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Overview: Capturing the Sun for Energy Production

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Abstract

Solar energy has potential to provide a major part of our energy for our future, as heat, electricity, and fuels. Most solar technologies are still at the research and development stage, however. There is therefore a need for bold and enduring efforts in research, development and commercialization, including strategic legislative measures and infrastructure investments. This overview article serves as an introduction to the present Special Report, briefly outlining the potential, principles and possibilities as well as some of the challenges of solar energy conversion.

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Notes

  1. Total primary energy supply (International Energy Agency 2010). 1 TWh (terawatt hour) = 1 × 109 kWh, where 1 kWh = 1 kilowatt of power during 1 h. 140 000 TWh/year = 16 TW (16 × 1012 W) of average primary power consumption.

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  1. Photochemistry and Molecular Science, Department of Chemistry—Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala university, P.O. Box 523, 751 20, Uppsala, Sweden

    Leif Hammarström

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  1. Leif Hammarström
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Correspondence to Leif Hammarström.

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Hammarström, L. Overview: Capturing the Sun for Energy Production. AMBIO 41 (Suppl 2), 103–107 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-012-0263-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-012-0263-8

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