There is no doubt that the emergence of renewable energy has revolutionized our world. It has driven awareness about serious issues like Global Warming and Climate Change. This awareness has led to both governments as well as normal human beings trying to take steps to make the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy.
In bringing about this change, the role that is being played by technology cannot be undermined. Few would have imagined that normal homes in small neighborhoods would be getting powered by solar energy a few years back. Or for that matter, EVs would be the next big thing thanks to the mass production of lithium-ion batteries.
In this resource article, we look at 5 major technologies that are changing the future of the renewable energy industry. However, before we go to the list of technologies, let us first look at what does renewable energy means.
Renewable Energy: Meaning and Definition
In very simple words, renewable energy is a form of energy that does not get depleted when used. It is also referred to as sustainable energy and is primarily drawn from sources of nature like the sun, water, natural gases, and wind. This is in stark contrast to traditional sources of energy like Fossil Fuels, which are and will always be in limited abundance.
Unlike Fossil Fuels that emit harmful carbon emissions, sources of renewable energy do not. This makes them cleaner for our planet, better for the environment, and healthier for human beings. Shifting from fossil fuels to renewable sources of energy is expected to turn back the clock on Global Warming and Climate Change.
With rising temperatures, melting glaciers, higher sea levels, unpredictable weather changes, scientists and environmentalists are calling for the transition to be carried out as fast as possible. This is the only way to reverse the damage and ensure the survival of our planet and its species.
The real challenge in this regard is making renewable energy affordable for mass adoption. It also needs to be backed by technology that can help in scaling up generation, supply, and distribution for all our energy needs, both personal as well as commercial. Governments the world over are trying to incentivize clean and green energy adoption by giving tax breaks.
List of 5 Major Technologies Changing the Future of Renewable Energy Industry
1. Power-to-X:
Unlike the name suggests, this is not a conspiracy theory of world domination. It is in fact, a new technology that aims to convert electricity into three different areas- synthetic fuels, heat energy, and hydrogen. This is a ground-breaking technology that can help reduce dependence on fossil fuels by shifting focus to synthetic ones. It can also help in effective storage solutions.
2. Distributed Generation Systems-
In recent years, several regions are experimenting with distributed generation. This helps in reducing the dependence on a centralized power grid and makes transmission and distribution very easy. It also helps in decreasing the reliability on grids and makes breakdowns a lesser possibility. This is being complemented with Smart Grids for more efficiency.
3. Green Appliances and Machines-
Some of the leading home appliance brands of our times are leaving no stone unturned when it comes to manufacturing solar-powered appliances. This is a great step in the right direction that can help in reducing electricity bills in domestic households. Many homes have started investing in appliances like solar air conditioners. If you wish to know more, view website.
4. Electrification-
Most European countries are trying to reduce their carbon footprint by aggressively shifting to electrification. This is not similar to the supply of electricity. It rather means creating assets and infrastructure that can shift and help the adoption of electric energy. For example, installing EV Recharging Stations in public places can be considered as a move towards Electrification.
5. Battery Technology-
While a lot of us already know about Lithium-Ion batteries and how they have been able to revolutionize the auto industry, other innovations in the battery world are also taking place. Scientists at Harvard are working on Flow Batteries that can help in efficient storage of the power that is generated from Windmills and Solar Panels. This can help in better storage and distribution.
The Bottom Line
In the last few years, strong private corporations like Google, Apple, and Microsoft have made their commitments clear to the area of renewables. While some governments are actively trying to make the transition, others are yet to take issues like Global Warming and Climate Change seriously in nature. Technological advancements are playing a key role in making the move towards renewable energy cleaner, faster, and more affordable.
