Proceedings of the
Second International Energy 2030 Conference,
November 4-5, 2008, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.
Future Energy Supply and Environment Protection - a Challenge for Large Scale Power Generation
Prof. Dr.- Ing. Klaus R. G. Hein
University of Stuttgart, Germany
Abstract
The technology of fossil fuel conversion for heat and electricity production experienced major distinct
development periods based upon external driving forces as a consequence of changing requirements of our
industrialized surrounding. Therefore, a strongly expanding economy with a corresponding demand for
increasing capacities and plant availabilities was observed during the beginning of the second half of the
last century. More recently the awareness of negative effects of environment pollution resulted in the
development and application of emission control measures which were successfully implemented during
the previous decades.
Furthermore, the discussion of energy utilization in connection with the global climate issue resulted in
a reconsideration of the use of fossil fuels, and in particular in a diversification of the primary energy
sources which opened a new field for research and development. In particular, the Kyoto Protocol
concerning CO2-abatement and the resulting obligations, especially for those countries who adopted this
agreement such as the members of the European Union, have initiated extensive research and development
efforts towards efficiency improvements of large scale fuel conversion processes as well as capture and
storage of CO2.
The presentation will, after a review of the achievements in research and development in the area of
heat and electricity generation, deal with the new requirements as a consequence of the changing needs of
our society and of the increasing concern about local and global environment protection, followed by a
detailed discussion of strategies and of technological options in order to satisfy the future energy demands
of our society.
