Copper end use trends

Shell highlights the view that renewable energy solutions are some way from offering a large-scale solution to our planets growing energy needs. The matters of finance and technology development breakthroughs appear to be the largest barriers to market, according to Shell. This view supports the notion that the world will be powered by a mix of fossil fuel, nuclear and renewable energy for the forseeable future.   

Electrical grids worldwide vary in age and range, but overrall, electrical grid systems are seen as requiring urgent upgrades to meet growing demand. Of course, items such as transformers and power lines are maintained and upgraded by utility companies. However, utitility companies must feel confident about long-term financial terms as well as increasing demand in order to invest. With a now sensitive economy, and perhaps a looming world recession, utility companies are hesitatnt to invest. With, for example, large transformers being ordered years in advance, delaying decisions to invest for too long may lead to a less well performing grid.

Another advance on the solar energy front. The article itself summarises the importance of this article "while we do not pretend to understand the nitty gritty of dye usage and other such nonsense, we do know that such a system could eventually attain 15% or so efficiency, providing a nice and clean way to gather power for that fuel cell car of the future".

A practical vision of the digital home of the future. Controlling home functionality more closely may lead to more efficient use of services. From this articles view it seems that there will be increased demand for electronic equipmnent such as monitors in the hom eof the future.

Thankfully, designers continue to explore solar powered public lighting. This version includes more intelligent functions.