National Academy of Science and Engineering (acatech)

17 Oct Hydraulic Fracturing. A technology under debate

National Academy of Science and Engineering (acatech)
2016

Hydraulic fracturing, commonly referred to as fracking, is controversially debated among politicians and the public. Already employed in Germany for over 50 years, the technology is currently discussed with regard to two applications significant in terms of economic and energy policy: The extraction of shale gas from shale formations and the production of heat and energy from geothermal sources. Addressing the various facets of fracking, the POSITION paper provides a comprehensive scientific and technical overview of the method and its risks and benefits. The study resorts to best practice examples to illustrate how pilot/test projects can be used to continue exploring and implementing the technology while ensuring the highest possible safety standards . acatech thus contributes to broadening the available information base for decision-makers from politics as well as interested members of the public.

17 Oct Consulting with energy scenarios. Requirements for scientific policy advice

National Academy of Science and Engineering (acatech)
2016

However, as calculation models are part of the implementing institutions’ operating capital, they are frequently not disclosed. Also, it is not always clear whether the results are influenced by any provisions by the commissioning institutions. The position paper by the Academies’ Project "Energy Systems of the Future" (ESYS) offers suggestions how transparency can be increased. It aims both at the commissioning organisations and the scientists creating the scenario studies. In addition, it provides assistance for those who wish to evaluate and use energy scenarios, e.g. journalists, NGOs and the political decision-makers. Contributors: Felix, Höffler, Christoph, Mayer, Wolfgang, Weimer-Jehle

17 Oct Flexibility concepts for the German power supply in 2050. Ensuring stability in the age of renewable energies

National Academy of Science and Engineering (acatech)
2016

So-called flexibility technologies are necessary to balance the fluctuations naturally inherent to power generation from wind and photovoltaics. The various viable options include flexibly dispatchable power plants as well as storage systems or the balancing of power demand and power feed-in (demand-side management). The challenge is to identify the options combining stability, sustainability, cost efficiency and social acceptability.