Climate tech: What happens next in energy
Climate change is one of today’s defining issues, and the possibilities for climate tech innovation are limitless.
We joined the fabulous Future Today Institute (FTI) to hear their climate tech predictions for 2023.
In the EU, wind and solar produced more electricity than gas in 2022 for the first time. Major legislation that supports clean energy has been adopted. We’ve seen significant progress, but there’s a long way to go.
Their annual research has been downloaded over 1 million times, so we always pay close attention. Here’s what we learnt.
Key takeaways
Customers are sourcing greener energy from both a sustainable and cost perspective.
Energy investment has accelerated due to global crises and the climate challenge.
How we transport and store energy, not just collect it, is critical to scale and adoption. Infrastructure and fundamental grid modernisation are crucial, yet development in this space is slower.
Solar and wind are getting the most support and are predicted (and the obvious choice!) to be closest to mass adoption.
Exciting developments include Floating cities on building squares that have a dual purpose. Microbeams and laser waves from space are being used. Alaska Airlines is testing repurposing water and materials to fuel commercial air travel.
The lack of qualified workers poses a threat. Roles will become more specialised, leading to a talent gap needed to meet a climate-resilient future.
Organisations must think about how they create new products and new access.
We must consider possible watch-outs for new innovations. For example, do offshore wind turbines affect sea life? Do new energy transport forms cause cancer? Note: The National Cancer Institute has not found evidence of this.
Key themes
1. Perovskite cells help amplify the momentum of solar energy
Traditional cells use silicone. Perovskite cells convert more energy, with several advantages: cheaper manufacturing, transparency, and lighter weight. This helps energy efficiency, i.e. the amount of solar energy converted.
Why this matters: They can expand applications and different uses as they are portable and flexible enough for smaller electronics and clothing.
2. Cold from outer space also provides more energy
Thermal electronic technology can complement solar panels and other power sources. Radiative cooling makes solar a more constant energy source, stabilising the grid and energy price.
Why this matters: In 2022, this could provide 50 milliwatts, enough to power an LED lightbulb at 10% of its power. The future hope is that this technology will provide energy for things like street lights (they don’t use batteries) and power off-grid sources.
3. Wind positioned to provide clean energy to urban centres
Offshore floating wind turbines mean wind is stronger and more consistent. It reduces visual impact for residents and opens up new geographical areas for installation.
The Biden administration increased its target by 2055 from 2022. The UK has the largest number of off-wind projects, and Scotland is building the world’s biggest.
Why this matters: Many large cities are nearby, potentially reducing energy costs.
4. Bladess wind turbines
These towers have wind pass through the magnets, creating a vortex. They achieve higher energy efficiency levels (60-45%) than other wind turbines. They’re also less expensive and quieter, reducing the impact on wildlife.
The focus is on making it usable on residential rooftops and across different conditions.
Why this matters: This technology makes businesses and consumers energy-independent. It also makes wind a viable energy source in residential and wildlife areas.
5. Supercritical geothermal
In 2022, a new drilling method vaporises rocks dug 20 meters deep to reach hot temperatures, supercritical liquids, and highly concentrated energy deep in the Earth. The first plant is due to be launched in six years. Another project in Oregon could provide power for 3 million homes. Upfront costs are high, and there is a potential earthquake risk.
Why this matters: The energy density is exceptionally high and clean. This could provide a limitless energy supply because it’s accessible from anywhere.
6. Hydrogen cost production is reducing
Innovation in green production could lead to less expensive, more efficient fuel. This is significant as not all hydrogen forms are clean, i.e., the use of fossil fuels and traditional costs and infrastructure have been a hindrance.
This can power multiple applications and balance the grid. In 2022, it got policy support; nine countries (30% of energy emissions) adopted it, and now it’s in 26 countries.
Why this matters: Decreased costs make this a viable alternative to fossil files in transport. It can also increase trade and help lower-middle-income countries from an export perspective.
7. Biofuels from hemp and algae
New base materials and feeding grounds are being investigated, reducing production costs and making it a competitive alternative to fossil fuel. In 2022, it got policy attention.
Algae grow fast and on non-arable land, competing with food production. Hemp produces more energy than other crops and is cheaper. Although expensive, UK researchers have tested coffee grounds to fuel algae production.
Why this matters: This could be a great alternative if production costs are lowered.
8. Fossil fuel innovation reduces contaminated lands and is repurposed for renewable energy development.
These areas have the infrastructure, and cheaper permits make them attractive for development. In 2022, the US identified 1000 sites for repurposing, making investment available.
Why this matters: This could provide employment where job security is low.
9. Fusion power could create a virtually limitless source of environmentally friendly energy
This new nuclear power mimics the power of stars by jamming/fusing elements to create a heavier one. This could break even energy generation. There’s still ground to cover, plus it’s a polarising topic.
Why this matters: In 2023, scientists achieved this for the first time.
10. New energy production from thin air and kinetic power
Researchers in Singapore have created a device that harnesses air moisture to produce energy. There is also traction in kinetic motion. Special pavements can absorb energy from footprints. A town in Italy powered its local Christmas tree when Russia cut off its local energy supplier.
Why this matters: It could be used to power wearables. Even dancing could have a dual purpose.
11. Alternatives to minerals and rare Earth are being found
Tetrataenite 2.0, found in meteorites, can reduce the need for rare elements mining and its damaging effects.
Why this matters: It also helps with energy production.
12. Iron batteries help with energy storage
It is made from iron soaked in saltwater. It can store energy for up to 100 hours, making it great for solar and wind applications. They cost less and are more durable, providing a safe alternative.
Why this matters: Services can still operate when transmissions are blocked.
12. Energy transport has significant advances on Earth and beyond our planet
An Airbus demonstration showed space-based solar power. One panel could provide energy to more than 1 million homes and help achieve Net Zero by 2050.
On Earth, ultra-high-voltage power lines can also help. In China, hydroelectric power is transported across the country and time zones. They are increasing capacity in the US, so rural areas supply metropolitan ones.
Why this matters: This technology could enable solar panels to capture unlimited energy and transmit it to Earth.
13. Microgrids can supply energy when other forms are offline.
Sectioning off the electric grids into smaller unlimited microgrids prevents outages.
Why this matters: In 2021, Texas University never lost power because it had access to a microgrid.