Following personnel changes in PV CYCLE, the industry association for recycling photovoltaic modules (BINE reported), Wilfried Taetow took over its leadership in September 2011. In the BINE interview, the new president explains how the recycling of PV modules can be realised at a time when the industry is under economic pressure and the EU is planning to include discarded PV modules within the scope of its EU Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive.  more...

In future, electricity grids will have to transport large quantities of electricity from renewable energy sources fed centrally and decentrally. Plus, we need greater reserves, storage facilities and flexibility in the electricity market due to the fluctuating supply. In the "Modellstadt Mannheim" project, a virtual energy marketplace is being developed for energy generators, consumers and grid operators. Customers can see the source and price of their electricity and influence them directly via the timing and extent of their consumption and the delivery from their own generation systems. This approach also includes gas, water and district heating.  more...

Researchers from Aachen, Germany are developing a new type of electric vehicle, the StreetScooter, which is as affordable as it is environmentally-friendly. In close cooperation with 20 medium-sized industrial companies and 15 research institutions, a concept was developed comprising innovative production methods and new battery management and financing systems. The electric vehicle made in Aachen should cost around 5,000 Euros when series production begins after a short production run of 2,000 units.  more...

There are already more than 100 regions and many rural communities that are promoting sustainable development based on renewable energies. After developing individual concepts and strategies, the lengthy and often very complex implementation begins. A research project organised by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment has been supporting these regions in conceptual and technical terms since 2007. This project is being conducted by the deENet competence network and the University of Kassel, and is being advised by the German Federal Environment Agency. In a second project phase, it is planned to create a national network by 2013.  more...

Last Saturday, the BAU 2011 trade fair came to a close in Munich. A clear focus this year was on concepts and solutions for sustainable and climate-neutral buildings. This applied both for the actual trade fair itself and the extensive support programme. For example, the EnOB research initiative presented new concepts, methods and model projects in a research symposium that was held on 18 and 19 January 2011.  more...

Studies have repeatedly shown that ventilation in schools is inadequate, with carbon dioxide concentrations in the air often reaching unhealthy levels. This affects students' ability to concentrate. Ventilation concepts are therefore one of the top concerns in the energy-oriented refurbishment of schools. In a joint project, researchers developed two innovative ventilation concepts involving a combination of natural and mechanical ventilation.  more...

Approximately 50% of the global population lives in cities. In 2020, this figure will be more than 60%. The success of climate protections is, therefore, dependent on energy consumption and pollutant emissions in our cities and conurbations. Local councils can specify important framework conditions for implementing energy efficiency measures.  more...

Hospitals have a high energy consumption. Scientists now plan to investigate all the various areas in a hospital and develop an innovative approach for achieving energy savings. This will be done as part of the "Hospital plus" research project which is being supported by the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology with funding of 1.85 million euros over four years.  more...

Climate control of office buildings involves using technology which is as energy-efficient and cost-efficient as possible, so as to realise the best possible indoor air quality and comfort at the workplace. In recent years, non-residential buildings have increasingly been equipped with ventilation systems integrated into the exterior wall, rather than with centralised heating and air conditioning systems.  more...

One of the focuses of current research is the question of how to improve the indoor environment in buildings using latent heat storage materials. These materials are already finding increasing use in actual building projects. A symposium in Karlsruhe will present current developments in research and showcase various PCM (phase change material) systems and their operating principles.  more...