With other industries and businesses setting targets to contribute towards the global net zero mission, the demand for the renewable energy is rapidly climbing. Innovation is at the heart of the ever-evolving renewable energy industry, everyday new technologies and methods are being developed. 
As the world looks towards a sustainable and eco-friendly future, all emerging technologies take centre stage. 
Throughout this article, some promising developed technologies are explored, showing their potential to help reshape the future of renewable energy.

1.    Wave & Tidal Energy

Wave energy converters and tidal stream generators are being developed to harness the power of ocean currents & tides falling and rising. Wave & Tidal Energy can provide a consistent and predictable source of renewable energy, especially in coastal regions. With water being denser than air, it means that tidal energy is more powerful than wind energy, producing exponentially more power at the same turbine diameter and rotor speed.
Tidal energy generators & turbines are placed in tidal streams where energy can be taken from the fast-flowing water. 
Unlike wind, tides are predictable and stable, meaning tidal generators can produce a steady, reliable stream of electricity. 
With the first tidal power plant being in France, and the largest facility being in South Korea, there are very few commercial sizes plants operating across the world. 

Source: Wave & Tidal Energy

2.    Solar Energy

Across the solar power industry, there are many innovative developments surfacing, including Perovskite Solar Cells. 
Perovskite Solar Cells create a promising future for solar panels that could be easily applied to most services (including textured or flexible ones). The materials used are lightweight, cost effective and as efficient as todays leading photovoltaic silicon materials. 
Another rapidly developing solar innovation is the use of ‘Floating Solar Farms’. Floating Solar Farms consist of panels mounted onto platforms that float on large surfaces of area such as lakes, reservoirs, and oceans. The platforms are anchored to the bottom of the lake or seabed, and the electricity produced is transmitted back to shore via underwater cables. 
According to the experts, if solar panels are placed water bodies, they offer even greater efficiency, and can generate large amounts of electricity without using land or real estate. 
There are many added benefits to floating solar farms, which includes the reduction of water loss, the water below keeps the panels clean minimising energy waste, and helps to prevent noxious algae production. 
Although the concept of floating solar panels is not brand new, the first floating system being installed in Japan in 2007, the technology surrounding it has rapidly developed and gained further interest in more recent years.

Source: Floating Solar

3.    Wind Energy

Wind Energy is a renewable energy source that has had rapidly increasing demand over the last few years, with the worlds largest offshore wind farm beginning to produce electricity to homes and businesses only this month (October 2023). 
With a traditional turbine being known for its horizontal axis design. The compact, unique design of a Vertical Axis Wind Turbines has been designed to allow the capture of wind energy from any direction in areas where wind direction can be unpredictable. 
Vertical Axis Wind Turbines can be installed across various settings, including on top of homes and commercial buildings due to them being generally quieter, making them better for noise-sensitive environments. 
With it being a new technology, researchers have lots of room for development, exploring new materials and designs, to make it more efficient and cost-effective. 

The emerging technologies and innovations across renewable energy sources are driving the transition, with advancements across solar and wind power, we as an industry are making clean energy more accessible, cost-effective and efficient. 
The path to a greener, cleaner future is being carved, and the Net Zero mission is striving to be met. 
Together we can harness the power of renewable energy. 

To discuss further details of this article, please contact Marketing Executive, Charlotte Eastaff.