Efficient use of energy

Abstract

Energy, it is becoming increasingly clear, is a precious commodity. Efforts are underway worldwide to seek new energy sources, to extend and conserve existing sources, and to educate consumers toward more intelligent use of the sources we have. We of this APS Study Group have been looking into the special contributions physics can make in the particular area of conservation by improved efficiency of energy‐consuming devices. Here we present a brief summary of our report (see box on page 24). We have limited ourselves almost entirely to an analysis of the technical components of energy use,¹ rather than the regulatory, economic and persuasive tools that may be brought to bear on energy conservation²; our intention is to point out areas where scientists and engineers may contribute to the invention or improvement of the technical structure of the energy economy so as to provide new options, new opportunities and a more flexible basis for choice. (A listing of selected research opportunities appears on pages 32–33.)