Pagg.351/364 THE STATE AND PERSPECTlYES OF RESEARCH IN THE ENERGY FIELD

Energy research has presently relatively high priority, parncularlv at this moment because of the global warming consequences. It IS funded/conducted at a lower level of intensity than il was in the decade followmg 1973, when it was motivated from the grass roots due to quasi-scientific predictions 01 i mrmne nt depletion of fluid fuels resources by the very beginning of the 21 st century, anxiety of dependence on hosttle, and unreliable orl suppliers. The sense of urgency in energy research is lower because of successful energy conservation improvements, relatively low fluid fossil fuel prices, reasonable rehabrlity of the fossil fuel supply, and assessments of availability of fossil fuels until late in this century, A most worrisome consequence is the decimation of research programs in alternative energy resources, from solar to nuclear, especially in the U.S. Current R&D efforts and budgets in the main energy resources and technologies. and prormsmg areas outside of the mainstream, such as nncropower and power from space. are reviewed and assessed. 1