sputtering

This article reports on the progress of large-area glass coating under vacuum by high-rate cathode sputtering triggered by the introduction of Germany's new energy conservation regulation for buildings. The main content of the new regulation and its requirements on low-emissivity (low-e) coated insulated glazing are briefly reviewed. Different low-e coatings are compared and new developments in sputtered low-e coatings are discussed. In addition, the impact on coating systems design and recent advances in reliable and arc-free deposition of dielectric films are reviewed.

Progress in large-area glass coatings by high-rate sputtering

This article reports on the progress of large-area glass coating under vacuum by high-rate cathode sputtering triggered by the introduction of Germany's new energy conservation regulation for buildings. The main content of the new regulation and its requirements on low-emissivity (low-e) coated insulated glazing are briefly reviewed. Different low-e coatings are compared and new developments in sputtered low-e coatings are discussed. In addition, the impact on coating systems design and recent advances in reliable and arc-free deposition of dielectric films are reviewed.

The benefits and costs of energy from biomass in Germany

The objectives of this paper are to analyze the technical potentials and the respective costs of energy production from biomass in the Federal Republic of Germany. Both benefits and costs of residual products are investigated (i.e. residual wood, straw and biogas). The energy potential is approximately 310 PJa −1, or about 3.3% of the final energy demand in Germany in 1991. The corresponding costs vary widely: straw and residual wood covers the lower and biogas the upper border. The possibilities of producing solid energy carriers and liquid fuels on agricultural land are also investigated. The contribution of these options to the final energy demand was found to be larger. Nevertheless, they are still limited as they are strongly dependent on the amount of agricultural land available. The options for producing solid fuels are much more efficient compared with the production of liquid energy carriers. Conclusions are drawn on the possibilities and restrictions of energy production from biomass in Germany's energy system.

The contribution of hydrogen in the development of renewable energy sources

Abstract Two technology assessment studies carried out for German Parliament commissions show the role of hydrogen in surmounting limits to the use of renewable energies on a large scale. Comparisons are made between solar electricity and solar hydrogen systems located in Central Europe, Southern Europe and North Africa. The additional expenditures for hydrogen production and transportation, but also the advantages of this storable medium, are discussed. Scenarios assuming different fractions of fossil, nuclear and local and/or imported renewable energy sources for Germany are used for an extensive comparison of different hydrogen energy systems based on the solar generation of electricity. A step-by-step analysis shows the evolution of a solar hydrogen energy system starting from Germany's present energy infrastructure.

Structuring West Germany's energy objectives

For this article a comprehensive and politically legitimate list of criteria to evaluate energy systems was constructed from interviews with leading representatives of a broad spectrum of West German society. In the interviews, we probed the fundamental values of nine political and social organizations, including the Catholic and Lutheran Churches, the Federation of German Labour Unions, the Association of German Industries and the German Nature Society. A hierarchical representation of value criteria was logically structured for each group separately, and then aggregated into a combined ‘value tree’. The result facilitates communication and constructive compromise, promotes the creation of policy options and helps evaluate future energy systems.

The International Implications of West Germany's Energy Policy

The International Implications of West Germany's Energy Policy

Germany's energy plans

Germany's energy plans

Early instruction in phonography

Degrowth activists and scholars have questioned society's current levels of material throughput and energy use. The energy sector is at the core of any modern economy, and Germany serves as an international showcase for the transition of a large industrialized economy to a low-carbon energy system. Diverse actors, organizational models, and technologies have contributed to the initiation of Germany's energy transition through a wide range of community renewable energy projects. The think piece investigates how far these diverse actors embrace the aims of the Degrowth movement. It also provides a critical account of on-the-ground realities through six hypotheses and contrasts them with claims made by the Degrowth movement. It is suggested that community renewable energy projects are at a crossroads. While many projects have familiarized thousands of people with alternative economic models, there is little evidence of a general change in attitudes towards technology, consumption, or equity. In conclusion, a major effort is needed to open initiatives to less affluent actors, oppose recent trends of commodification, and prevent community renewable energy projects from being engrossed by the dominant political and economic system.