Top 10 Cleantech Breakthroughs
1. Algae biofuels:
Algae biofuels have been hyped for years as a potentially cleaner and more efficient alternative to traditional fossil fuels. But the technology has yet to live up to its potential.
That may be changing, however, as a number of companies are making significant progress in developing efficient algae-based biofuel production processes. If they can scale up their operations, algae biofuels could play a major role in helping to decarbonize the transportation sector.
2. Carbon capture and storage:
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology is designed to capture carbon dioxide emissions from power plants and other industrial facilities, and then store them underground so they don’t contribute to climate change.
CCS has been slow to take off, due in part to the high cost of the technology. But a number of new projects are underway that could help make CCS more economically viable. If successful, these projects could pave the way for large-scale deployment of CCS, which would be a major boon for efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Electric vehicles:
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular, thanks to their environmental benefits and the declining cost of batteries. But range anxiety—the fear that an EV will run out of juice before reaching its destination—remains a major barrier to wider adoption.
Fortunately, some companies are working on solutions to this problem. One promising approach is to develop a network of high-speed charging stations that can quickly recharge an EV’s batteries. If successful, this could help quell range anxiety and accelerate the shift to electric vehicles.
4. Solar photovoltaics:
Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology converts sunlight into electricity, and it has been one of the fastest-growing forms of renewable energy in recent years. But the high cost of PV panels has been a major barrier to wider adoption.
That may be changing, however, as a number of companies are working on new ways to lower the cost of PV panels. If they are successful, solar PV could become a much more important player in the global energy mix.
5. Pyrolysis oil:
Pyrolysis oil is a type of fuel produced by heating biomass in the absence of oxygen. It can be used in place of fossil fuels in a number of applications, and it has the potential to be a cleaner and more sustainable source of energy.
However, pyrolysis oil is not yet widely available, due in part to the lack of infrastructure for its production and distribution. But that may change in the future, as a number of companies are working on developing this technology.
6. Wind energy:
Wind energy is one of the most promising forms of renewable energy, but it has been held back by a number of challenges, including the high cost of turbines and the difficulty of integrating wind energy into the grid.
Fortunately, there has been significant progress on both fronts in recent years. The cost of wind turbines has come down sharply, and a number of new technologies are making it easier to integrate wind energy into the grid. As a result, wind energy is becoming increasingly competitive with other forms of energy, and its future looks bright.
7. Marine energy:
Marine energy refers to the energy of waves, tides, and currents in the ocean. It is a vast and untapped source of renewable energy, and it has the potential to play a major role in the global energy mix.
However, marine energy is still in its infancy, and there are a number of challenges that need to be addressed before it can be widely deployed. But if these challenges can be overcome, marine energy could become a major player in the fight against climate change.
8. Cost-effective desalination process
Desalination is a process that removes salt from water, and it is increasingly being used to provide freshwater to coastal communities. However, the cost of desalination has been a major barrier to wider adoption.
A number of new technologies are emerging that could help make desalination more economically viable. If successful, these technologies could help provide clean water to millions of people who lack access to safe, potable water.
9. Building micro automation
Micro-automation is a form of automation that uses small, specialized robots to perform tasks that are traditionally done by human workers. This technology is already being used in a number of industries, and it has the potential to revolutionize the way we live and work.
One of the biggest challenges facing micro-automation is the high cost of robots. But as prices come down and the technology matures, micro-automation is likely to become increasingly widespread.
10. Zero-emission vehicles:
Zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) are vehicles that produce no emissions, and they are a key part of the fight against climate change. ZEVs include electric vehicles, fuel cell vehicles, and other clean vehicles.
The adoption of ZEVs has been slow, due in part to the high cost of the technology. But as prices come down and more countries adopt policies to promote ZEVs, their popularity is likely to increase.
The cleantech sector is full of promise, but it faces a number of challenges. But if these challenges can be overcome, cleantech could play a major role in the fight against climate change and help to create a more sustainable future.