On the basis of quantum physics, German physicist Hans-Peter Dürr (*1929) argued that various, unequal energy forms existed. He also drew on the thermodynamic insight that energy is not consumed, but converted—for example, from electric into thermal energy. These transformations are accompanied by a deterioration of energy quality. For this reason, Dürr argued that systems should be made to use the highest quality of energy and should increasingly harvest energy from renewable sources—fundamentally new thinking at the time. For his commitment to increasing the use of renewable energies, Dürr received the Right Livelihood Award in 1987. Moreover, he was the German representative of the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs, an international organization that was honored with the Nobel Peace Prize in 1995.
- Smil, Vaclav. Energy at the Crossroads: Global Perspectives and Uncertainties. Cambridge: MIT Press, 2005.