Explores how these conflicting scenarios could be reconciled; how can we shape a more sustainable energy system from the existing one; and possible technological progress and innovations to enable a brighter future.

Addresses the reality that there exists no consensus on the extent to which innovations can really contribute to reconciling ever-growing energy consumption, availability of resources and the environment, and the structural demands on any energy system.

Offers and explains a four-point strategy:

Energy should according to its importance regain a top priority in the political arena; higly targeted subsidies should be given for a limited amount of time to speed up the market introduction of energy-efficient and regenerative techniques in analogy to the ,Dutch model'; Negotiated agreements and unilateral self-commitments can subsequently ensure further market diffusion of sustainable energy innovations.; the basic research in energy should not be diminished but intensified instead

Contenu
Summary.- Problem Definition, Tasks, Procedure and Derivation of Recommendations for Action.- Terminological and Conceptional Foundations.- Normative Criteria for Evaluation and Decision-Making.- Towards a Sustainable Energy System Legal Basis, Deficits and Points of Reference.- Potentials for the Sustainable Development of Energy Systems.- The Reality of Sustainability: Conflicts of Aims in the Choice of Instruments.- Strategies for Accelerating Sustainable Energy Innovations.- Implementation Problems of a Sustainable Innovation Strategy.- Responsibility for the Energy Hunger of the Developing Countries How Sustainable Energy Innovations Can Help.