The rate at which human beings are using fossil fuels is unsustainable. As a result, there is a strong focus on developing new forms of sustainable technology. Development, unfortunately, continues to be quite slow. However, public awareness is increasing, and they put pressure on governments to follow suit. So what are some of the key renewable technologies we can expect?
Solar Energy
Solar energy is the most widespread and popular form of renewable technology. Panel developers are noticing more people request a solar quote than ever before. Solar radiation sends some 174 billion mW of power to the planet’s upper atmosphere. While around 30% of that is reflected back, the atmosphere, land masses, and oceans absorb the rest. In just one hour, there is more solar energy available than what the entire planet uses during a year. However, harnessing it can be quite challenging. Solar panels are the most popular way of collecting this energy, but it does have some limitations, not in the least that the technology is in its infancy. The most positive development is that the technology is now more affordable, making it a popular home renovation. The greatest difficulty at present, however, lies in finding methods of solar energy storage.
Wind Energy
Wind energy is also very attractive. However, there are significant pros and cons associated with this as well. The biggest advantage is that the wind is quite abundant the world over. Three principal disadvantages, at present, are:
- It is expensive, making it difficult to access for domestic properties.
- It is noisy, making it less attractive.
- It requires electricity to run, which means it is not 100% renewable.
Oceanic Energy
Our planet is covered with seas and oceans, and their currents are strong, creating energy. Both their salinity and thermal gradients can be harnessed, known as oceanic energy. Electrical energy can be created using the energy from waves and currents. Meanwhile, the osmotic pressure difference noted between fresh and salt water can generate power, as can the temperature differences at different depths. Unfortunately, there is little knowledge on exactly how this power can be collected at the minute, but progress is made.
Antimatter Energy
The most innovative idea looked at by scientists today is antimatter energy. The theory is that if matter and antimatter collide, they will release lots of energy by annihilating each other. Presently, this is only a theory, not in the least because we don’t yet know where to find antimatter.
Scientists constantly look for new ways to find the energy and to use it for the benefit of humankind. This is likely to continue for the foreseeable future, at least until something that is truly renewable and sustainable is discovered. While oil continues to be the most efficient fuel for the economy, it is a fossil fuel that is in limited supply. Not just that, it is also a heavy pollutant, which damages the environment in many other ways. By raising awareness and researching new technologies, scientists, climatologists, and other officials aim to make a real difference in the not too distant future.
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