Sooner or later, we have realized the damage we have caused to the environment with the excessive use of fossil fuels. Nowadays, innovations and advancements in the renewable energy sector are visible to repair this damage and find energy alternatives. According to a research report, 2022 is predicted to be the record year for wind and solar energy! Moreover, technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Blockchain are playing an important role. Here are four renewable energy trends to keep an on in 2022!
1. Green Hydrogen Energy
Hydrogen is available in abundance on our planet and produces negligible greenhouse gas emissions. Thus, Hydrogen is an excellent source of energy. The difficulty lies in the process to convert it into a form that can be used as fuel. Brown and Grey Hydrogen can be derived from coal and natural gas respectively, but the process emits greenhouse gases which makes it harmful to the environment.
Green Hydrogen is a process involving water and electrolysis making it eco-friendly. A lot of research and innovations are coming up such as the first Hydrogen-powered E-bike created by Dutch designers and an Australian startup in 2020. Many such upcoming hydrogen-powered automobiles are expected to be tested in 2022.
2. Bioenergy
There has been a significant push in recent years toward the production and utilization of bioenergy. Energy derived from biofuel or biomass has the capability to generate substantially more of the power needed by human society than it does today. International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) predicts that 20% of the total energy and 60% of the renewable energy will be from biomass. Wastes from farms, sewage waste from cargo ships, and biofuel cells will be used to produce bioenergy in a more efficient manner.
3. The Internet of Energy
Internet of Energy (IoE), similar to IoT is strongly related to the concept of energy decentralization – the transition to a more sustainable power infrastructure in which energy is used as near to the time and place where it is created as possible. Artificial intelligence will play a significant role in this, as will other emerging technology trends such as blockchain, which will enable transparent and secure trade and payment records. IoE will be a crucial aspect in the renewable energy sector to minimize loss of energy while transmission and making sure energy is available at the needed time and place.
4. Advanced Photovoltaics
Solar firms are integrating photovoltaic (PV) systems into every part of our surroundings, reducing the requirement for increased land use. As a result, trends such as integrated PV, floatovoltaics (floating solar), and agrivoltaics are emerging. Furthermore, entrepreneurs are working on thin-film cells to make solar panels more flexible, cost-effective, lightweight, and environmentally benign.
Emerging firms are developing solutions to concentrate solar power using mirrors and lenses to improve PV performance. These advancements are further complemented by photovoltaic designs that enable optimal efficiency and productivity. They work together to promote sustainability through recycling, using as few resources as possible, and using alternative materials. Advancement in Photovoltaics is going to be the key for the solar industry in 2022.
On An Ending Note
The world of renewable energy is witnessing an exciting phase filled with new research, challenges, and innovations. 2022 is definitely going to be a year of progress for green energy sources. We at Finulent Solutions are taking small steps towards Solar and helping you with Solar Designing. Get in touch with Finulent for Solar Designing right away.