In its 2023 energy transition report, the World Economic Forum, an independent international organization and think tank committed to improving the state of the world, reports that while 95% of countries have improved their total Energy Transition Index score over the past decade, there has been only “marginal growth” since 2020. The WEF also stressed that fast and effective renewable energy innovation will be critical to meet the long-term climate goal of reducing current greenhouse gas emissions in half by the year 2030.
Blymyer keeps close watch on the latest developments in renewable energy and shares knowledge about new innovations with clients. Here’s a brief summary for some of the exciting new technologies we’ve uncovered.
Turbine-solar panels
A French company, Unéole, has invented an easy-to-install solar panel that generates sun and wind power in a single unit. Designed for use on the flat roof tops of offices and apartment buildings, this solution has been shown to produce 40 percent more energy than a pure solar panel and generate power 24 hours a day.
A new wind turbine
An American start-up, Aeromine, is proving that massive turbines are not required for wind power. The company has developed a turbine solution that measures only 3 meters in diameter. The system has no external moving parts, and uses aerodynamic fins to guide the natural airflow in front of a building to generate 50 percent more power than other sustainable options, according to the company’s estimates.
Solar water canals
To address the chronic drought situation in California, start-up SolarAquaGrid is investigating a solution for the state’s open canal water distribution system—installing a roof of solar panels over the canals to generate power and reduce evaporation. If this approach works—and all 3976.776 miles of the state’s canals are fitted with solar roofs—it has the potential to save 283 billion liters of water a year and generate enough power for 9.4 million homes.
Solar panel windows
California-based Ubiquitous Technology is attempting to revolutionize solar power generation with a new solar panel window capable of generating up to 30 percent of a building’s power needs. The glass in the window pane is treated to absorb and convert invisible ultraviolet and infrared light into electricity.
Hydropanels
An off-grid hydropanel that can turn air into water—and address the water scarcity faced by many countries around the globe—is a new invention developed by the U.S. start-up Source. Fans inside the panel pull water vapor from the air and convert it to liquid water that can be mineralized and made ready for use as drinking water. According to the company’s estimates, one hydropanel has the potential to eliminate the need for 54,000 single-use plastic water bottles over a 15-year lifespace.
Solar photovoltaic (PV) efficiency
Several new companies are working on enhancing the efficiency of solar panels with advanced materials like perovskites, which have a higher light absorption coefficient than traditional silicon cells. Innovative designs such as bifacial solar panels are also being developed to capture sunlight on both sides for maximum energy production.
Wind energy optimization
To minimize the impact of wind turbines on local communities, advanced computational models, AI algorithms, and predictive analytics are now being used to optimize their design and placement as well as reduce noise.
BESS improvements
Several companies are developing solid-state batteries that offer higher energy density and are safer than traditional lithium-ion batteries. They are also exploring alternative battery chemistries, such as vanadium redox-flow and zinc-air batteries, for grid-scale energy storage.
Smart grid integration
New advanced grid management systems that incorporate AI and machine learning are now being employed to balance supply and demand, optimize energy distribution and enhance grid resilience.
A history of innovation
Staying at the forefront of the latest developments in renewable energy has always been a priority for Blymyer. “We’re continually researching and incorporating new technologies in our work and make it a point to attend industry conferences and events to keep abreast of what’s happening in this constantly changing industry. Everyday we’re learning something new, and are excited by the progress we’re seeing,” says Greg Mazur, Blymyer Director of Engineering.