At present, the energy supply debate is characterized by inconsistent
judgements of individual groups and, as far as nuclear energy is conce
rned, by ideologic and emotional viewpoints. Considering the world pop
ulation structure and the upcoming industrialization of the developing
countries it is evident that the electric power demand will continue
to increase although less rapidly in industrialized nations. The futur
e trends of the electric power producing chain in the conversion area
may move from today's technology with mainly rotating generators towar
ds additional electrochemical and renewable energy devices. In additio
n, increasing utilization of non grid connected renewable energy sourc
es requires new electrochemical storage devices with characteristics m
ost effectively adapted to for instance photovoltaic systems. In futur
e, for any new type of technology, utility industry will heavily be fo
rced to consider environment protecting actions in terms of recycling
to approach minimum disposal volumes and to save raw materials. The Ge
rman government is trying to satisfy the increasing public as well as
political interest by rising the research and development (R&D) budget
for the renewables by approximately 25% in the fiscal year 91; fossil
and fission is relatively stable. Compared to the German expenses the
budgets of the European Commission for research in fossil and renewab
les is unsatisfactory; a significant improvement would be required to
push the technologies.