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Photo: GeoEye
Cover story Bird’s eye view of the Gemasolar
solar power plant in Spain: The plant is revolutionising
electricity generation using solar energy
(see back page). This groundbreaking technology
symbolises the dawning of a new era in energy
effi ciency – and is at the heart of several initiatives
in industry and automation technology.
In this issue we look at the objectives, applications
and results of these effi ciency measures.
trends in automation
1.2012
Editorial 3
Panorama 6
Festo worldwide 47
Competition/About this magazine 53
Soft Stop 54
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8
“The best energy effi ciency measure
is, quite simply, to save energy.”
Inspiration
No race for resources
Energy-effi cient production concepts are
preparing companies for tomorrow’s
competition. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Egon Müller
talks about savings potential of up to
50% over the next decade. 8
14
The solar plane “Solar Impulse”
is set to circumnavigate the globe
in two years’ time – with no fuel
and no harmful emissions.
Compass
Batteries move up a gear
Electric cars are becoming more popular,
but expensive batteries take the fun
out of driving. The automation industry
is therefore working on concepts for
low-cost battery production. 12
Sun-fuelled wings
Fuel prices have exploded and rising
costs are having an impact on air
travel. Environmentally-friendly forms
of propulsion are opening up new
perspectives for altitude fl ight with
renewable energy. 14