NanoEnergy - Technological and economical impact of nanotechnology on the energy sector

摘要

According to a prognosis of the International Energy Agency the worldwide energy demand will reach more than 18.000 MTOE (Million Tons of Oil Equivalent) in the year 2030 which corresponds to a 50% increase from today's energy consumption. In respect of narrowing fossil energy resources and potential side effects of climate warming carbon dioxide emissions it becomes obvious that for a sustained long-term economical prosperity a fundamental renewal of the energy sector will be necessary. As a key and cross-sectional technology, nanotechnology has the potential to facilitate vital technological breakthroughs in the energy sector and, in this way, to make substantial contributions to a sustainable energy supply. The spectrum of possible applications for nanotechnologies ranges from continuous short and medium-term improvements in the use of conventional and regenerative energy sources to entirely new approaches to energy supply and utilisation in the long term. Nanotechnological innovations have an impact on the whole added value chain in the energy sector. Increases in efficiency and process innovations are possible in all subsectors, from primary energy production to energy transformation, transmission and storage and its utilisation by the end customer.