What can we do to optimise on energy consumption?

The study, sponsored by Danfoss, a Danish engineering company, reveals that the widespread adoption of advanced energy supply technology could yield significant societal cost savings of €10.5 billion by 2030.

One innovative approach involves harnessing AI to integrate building, weather, and user data to predict heating and ventilation requirements, thereby minimizing energy wastage in unoccupied spaces.

In Finland, where such technology was tested in 100,000 flats, it resulted in a remarkable 30% reduction in peak power consumption.

Additionally, the implementation of "supercooling" methods in supermarkets, which lower freezer temperatures during off-peak hours, allows these appliances to be switched off during peak periods, leading to significant cost savings for retailers or home owners.

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But while Shell and BP are thriving, a company that is not doing so well in terms of delivering its promises related to solar energy is Tesla. @Nate Berner, in the @Financial Times, said that since its $2.6 billion acquisition of SolarCity in 2016, Elon Musk’s company has gradually relocated staff that was previously focused on solar to bolster the automaker’s production lines .

I wonder what will be happening there.

While @European Commission has announced that €40 million has been awarded to eight new solar PV projects , which, combined, amount to a total capacity of 282.77 MW. Renewables are also thriving in the UK, since the government has increased the maximum price for offshore wind projects , further cementing the nation as a world leader in clean energy.?

Promising Solar Innovation:

1. Solar Balloons

Solar balloons represent an intriguing technological advancement that taps into solar radiation to achieve lift-off, akin to the principles of hot air balloons. While they may initially appear as playthings, the applications of solar balloons extend far beyond mere amusement.

These innovative devices hold the potential to serve as a practical means of renewable energy generation. Their predominantly dark coloration facilitates efficient absorption of solar heat, allowing them to harness solar energy during their ascent into the sky. Additionally, when they descend, they can harness wind energy, making them a dual-energy source.

Researchers have even contemplated the utilization of solar balloons for planetary exploration. The unique properties of these balloons could make them accessible and advantageous tools for missions to celestial bodies like Mars and Venus.

In the realm of terrestrial applications, homes and buildings can leverage the benefits of solar balloons. Traditional solar panels can experience reduced effectiveness on cloudy days, but solar balloons can ascend above cloud cover, ensuring a more consistent energy supply. In some cases, a combination of both solar panels and solar balloons may be employed to maximize overall energy production and resilience to adverse weather conditions.

2. Solar Windows

Many property owners turn to their windows as they seek energy-efficient upgrades. Windows, in this context, serve as practical instruments for energy conservation by reflecting external heat, thereby maintaining indoor temperatures and reducing overall power consumption. However, what if windows could do more than conserve energy? This is the intriguing concept behind solar windows.

Solar windows may appear unremarkable at first glance, resembling standard windows, but they are, in fact, specialized glass panels designed to harness the sun's energy. The origins of solar windows can be traced back nearly a decade to Michigan State University, and today, retailers are beginning to offer them for commercial applications. By incorporating solar windows into a building's design, it becomes possible to significantly enhance its energy efficiency while simultaneously generating renewable power.

3. Passive Solar Design

Solar technology is traditionally associated with the installation of specific devices within a home or building. However, there is a growing trend towards passive solar design, which revolutionizes the way buildings are constructed by leveraging their orientation in relation to the sun. One of the key principles of passive solar design is the strategic placement of windows to optimize sunlight penetration. This approach holds the potential to have a profound impact on energy consumption in the United States.

Passive solar design is gaining traction as it aligns with sustainability goals, and it's worth noting that many businesses are willing to invest up to 20% more in office space located within certified green buildings.

Consider the scenario of a developer selecting a plot of land to build a home. In passive solar design, the house is strategically oriented with south-facing windows to maximize direct solar gain. This positioning allows sunlight to flood the interior throughout the day, providing both natural lighting and thermal mass. During the winter months, south-facing windows play a crucial role in maintaining interior warmth. In contrast, during the summer, measures such as blinds and blackout curtains are often employed to mitigate excessive heat gain, ensuring year-round comfort and energy efficiency.

4. Solar Paint

The utilization of the sun's energy isn't confined solely to windows; there's a fascinating innovation on the horizon known as solar paint. Imagine the paint adorning buildings having the ability to capture sunlight and transform it into electricity for the power grid. Although solar paint is not currently practical for widespread commercial application, its ongoing development in the coming years has the potential to revolutionize the operation of buildings worldwide.

Solar paint, much like conventional paint, is a liquid substance but includes embedded photovoltaic cells. For instance, some formulations incorporate perovskite, a mineral that contains calcium titanate, making it highly efficient at capturing solar energy. Alternatively, there are variants that feature titanium oxide, which facilitates the breakdown of hydrogen and oxygen particles. In this process, the paint utilizes hydrogen to generate renewable energy for the building, paving the way for a more sustainable future.

5. Infrared Spectrum Solar

Innovations in solar technology continue to evolve, and one noteworthy advancement in this realm is the development of infrared spectrum solar panels. These panels represent a significant leap beyond the capabilities of conventional photovoltaic systems commonly found on residential and commercial structures throughout the country.

While traditional solar panels are effective at harnessing solar energy, there is room for improvement. Infrared spectrum solar panels take efficiency to the next level by capitalizing on the power of infrared light.

The majority of solar panel manufacturers opt for silicon as a primary material due to its cost-effectiveness and durability. When combined with near-infrared and red wavelengths of light, silicon-based panels can achieve maximum efficiency. This approach outperforms utilizing far-infrared waves or microwaves, which generate weaker currents. On the other hand, green or blue photons contain excessive energy for silicon to effectively utilize. By focusing on red and infrared waves, solar panels can generate stronger electric currents and extract the full potential of photons, minimizing waste and optimizing energy conversion.

International News:

• Slowly but surely, the U.S. and China are taking “baby steps” towards collaborating to tackle climate change, the BBC reports.
• In Detroit, Michigan, 250 acres of vacant land are being transformed into solar energy arrays, and nine companies are competing for the chance to be a part of the project
• Asia’s renewable energy sector is booming, with $345 billion of capital invested in clean energy projects in 2022, a new report says.
• The government of Western Australia is revamping its processes and introducing the New Environmental Protection Act, which will allow Crown land to be leased to renewable energy proponents while their proposals are assessed
• A report by the World Meteorological Organization said that greenhouse gas emissions have reached record highs , and urged to intensify the pace at which leaders are taking action to mitigate this

Together with the points I mentioned at the beginning of this article, I expect that this report by the World Meteorological Organization will be a key part of the agenda at COP28, since it is clear that emissions need to be reduced urgently to prevent the negative effects of climate change from propagating further. In this regard, I am very optimistic that, at the end of the month, our leaders will be able to reach landmark agreements in Dubai. However, we do not need to leave everything in their hands. Those of us who are invested in this need to keep working to ensure that our world can survive this transition, and that we can evolve our society to one that can coexist while respecting the planet.