A Cultural Look Nadine and Dewitt (Taylor Meek and Maxwell Fish)
Today’s Topics Wind energy Solar energy Water energy Biofuel Geothermal Hydrogen
Wind Energy Has been used for thousands of years by sailing vessels. Used for milling grain as early as the 10 th century. Was one of the first technologies developed to ease rising energy prices.
Wind Power in Germany First turbines were built in the early 90’s. Germany has the largest number of turbines in the world. The number of turbines is increasing due to their cost efficiency. State and Federally funded support programs promote private investments. There were 18,685 plants as of (producing 30.5 billion kilowatt hours)
Solar Energy First patented in 1891 by Dr. Clarence M. Kemp. (solar water heater) Most popular type of solar energy is the use of photovoltaic cells. (solar panels) Growing in global popularity but has low cost effectiveness.
Solar Energy in Germany Solar industry has grown from 450 million Euros to 4.9 billion Euros over the past six years. Germany’s geographical location does not make for the most effective use of solar technology. Yet, it is second only to Japan as a solar power producer. 1.3 million solar plants in Germany as of Used mainly to supplement home heating systems but are also popular for heating open-air pools.
Water Power Water wheel technology has been used for centuries as a source of power. Water power has evolved into hydroelectric power. Hydroelectric systems use the currents generated by moving water to turn turbines and power generators. (much like the water wheel)
Water Power in Germany Hydroelectric power has been used since the end of the 19 th century. The most popular source of energy besides biomass billion kilowatt hours (3.5%) generated by hydropower in Lack of coastline makes it difficult for Germany to expand hydropower. Low cost and low maintenance costs make hydropower very popular to countries with significant coastline.
Biofuel Oldest form of renewable energy. The burning of peat, wood and other biofuel have occurred since the beginning of mankind. One of the most difficult “renewable” technologies to make cost effective due to high production costs.
Biofuel in Germany The use of vegetable oils is most popular in Germany for use in internal combustion engines and high powered fuel cells billion kilowatt hours in Pellet stoves and other pellet heating systems have become very popular. The sales of biomass fuels increased from 2 million tons to 3 million tons in 2006.
Geothermal First tested in 1902 in the dry steam fields of Larderello in Italy. Produces less than 1% of the planets energy. The world’s largest geothermal plants are located in California. All geothermal systems us some sort of heat exchange system
Geothermal Energy in Germany Mostly used in Germany for heating purposes. 2 billion kilowatt hours produced in 2006 for heating. 400,000 kilowatt hours produced in 2006 for electrical usage. Expanding use of geothermal in the northern lowlands for electrical usage. Geothermal is a dependable, available, and easily renewable energy source for Germany that has not yet been pushed to its full potential.
Hydrogen Related Energy The fuel cell effect was first discovered in 1839 in Switzerland. Typically used as a combustible fuel source, use through a fuel cell makes hydrogen renewable. Highly underdeveloped technology. Should be much more viable in the near future.
Hydrogen in Germany Hydrogen fill up stations have become commonplace through out metropolitan Germany. Both hydrogen combustion and fuel cell technology are utilized in German automobiles. Hydrogen not yet incorporated into “grid” power network. Several production vehicles have been released in Germany that run completely on hydrogen. Country-wide mentality toward energy independence.
The Future of Renewable Energy More and more funding will be devoted to all fields of renewable energy. Germany is at the cutting edge of the energy crisis problem and has one of the most highly developed renewable energy infrastructures on the globe. German automotive companies are also leading the charge in the research and development of alternative energy vehicles and creating an attractive face for the automotive industry in the future.
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