While fossil fuels are still contributing to the majority of the total global energy consumption, 2019 is sure to be an exciting year for renewable energy trends and clean tech. The renewable energy revolution is real with a number of countries, companies, and businesses onboard. Here we will discuss some of the top renewable energy trends to look out for the upcoming year.
solar energy panels and wind turbines
Energy Storage
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The mean focus for the past years has been the creation of green tech energy, but we must also focus on energy storage as it is the key to making green tech energy comparable to fossil fuel-based energy. Making sure you have an energy storage system installed with your renewable energy source will ensure a smooth supply of power under irregular conditions too.
The most common storage devices used are batteries and their use is increasing. There is an increasing decline in the cost of storage tech such as lithium-ion and flow batteries since the start of 2018 and we expect to see an increase in the research and deployment of energy storage over the next years. There has also been a significant increase in the demand of electric vehicles and aircraft. We are seeing cases of energy being re-used as is the case of the Caribbean island of Barbados (the world’s top users of electric cars) where old electric car batteries are being re-used.
Microgrids and AI
A microgrid is a small network of local energy grids that can operate independently while it is attached to a centralized national grid. They can make energy more affordable, efficient, and accessible. The use of microgrids along with AI can help to improve this setup. Companies are now making microgrids a commercially feasible option across Africa, Asia etc. The use of new software is allowing for quicker employment of such grids. XENDEE, a tech company located in San Diego is introducing a toolkit for microgrid design in partnership with WorleyParsons Group. Establishing microgrids in off-grid areas will help reduce costs and supply electricity to remote areas.
Energy Blockchain and IoT
A blockchain is a digital ledger in which transactions are made in cryptocurrency and recorded chronologically and publicly, but now we are seeing the use of blockchain technology in the energy market. Its use will help to reduce energy inequality and inefficiency for customers. Using the IoT with this distributed ledger technology will help our energy systems profoundly. Using the correct applications for devices to monitor the use of energy and optimize consumption can help improve the performance of such devices. An example of such a project is the Brooklyn Microgrid which involves a community-powered microgrid which uses blockchain tech to sell and buy power.
Grid Parity And Falling Costs
Grid parity refers to an alternative energy source which can generate power at a levelized cost that is cheaper than purchasing power from the electricity grid. We use this most commonly in reference to renewable energy sources particularly solar and wind power. The aim is more modular, consumer-driven and evenly distributed power generation with the help of blockchain, AI and modern automation tech. Not to mention these systems are more efficient and cost-effective and are preferable over fossil fuel powered energy systems.
Big Commitments
There is an increase in the number of companies, cities, and countries which are adopting climate action plans in order to reduce global warming and climate change. A worldwide report showed that over 100 cities have reported having 70% renewable energy production while over 40 are using 100% renewable energy production. At the same time, nearly 158 companies have committed to 100% renewable resources.
Energy Access Advances in Developing Countries
At the same time, we cannot ignore the increase in world population while the majority still do not have access to electricity. The aim is to provide energy to all in a cost-effective way. Millions of people in developing countries are still relying on primitive ways of getting energy or on expensive sources of energy. However, with changes in the energy market, we can target these issues effectively.
