A Cultural LookNadine and Dewitt

(Taylor Meek and Maxwell Fish)

Today’s TopicsWind energySolar energyWater energyBiofuelGeothermalHydrogen

Wind EnergyHas been used for

thousands of years by sailing vessels.

Used for milling grain as early as the 10th century.

Was one of the first technologies developed to ease rising energy prices.

Wind Power in GermanyFirst 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 2006.

(producing 30.5 billion kilowatt hours)

Solar EnergyFirst 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 GermanySolar 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 2006.Used mainly to supplement home heating systems

but are also popular for heating open-air pools.

Water PowerWater 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 GermanyHydroelectric power has been used since the

end of the 19th century.The most popular source of energy besides

biomass.21.6 billion kilowatt hours (3.5%) generated by

hydropower in 2006.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.

BiofuelOldest 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 GermanyThe use of vegetable oils is most popular in

Germany for use in internal combustion engines and high powered fuel cells.

18.6 billion kilowatt hours in 2006.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.

GeothermalFirst 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 GermanyMostly 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 EnergyThe 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 GermanyHydrogen 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 EnergyMore 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.

Sourceshttp://www.solarwindhydro.comhttp://www.hydrogenassociation.orghttp://www.german-renewable-energy.comhttp://en.wikipedia.orghttp://www.planetark.org