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ePaper created 2014-12-22, 09:34:33 | version 1.34.00
RESEARCH FIELD ENERGY 16 PROFESSOR HOLGER HANSELKA Vice-President of the Helmholtz Association, Coordinator of the Research Field Energy, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie German Aerospace Center Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Helmholtz Centre Potsdam – GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ Forschungszentrum Jülich PROGRAMMES IN THE COMING FUNDING PERIOD 2015–2019 Energy Efficiency, Materials and Resources The objective of the energy transition is to cut primary energy consumption in half and achieve an 80 to 95 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. For this purpose, process chains, resources, materials development, process engineering and energy conversion processes will be studied, interlinked and optimised. In addition, the flexibility required to restructure the energy supply will be improved with respect to fuel types, energy provision and infrastructure. Renewable Energies Renewable sources will supply the lion’s share of energy in the future. The goal is to exploit the various primary energy sources (such as solar, wind, biomass and geothermal) in an efficient, cost-effective manner and to develop optimal MISSION Helmholtz scientists involved in the field of energy research are working to secure an economically, ecologically and socially sustainable supply of energy. They are examining conversion, distribution, storage and utilisation technolo- gies and taking climatic and environmental impacts into account. One important goal is to replace fossil and nuclear fuels with climate-neutral energy sources and help to estab- lish a sustainable energy system. For this purpose they are seeking to determine the potential of renewables such as solar, biomass and geothermal energy. Researchers are also working to increase the efficiency of conventional power plants. Finally, the Helmholtz Association is pursuing the long-term goal of developing nuclear fusion as a new energy source, and it boasts outstanding expertise in the area of nuclear safety and final repository research. PROGRAMME STRUCTURE IN THE CURRENT FUNDING PERIOD Eight Helmholtz centres are currently working in the field of energy research, which is divided into five research programmes: Renewable Energies Efficient Energy Conversion and Use Nuclear Fusion Nuclear Safety Research Technology, Innovation and Society Interdisciplinary working groups implement the programmes in international collaborations. OUTLOOK The Energiewende, or energy transition, is one of the greatest challenges facing present and future generations. In its 6th Energy Research Programme, the German government is concentrating on renewable energy, energy efficiency, energy storage and grid technologies. The Helmholtz Association emphatically supports this strategy and is making a signifi- cant contribution to its implementation by pooling its exper- tise and experience in various programmes. In addition, the association is closing research gaps and carrying out basic and application-oriented research. It is supplementing its technological research with socioeconomic studies in order to ensure that all social, economic and political aspects are included in its overall goal of improving the energy system.