Technologies For The Year 2000

Enhanced communications in the year 2000 will have sufficient impact on portable power needs. Portable communication equipment will most likely be widespread in use and transmission locations, and rich in transmission options. Power requirements for portable telecommunications equipment will require high-energy rechargeable batteries. New systems would improve energy and life. Several types of consumer electronic devices already use solar photovoltaic primary power sources to run calculators and watches. With continued reduction in power needs for electronic equipment, the scope for solar power as a prime source will widen and enhance the photovoltaic acceptance "window". Continued and perhaps accelerated R&D in photovoltaics with battery backup is a likely scenario. Materials science in the next century should be challenging and could lead to the development of "designer" molecules and materials with specific properties appropriate to energy storage and conversion R&D.