Chemistry, as the science of transforming matter, is also concerned with the conversion of energy. Chemists most often view these issues on the molecular scale, but on a much larger scale, chemistry also plays an important role in the development of renewable energy sources.

Robert Schlögl, Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society, Berlin, Germany, discusses the current energy mix of nuclear, fossil, and renewable energy carriers and shows how important chemistry is in providing for future energy needs. In hip opinion multiple approaches are needed, and several parallel strategies for reducing the importance of nuclear and fossil energy carriers should be pursued. These include exploration of biomass as an energy carrier, increased use of natural gas for an interim period, and long-term development of hydrogen production technologies based on solar water splitting.

• Editorial: Chemistry’s Role in Regenerative Energy,
  Robert Schlögl,
  Angew, Chem. Int. Ed. 2011.
  DOI: 10.1002/anie.201103415

See also:

• Chemistry As Innovation Driver
  Renowned chemists discuss research politics, relationship of chemistry and society, and Angewandte’s 50th anniversary