ELECTRIC-POWER GENERATION

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.