Energy and the environment

The committee has defined crucial points of environmental problems which so far have not been sufficiently discussed. Especially important are the problems of increased energy efficiency, the utilization of new energy sources, and the regional structure of energy supply. Pollution problems, may they be caused by domestic heating or coal refining plants, have been given particular attention. Analysis of the emissions to the environment has led to the question of how far an efficient use of energy and substitution of sources of energy will contribute to environmental problems. Energy conservation and the effect on the environment could be expanded by combined heat-power generation and a more efficient energy supply to densely populated and highly industrialized areas. (DG)