A secure, environmentally acceptable and economical energy supply is a
n important prerequisite for the trouble-free functioning of our moder
n society, for the high mobility for the very far-reaching communicati
on possibilities and with it for our standard of living. The objective
of progressive energy-economic planning is therefore the guaranteeing
of a liong-term securing of a cost-effective energy supply. Al the sa
me time scarce resources should be treated with consideration and envi
ronmemtal loads should be avoided The essay presented shows with diffe
rent examples the significance of the application of optimization meth
ods in order to reach these objectives.