In Brief

Publications Pictures of the Future Spring 2004

Natural Resources

Experts anticipate that worldwide electricity production will double to 31,500 TWh per year by 2030. Most of this power will continue to be generated by fossil fuels, although energy efficiency ratings will increase steadily. Natural gas will be the primary source of electricity production. Its use will increase at 5.6 % per year(more)
The emissions of coal-fired power plants are virtually pollutant-free when equipped with integrated gasification units. These units transform coal into synthetic gas that is then burned in a gas turbine. Pollutants, such as the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide, can be separated beforehand(more)
Emission certificates for CO₂ will transform the market. The first trading period for certificates will begin in the EU in 2005. There are still many open questions, however. The EU and the U.S. are also conducting research into techniques for separating CO₂ from power plant exhaust gases, and then storing it underground(see articles Emission Certificates and Carbon-Dioxide Sequestration)
Conventional oil production is expected to peak during the next decade. Experts are thus studying the exploitation of oil sands and deep sea deposits. Natural gas will also serve as a raw material for synthetic liquid fuels(more)
Siemens researchers are focusing their renewable energy activities on geothermal applications. In 20 years, some ten percent of the worlds electricity could come from geothermal sources(more)
The capacity of overhead power lines can be improved with the help of intelligent sensors. To increase network stability, Siemens researchers are also developing software that quickly registers disturbances, analyzes them, and then helps to keep them localized(more)
Clever energy-saving measures could cut consumption in half in industrialized countries. Siemens offers solutions that optimize energy utilization by companies or local governments, and also pay for themselves through the savings they generate(more)