Have you ever wondered what the future of energy awaits us in the future (not so distant). Think of fossil fuels as oil, coal or natural gas as the main source of energy is to imagine that the energy transition will never come.
However, in the near future, it will be renewable energies and other energy sources that will dominate the world. Among the renewable energies that will be most abundant is the solar, given that its environmental costs are lower and economic, although to a lesser extent, too. What technologies will help us supply the world with energy?
New forms of energy
Scientists work on how to improve power generation to replace fossil fuels. Non-polluting, abundant, low-cost, high-performance forms of energy. While waiting for the way to generate energy through nuclear fusion, the possibilities of photovoltaic generation are presented as the most viable alternative to minimize greenhouse gas emissions produced by fossil fuels.
As for photovoltaics, this has already improved in terms of efficiency and performance, which has reduced its costs considerably. This advance in solar energy is allowing it to be implemented more in the construction of infrastructures such as buildings that integrate solar windows and solar roofs.
On the other hand, in nuclear power plants energy is created from nuclear fission. That is, the energy that is released by breaking molecules and separating atoms. However, on the other hand, nuclear fusion is found. In this process, atoms join together to form molecules, generating energy. This occurs naturally in the Sun, but extremely high temperatures are needed for it to occur, which is why current research is focused on how to reproduce it safely and efficiently on Earth.
Energy possibilities
The planet cannot bear that we continue to burn oil and gas at the maddening rate that we do today. Due to the large emissions of greenhouse gases that are discharged into the atmosphere, global warming is taking place that leads to a climate change which is causing devastating effects on the entire planet.
Currently, electricity consumers can generate their own energy or part of it, since we can choose between the different sources of renewable energy that exist and choose the one that best suits our needs and time. This is called distributive generation and refers to the possibility of producing electricity in the closest possible places to where that energy will be used.
This type of energy generation clashes with the interests of large corporations and the revenue-raising ambitions of some governments. Despite this, it is recognised as one of the most intelligent and useful strategies for reducing the current dependence on fossil fuels in the medium term.
Photovoltaic and wind energy They are the most efficient and the easiest to promote. This model, which is already beginning to be implemented in some parts of the world, has advantages such as avoiding the enormous costs generated by the production of energy in large power plants, reducing energy losses in distribution systems and, above all, minimising environmental pollution.
The Internet of Things
Today, thanks to the Internet of Things, all our electronic devices and services are connected. This is a great boost for all users to be able to control and monitor their own electricity production as if it were their own power plant.
In our country we are used to turning on the light by simply pressing a switch. The ease with which we acquire light makes us forget that, for other countries and other people in the world, It is not so easy and that we are privileged. But this option of the distributive generation is also an extraordinary opportunity for the more than 1.200 million people in the world who still live without having access to a simple plug.
This is why we are trying to continue researching new energy sources, since they will be able to overcome the energy gap of fossil fuels and heal the wounds we have inflicted on the planet. It is crucial to stop climate change and continue towards an energy transition where renewable energies take priority.
Technological innovations in renewable energy
The development of technology is allowing new forms of renewable energy to become more competitive. For example, solar energy has reduced its costs by more than 85% since 2010, while onshore wind energy has decreased by 56%. Globally, solar energy is even being integrated into city infrastructures, with solar windows and roofs on buildings, a sign that exponential growth in its implementation is expected.
Offshore wind energy, on the other hand, is also seeing great advances. Countries such as Denmark and Germany are already installing large offshore wind farms that generate enough electricity to power entire cities. Wind turbines are becoming larger and more efficient, able to generate more electricity even in harsh weather conditions.
Globally, renewable energy is expected to account for 2030% of energy supply by 65, up from 29% today. This will be key to limiting global greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the most devastating effects of climate change.
Renewable energy storage
One of the biggest barriers to the widespread use of renewable energy has been the problem of storage. In recent years, however, there has been a lot of progress in solutions such as lithium batteries or the implementation of systems such as green hydrogen. Batteries make it possible to store excess energy produced on sunny or windy days and use it when production is lower.
Another important development has been the development of green hydrogen storage systems. This involves using renewable electricity to separate hydrogen from water, which can then be stored and used as fuel when needed. This type of technology will be instrumental in reducing dependence on fossil fuels in industries and sectors such as transport.
The future of energy lies in the massive implementation of renewable technologies and improved storage systems. This process is advancing rapidly, and in a matter of decades, most of our energy will be clean and sustainable.