Future of Green Energy Technologies
Southeast Asia is actively working towards reducing emissions and increasing renewable energy usage. The region aims to achieve a 33% reduction in emissions by 2030, but there are challenges such as high capital costs and market constraints. However, collaborative efforts among Southeast Asian countries, comprehensive plans, and scaling up proven solutions can attract significant investments and create millions of new jobs while increasing renewable energy usage.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts a significant rise in renewable energy capacity in 2023. The renewable energy sector is expected to see a 33% increase in capacity, contributing to the global transition towards cleaner energy sources. This expansion indicates the growing importance of renewable energy in meeting global energy demands.
Giving impetus to the above efforts are Transformative Green Energy Technologies with innovative solutions that have the potential to revolutionize the energy sector by addressing the challenges of climate change, environmental degradation, and energy security. These technologies not only aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also offer sustainable alternatives to conventional energy sources.
Listed here are a few transformative green energy technologies:
- Renewable Energy from Organic Waste
- Community Level Green Energy Projects
- Reducing the cost of Hydrogen production
- Energy Generating Windows
- Heat-Retaining Pavements and Carbon-Intensive Roads
- Advanced Energy Storage Solutions.
Lets understand these in a little more detail to grasp the science behind these green technologies.
Renewable Energy from Organic Waste
Converting organic waste into energy involves a process called anaerobic digestion. In simple terms, it’s like a natural recycling process that happens without oxygen. Here’s how it works:
Collection and Preparation: Organic waste, such as food scraps, agricultural residues, or sewage sludge, is collected and transported to a facility designed for anaerobic digestion. Before the process begins, the waste is typically sorted and any non-organic materials, like plastic, are removed.
Anaerobic Digestion: The organic waste is placed in a sealed tank called a digester, where microorganisms break it down in the absence of oxygen. These microorganisms, called anaerobic bacteria, break down the waste through a series of biochemical reactions.
Biogas Production: As the waste decomposes, it produces a mixture of gases called biogas, primarily composed of methane and carbon dioxide. This biogas is captured and collected from the digester.
Energy Generation: The collected biogas can be used as a fuel source to generate electricity and heat. It can be burned directly in an engine or a turbine to produce electricity, or it can be used as a fuel for heating applications, such as space heating or water heating.
Now, let’s understand why energy from organic waste is called renewable energy:
Energy from organic waste is considered renewable because the organic waste itself comes from renewable sources, such as plants, animals, and their byproducts. These sources can be continuously replenished through natural processes, such as agriculture and forestry. As long as there is a steady supply of organic waste, we can continue to generate energy from it.
Additionally, when organic waste decomposes naturally, it releases greenhouse gases like methane, which is a potent contributor to climate change. By capturing and utilizing the biogas produced during the anaerobic digestion process, we can prevent these greenhouse gases from being released into the atmosphere. This helps reduce the environmental impact and contributes to mitigating climate change.
Thus we see, converting organic waste into energy through anaerobic digestion is a sustainable process that harnesses the natural decomposition of organic materials to produce biogas, which can be used as a renewable energy source. By utilizing this energy, we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, minimize waste, and contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable energy system.
A very nice article “Here’s how food waste can generate clean energy” written by Mr.Salvador Escobedo Salas at “The Coversation” is interesting and relevant to this topic on energy from organic waste.
Community Level Renewable Energy Projects
Promoting community-level renewable energy projects has the potential to bring about significant positive changes in the transition to clean energy worldwide. Here are some elaborations and examples highlighting the importance of these projects:
Rapid Scaling of Clean Energy:
Community-level renewable energy projects, such as community solar, wind farms, or microgrids, empower local communities to generate their own clean energy. These projects can rapidly scale up the usage of renewable energy by involving a larger number of individuals and communities in the generation and consumption of clean power. As more communities adopt renewable energy projects, the overall reliance on fossil fuels decreases, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable energy landscape.
Decentralization of Climate Action:
By promoting community-level renewable energy projects, the fight against global warming and climate change can be decentralized. Traditionally, energy production has been centralized, with large power plants supplying electricity to distant areas. However, community-level projects decentralize energy production by enabling local communities to generate energy close to the point of consumption. This reduces transmission losses and increases energy efficiency while mitigating the environmental impact associated with long-distance energy transmission.
Replication of Success Stories:
Success stories of community-level renewable energy projects serve as valuable examples that can be replicated in other regions and countries. Learning from these success stories helps identify effective models, strategies, and best practices for setting up and managing similar projects. Governments, organizations, and communities should prioritize sharing knowledge and experiences to facilitate the replication of successful community-level renewable energy initiatives.
Equal Priority to Research and Implementation:
While research and development of new technologies in the green energy field are crucial, equal priority should be given to the implementation of community-level renewable energy projects. Investing in the deployment and management of these projects can yield immediate results in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing energy access, and fostering sustainable development. Balancing research with practical implementation ensures a holistic approach to tackling climate change and accelerating the transition to clean energy.
Some successful community-level renewable energy projects worldwide include:
Denmark’s wind energy cooperatives:
Denmark has a strong tradition of community-based wind energy cooperatives, where local residents invest in and collectively own wind turbines. These cooperatives have played a significant role in Denmark’s renewable energy transition and have inspired similar models in other countries.
Community solar projects in the United States:
Community solar initiatives allow individuals or businesses to purchase or lease shares in a solar installation, receiving credit for the clean energy generated. These projects enable communities to access solar power even if they are unable to install panels on their own properties.
Rural electrification programs in developing countries:
Various initiatives aim to bring electricity to remote rural areas in developing countries through community-level renewable energy projects. For example, microgrids powered by solar or small-scale hydropower systems are established to provide clean energy access to communities that are not connected to the main grid.
These examples demonstrate the effectiveness of community-level renewable energy projects in diversifying energy sources, engaging local communities, and fostering sustainable development. By replicating such success stories and giving equal importance to their implementation, we can accelerate the global adoption of clean energy and contribute to mitigating climate change.
Here are three well-known success stories of community-level renewable energy projects along with the countries and cities where they were executed:
Community-Owned Wind Farm in Australia at Hepburn Springs, Victoria:
Hepburn Wind is Australia’s first community-owned wind farm. It is located in Hepburn Springs, Victoria, and consists of two wind turbines. The project was initiated and developed by the local community to generate clean and sustainable energy, reduce carbon emissions, and provide economic benefits to the region. Hepburn Wind serves as an inspiring example of community-driven renewable energy initiatives in Australia.
Community Power Hubs in Australia in Ballarat, Bendigo, and Latrobe Valley, Victoria
Community Power Hubs have been established in several cities in Victoria, Australia, including Ballarat, Bendigo, and the Latrobe Valley. These hubs are community-led initiatives that aim to maximize local ownership of renewable energy projects, generate employment opportunities, address climate change, and meet local energy needs. The hubs support the development of various community energy projects, such as solar installations and energy efficiency initiatives, enabling local communities to actively participate in the clean energy transition.
Google’s Community Solar Projects at various communities across North America:
Google has embarked on an ambitious initiative to develop a 500MW solar portfolio across 80 communities in North America. These community solar projects are designed to benefit low-income neighborhoods and promote the adoption of renewable energy in local communities. By partnering with local stakeholders and investing in solar energy installations, Google aims to increase access to clean energy and contribute to sustainability efforts.
These success stories demonstrate the power of community-level renewable energy projects in driving sustainable development, reducing carbon emissions, and fostering local ownership and engagement in the clean energy transition.
Reducing The Cost of Hydrogen Production
Scientists are actively working on reducing the cost of producing hydrogen for use as renewable energy.
Read about the progress and approaches towards reducing cost of hydrogen production:
Development of Alternative Catalysts:
One way to reduce the cost of hydrogen production is by finding alternative catalysts that are more abundant and less expensive than the precious metals currently used, such as platinum and iridium. Researchers at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) have developed a technology that replaces expensive rare metals with low-cost iron nitride in the electrode protection layer of polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolysis devices. By coating a small amount of iridium catalyst on top, they have achieved similar performance and durability while reducing the amount of iridium catalyst to 10% of the current level.
Understanding Reaction Mechanisms: Scientists are studying the reaction mechanisms of water-splitting catalysts to gain insights that can contribute to more efficient and cost-effective hydrogen production. Researchers from the University of Kansas and Brookhaven National Laboratory have made progress in understanding the reaction mechanism of a catalyst based on a pentamethylcyclopentadienyl rhodium complex. This understanding can lead to improvements in catalyst design and help produce pure hydrogen without relying on fossil fuels.
These advancements in catalyst development and reaction mechanism understanding contribute to reducing the cost of hydrogen production. By utilizing alternative catalysts and gaining insights into reaction mechanisms, scientists aim to make hydrogen a more economically viable option for renewable energy.
Mr.Patrick Fortin at #SINTEF has written an in-depth article under the heading “How to reduce the costs of green hydrogen production?”. A must read to learn more of the latest developments in this regard.
Energy-Generating Windows using Transparent Solar Cells:
Imagine a regular window that allows natural light to enter a room. Now, picture this window with a special feature: transparent solar cells integrated into its surface. These solar cells are made of a material that can capture sunlight and convert it into electricity, just like traditional solar panels.
The key difference is that these solar cells are designed to be transparent, allowing most of the light to pass through the window while still generating electricity. They achieve this transparency by using innovative materials and technologies.
When sunlight hits the transparent solar cells on the window, the cells absorb some of the light energy. Inside these cells, there are tiny particles or materials that can convert this light energy into electrical energy. This process is called photovoltaic conversion.
The electrical energy produced by the solar cells can be used to power various devices and appliances within the building. It can be connected to the building’s electrical system, reducing the need for energy from the grid and saving money on electricity bills.
These energy-generating windows have several advantages. Firstly, they enable buildings to generate their own clean and renewable energy from sunlight, reducing their environmental impact. Secondly, they can help buildings become more self-sufficient in terms of energy, reducing reliance on the electrical grid.
Moreover, energy-generating windows offer aesthetic and architectural benefits. They can seamlessly blend into the design of a building, providing a visually appealing and functional solution. Additionally, by allowing natural light to enter the building while generating electricity, they can contribute to energy-efficient lighting and reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day.
The technology behind energy-generating windows is constantly evolving. Researchers and engineers are working on improving the efficiency of transparent solar cells, making them more effective at capturing sunlight and generating electricity. They are also exploring ways to optimize the transparency of these cells so that they can be seamlessly integrated into windows without compromising the view.
By harnessing the power of the sun through transparent solar cells in windows, buildings can become more sustainable, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly.
The latest developments on “energy-generating windows, utilizing transparent solar cells to generate electricity from sunlight” indicate promising advancements in this field. Two notable instances where transparent solar cells have been used are:
One Angel Square – Manchester, United Kingdom
One Angel Square, the headquarters of the Co-operative Group in Manchester, UK, features energy-generating windows. The building the incorporates transparent solar cells within its glazed facade, allowing sunlight to pass through while capturing solar energy and converting it into electricity. This innovative design contributes to the building’s energy self-sufficiency and reduces its reliance on the electrical grid. One Angel Square is an example of how transparent solar panels can be integrated into the architecture of a public building, blending functionality and sustainability.
The Edge – Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Edge, a sustainable office building located in Amsterdam, incorporates energy-generating windows utilizing transparent solar cells. These windows are designed to harvest sunlight and convert it into electricity to power the building. The Edge is renowned for its innovative and sustainable features, and the integration of transparent solar panels into its windows exemplifies the building’s commitment to energy efficiency and renewable energy. It showcases how transparent solar technology can be implemented in public buildings to enhance their energy performance and reduce their environmental impact.
These examples demonstrate the practical application of energy-generating windows with transparent solar cells in real-world settings. While there may be other buildings worldwide utilizing this technology, these two cases highlight the use of transparent solar panels in public buildings, promoting energy efficiency and sustainability.
Heat-Retaining Pavements and Carbon-Intensive Roads
Heat-retaining pavements refer to a type of pavement or road surface that has properties to retain heat. These pavements are designed to absorb and store heat from sunlight or other heat sources, such as vehicles and buildings. The stored heat is then slowly released back into the surroundings, contributing to increased temperatures in the vicinity. Heat-retaining pavements are typically made using materials that have high thermal conductivity and heat capacity, allowing them to effectively absorb and retain thermal energy.
On the other hand, carbon-intensive roads are roads or pavements that have a significant carbon footprint throughout their life cycle. The term “carbon-intensive” refers to the high amount of greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2), associated with the production, maintenance, and use of these roads. Carbon-intensive roads are often constructed using materials and processes that consume a large amount of energy and release substantial CO2 emissions, such as traditional asphalt production and transportation.
The development and use of heat-retaining pavements and the focus on reducing carbon-intensive roads are important considerations in sustainable urban planning and the mitigation of climate change impacts. Efforts are being made to develop innovative pavement technologies that can minimize heat absorption and retention, as well as promote the use of more environmentally friendly materials and construction methods for roads to reduce their carbon footprint.
By implementing strategies like permeable pavements, green infrastructure, and cool pavements, cities can mitigate the urban heat island effect, which is the phenomenon of increased temperatures in urban areas compared to surrounding rural areas. These strategies aim to improve heat dissipation, reduce energy consumption for cooling, and create more comfortable and sustainable urban environments.
Overall, the concept of heat-retaining pavements and carbon-intensive roads relates to the design, materials, and environmental impact of road surfaces, highlighting the importance of considering sustainable alternatives that minimize heat absorption, promote energy efficiency, and reduce carbon emissions in the construction and maintenance of roads.
Advanced Energy Storage Solutions:
Advanced energy storage solutions, including specialized innovative batteries, have made significant progress in recent years. These technologies are vital for addressing the challenges of integrating renewable energy sources into the grid, enhancing grid stability, reducing price volatility, and ensuring a reliable and sustainable energy supply.
One notable example of such progress is the Hornsdale Power Reserve (HPR) in South Australia, created in collaboration with Elon Musk’s company, Tesla.
The HPR is a battery energy storage system that combines Tesla’s lithium-ion batteries with Neoen’s renewable power generation capabilities. In 2023, Neoen completed a 50-megawatt (MW) expansion of the facility, adding a 50-MW/64.5-megawatt-hour (MWh) battery to the existing 100-MW/129-MWh system. The project aims to enhance grid stabilization capabilities, reduce price volatility, and minimize blackout risks. The HPR has already demonstrated its effectiveness by saving over AUD 150 million in its first two years of operation. This success highlights the potential of advanced energy storage solutions in transforming the energy landscape.
In addition to the HPR, various other advancements have been made in energy storage technologies. Chinese researchers have proposed a hybrid solid gravity energy storage system (HGES) that combines gravity energy storage with power-based storage solutions like batteries and supercapacitors. The HGES aims to overcome technical challenges associated with gravity energy storage and provide the advantages of multiple technologies in one solution. This hybrid approach has shown promising results in terms of improved response speed and potential efficiencies over 80%, especially in distribution and transmission grids.
Siemens Energy offers BlueVault™ energy storage solutions that utilize advanced lithium-ion batteries to enable reliable and cost-efficient renewable power. These solutions promote on-demand, dispatchable power, optimize on-site power sources, capitalize on peak loads, increase flexibility of conventional power plants, and improve energy supply security. Siemens Energy’s storage solutions, such as BlueVault™, contribute to the decarbonization of energy systems and support the efficient and green operation of marine and offshore assets. Collaborations with companies like Maersk Drilling and Equinor demonstrate the implementation of battery storage to achieve savings, sustainability, and emission reduction goals. Siemens Energy’s battery storage systems have been deployed in various projects worldwide, serving purposes such as black-start capabilities, power reserve for frequency response, and emissions reduction.
Australia is also investing in research and development to become a global leader in battery technology. The Australian Research Council (ARC) Research Hub, led by Professor Ying Chen from Deakin University, aims to develop safe and reliable energy storage and conversion technologies. The research focuses on enhancing safety, reliability, and environmental sustainability in energy storage and conversion, with an emphasis on all solid-state batteries and aqueous-based rechargeable batteries. The collaboration involves multiple universities and industry partners, aiming to promote the commercialization of renewable energy technologies and drive economic growth.
Looking ahead, advanced energy storage solutions like specialized innovative batteries will continue to play a crucial role in the future of energy systems. They will enable efficient integration of renewable energy sources, enhance grid stability, facilitate the electrification of transportation, and support the growth of distributed energy resources. These technologies will contribute to the decarbonization of energy systems, promote sustainability, and ensure a reliable and resilient energy supply.
There are many more examples that highlight the ongoing advancements and efforts in the green energy sector, demonstrating the potential for a cleaner, safer, and healthier planet.
Companies like 3R-Cycle, that is developing a new methods of recycling rare earth metals from waste.Also ElectraWise, a company that specializes in advanced software solutions for commercial and industrial entities. This smart energy management technologies will lead to increase in energy efficiency. Then there companies like Carbon Clean Solutions that focus on carbon capture, utilization and storage technologies.They develop and implement advanced solutions to capture carbon dioxide emissions from industrial processes, reducing the environmental impact of various sectors, including power generation, manufacturing, and refining.
Likewise Purpose Energy, Common Energy, Hydrogen One, Next Energy Technologies, KLAW Industries and ReGen Power Systems are a few other green energy technology companies working in this very important field.
These companies represent diverse areas of innovation and technology within the renewable energy sector, contributing to the development of cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.
Let us hope, that these innovative new technologies will gradually replace conventional energy sources leading the drive to combat climate change, protect the environment, improve air quality, enhance energy security, seize economic opportunities, drive technological advancement, and promote sustainable development. By embracing these technologies, we can address the root causes of global warming and climate change while building a more resilient, sustainable, and prosperous future for generations to come.
