In the area of mineralogy, questions regarding the behaviour of inorganic substances in the technical conversion process are being investigated. The focus in this regard is on the entire technical process chain from characterising the raw materials for energy to researching their behaviour in the thermal process and utilising or disposing of the residues that are formed. Analysers characterise these substances in the laboratory or in operation, while they are being transported on conveyor belts.
Currently, thermal power stations still represent an important element in our energy system. As long as electricity storage systems are unable to balance out fluctuations in electricity generation sufficiently, power stations operating partly (and, in future, entirely) using renewables will remain a guarantor of security of supply. After all, electricity must always be available when it’s needed. The important factor here is that state-of-the-art power stations are being further optimised for use and will be able to overcome the challenges associated with “green” fuels.
In this context, RWE is working in areas such as the following in connection with innovative power station technology:
