What to expect for sustainable energy technologies

The nuclear power accident following the earthquake and tsunami on 11 March has influenced researchers' thinking in various ways, in particular in the field of energy engineering. We need to reconsider both the sustainability of energy resources and future energy consumption. University of Tsukuba is promoting the development of a Carbon Neutral Energy System (CNES), featuring hydrogen-based energy production and DC interconnection networking. This paper introduces the original ideas, history, experience and present status of the project, and gives food for thought to young scholars and technical experts on the creation of sustainable energy technologies and holistic engineering. (author)