Subtopic Novel cross-cutting technologies for energy efficiency

Novel cross-cutting technologies, i.e. technologies not restricted to a certain application sector, may contribute considerably to increasing the efficiency of the energy system in the medium and long term. By monitoring research funding and research activities within and outside of the Helmholtz Association, potentially relevant technologies will be identified for systems analysis. Starting in the early R&D phases, contributions of the technologies to a sustainable energy system will be evaluated taking into account several criteria. Analyses will cover ecological, economic and social aspects, with the number of indicators varying according to the problem on hand and the status of method development. The scope of analyses will go beyond the evaluation of the potentials. It is aimed at optimising real contributions. Among the instruments applied will be (environmental) life cycle assessment (LCA), life cycle costing (LCC) and social LCA.

The first technology selected for analysis is thermoelectrics which will use large amounts of waste heat for electricity production by a number of mobile and stationary applications. It will be co-operated with the Helmholtz thermoelectrics research.