Throughout the fossil fuel era, energy infrastructure has been large-scale and centralised. But in the future, energy generation is likely to be dispersed more widely with smaller-scale solutions. This approach is increasingly being promoted as the rest of the world scrambles to end Russian oil and gas imports. Our first two innovations for April cover decentralised energy systems – one a roof-mounted wind turbine, and the other a system of solar cubes for off-grid electrification.
One of the major challenges for renewable energy is that many renewable sources, notably wind and solar, produce variable outputs and electricity cannot be stored in the same way as a barrel of oil, or container of natural gas. However, this month’s third innovation is an experimental system that can store solar energy for long periods – up to 18 years.
Elsewhere,…
Dandelion rubber and long-duration solar energy storage: The best green innovations of April 2022
