The International Panel On Climate Change (IPCC) forecasts global temperatures to rise 1.4?C-6?C by the end of this century. Experts warn of a severe impact to the environment if the rise in the average global temperature can't be kept to under 2?C. This would require a reduction by 30 percent in the emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050. For developed countries this translates into a reduction of 80 percent. The main focus must lie in future energy policies and the development of renewable energy sources.
Since the late 1990s, to fulfill these ambitious goals, the German government has started to promote the use of renewable energy sources. The legal framework has been formulated in the Renewable Energy Act, implemented in April 2000, regulating take-off obligations and fixed-price agreements. Since 1998 Germany's renewable energy production has grown steadily from 5.2 percent of the total to 8 percent in 2002. The projected goal is 14 percent by 2010.
Visitors to Germany will notice that the use of wind energy is booming; everywhere wind energy turbines can be seen. In total 14,283 wind energy plants with a total energy output of 12,828MW have been installed. The next technological step is already underway as can be seen in the development of offshore wind parks. By 2010 an additional 2000MW-3000MW will be generated. Long term plans to 2030 forecast the potential for 25 percent of Germany's energy needs to come from power generated in land and sea wind parks.
The development of Photovoltaic Systems (PV) achieved 180 million kWh, or 0.03 percent of total power generation, in 2002. For 2003 an increase of 50 percent is expected. More research and development is being conducted to increase the efficiency of photocells and lower production costs. An important step can be seen in the combination of construction materials and photocells for roofing and facades. PV systems are an important factor in the development of "climate conscious buildings," together with new insulation materials, solar cooling technologies and solarthermic equipment. In terms of the number of PV systems installed, Germany is leading the way in Europe, and worldwide it is second only to Japan.
The Bio-Mass Directive of June 2001 promoted the use of biomass -- wood, bio-waste, animal waste and other organic waste -- to produce heat and electricity. In 2002, some 100 biomass power plants generated 400MW of electric power, while more than 1,900 biogas facilities provided an additional 250MW. The introduction of bio-diesel at more than 1,300 gas stations stimulated an increased demand for this new fuel. The production of bio-diesel increased further from 550,000 tonnes in 2002. Forecasts for 2003 predict an increase to 650,000 tonnes. In May 2003 the European Parliament set a target of 5.75 percent of European fuel consumption coming from bio-gasoline.
Hydropower is well developed and accounts for 4 percent of the power generated in Germany annually. No major increase in this source of renewable energy is foreseen due to the topographic situation.
Geothermal energy is exploited in 34 large facilities. More research and pilot projects are needed to fully develop this natural source of energy. Recent research shows a substantial potential for this source of heat and power generation. In the future, up to 60 percent of Germany's power supply may well be generated from this source of energy.
To promote the development of renewable energy abroad, the Export-Initiative Renewable Energy was implemented by the German government in 2002. A total of 28.5 million euros is budgeted to promote German technology in the field of renewable energy and assist the industry to develop export markets.
To strengthen the global dialogue on future energy policy, the German government initiated the idea for a world conference in 2004. Renewables 2004 will take place from June 1 to June 4, 2004, in Bonn. The financing of renewable energy, the legal and political framework as well as research and development are the main topics of this event. At this conference, national and regional action plans will be discussed and implemented.
RETHINK? The defense ministry and Navy Command Headquarters could take over the indigenous submarine project and change its production timeline, a source said Admiral Huang Shu-kuang’s (黃曙光) resignation as head of the Indigenous Submarine Program and as a member of the National Security Council could affect the production of submarines, a source said yesterday. Huang in a statement last night said he had decided to resign due to national security concerns while expressing the hope that it would put a stop to political wrangling that only undermines the advancement of the nation’s defense capabilities. Taiwan People’s Party Legislator Vivian Huang (黃珊珊) yesterday said that the admiral, her older brother, felt it was time for him to step down and that he had completed what he
Taiwan has experienced its most significant improvement in the QS World University Rankings by Subject, data provided on Sunday by international higher education analyst Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) showed. Compared with last year’s edition of the rankings, which measure academic excellence and influence, Taiwanese universities made great improvements in the H Index metric, which evaluates research productivity and its impact, with a notable 30 percent increase overall, QS said. Taiwanese universities also made notable progress in the Citations per Paper metric, which measures the impact of research, achieving a 13 percent increase. Taiwanese universities gained 10 percent in Academic Reputation, but declined 18 percent
CHINA REACTS: The patrol and reconnaissance plane ‘transited the Taiwan Strait in international airspace,’ the 7th Fleet said, while Taipei said it saw nothing unusual The US 7th Fleet yesterday said that a US Navy P-8A Poseidon flew through the Taiwan Strait, a day after US and Chinese defense heads held their first talks since November 2022 in an effort to reduce regional tensions. The patrol and reconnaissance plane “transited the Taiwan Strait in international airspace,” the 7th Fleet said in a news release. “By operating within the Taiwan Strait in accordance with international law, the United States upholds the navigational rights and freedoms of all nations.” In a separate statement, the Ministry of National Defense said that it monitored nearby waters and airspace as the aircraft
UNDER DISCUSSION: The combatant command would integrate fast attack boat and anti-ship missile groups to defend waters closest to the coastline, a source said The military could establish a new combatant command as early as 2026, which would be tasked with defending Taiwan’s territorial waters 24 nautical miles (44.4km) from the nation’s coastline, a source familiar with the matter said yesterday. The new command, which would fall under the Naval Command Headquarters, would be led by a vice admiral and integrate existing fast attack boat and anti-ship missile groups, along with the Naval Maritime Surveillance and Reconnaissance Command, said the source, who asked to remain anonymous. It could be launched by 2026, but details are being discussed and no final timetable has been announced, the source