Energietechnik (Alternative Energien) - energy engineering (renewable energies) : Energy engineering (renewable energies)

Over the next two decades, Germany will maintain primary energy comsum ption at a relatively steady level despite economic growth, but its en ergy profil will change. Provided that the share of nuclear energy rem ains unchanged, the share accounted for by renewable energies is likel y to double to close on 5 %. This growth is principally based on the u se of by-products (wood, straw), but products from fodder and food cro ps will also be increasingly used. The use of specific "energy crops" is viewed with muted optimism. Modest progress has been made in energy storage with the development of new battery technology for electric ve hicles with greater ranges, geothermal energy storage facilities for h eating, as well as the practical use of water heat accumulators to ach ieve improved efficiency in boilers by means of intermittent full-load operation. Engineering technology is also being developed further: the consumption and adaption of native fuels in motor engineering, more ef fective heating/air conditioning in buildings, improved efficiency and practical applications for solar energy systems, as well as variety of demand-controlled converters for wind power systems. Work is progressi ng on new technologies to achieve a major step forward. These hold out the best prospects for natural and anthropogenic energy supply methods in harmonL with the environment