With increased awareness of global warming and renewed commitment by various countries towards net zero emissions, many innovations are happening in the sustainable green industry. As we tackle the impact of rising temperatures and climate change, these innovations from renewable energy sources to waste management solutions are contributing to a greener world and are of paramount importance.
Renewable energy in the form of solar, wind, biomass etc is at the forefront of sustainable technologies offering clean and abundant energy without the harmful emissions associated with coal, oil, and natural gas.
The advancements in solar panel efficiency, wind turbine design, and energy storage technologies have made renewable energy increasingly competitive and practical for widespread adoption. The drastic reduction in the legalised cost of electricity from renewable energy sources like solar power over the last decade has helped in an exponential increase in its adoption across countries in the energy mix. The combination of wind and solar in the form of hybrid power plants coupled with energy storage solutions like pumped hydro storage, battery energy storage solutions etc. is further increasing the penetration of renewable energy. Renewable energy-based electricity can be brought to the customer through large-scale renewable power plants or through distributed community-based / residential systems. For example, rooftop solar is becoming popular in the commercial, industrial and residential sectors due to the attractive saving possibilities when compared to the electricity grid price.
Green hydrogen is a promising sustainable technology that involves using renewable energy sources such as wind or solar power to produce hydrogen through an electrolysis process, without emitting greenhouse gases. It has the potential to play a key role in decarbonizing various sectors, including transportation, industry, and power generation. Green hydrogen is also being considered for storage to effectively address the intermittency of renewable energy sources.
While through renewable energy sources, the focus is on generating clean energy, sustainable technology also has to focus on improving the demand side which is through energy efficiency. There are numerous innovations aimed at reducing energy consumption/waste like smart grid systems that optimize energy distribution to energy-efficient appliances and buildings. Examples include LED lighting, smart appliances and building automation systems leading to energy-efficient buildings. Integration of IoT and AI also helps in developing advanced energy management systems which analyse energy consumption patterns and provide insights for efficient usage.
In the transportation sector which accounts for over 15% of global energy-related emissions, Electric vehicles are playing an important role to decarbonise road transport. Electric vehicles (EVs) have gained momentum as a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to traditional gasoline-powered cars. The innovations in advanced battery storage systems like lithium-ion batteries known for their higher life cycle and compact size, fast-charging infrastructure, and advancements in electric drivetrain technology have helped for widespread EV adoption. Electric vehicle segments include public transportation like buses, trains and also passenger cars leading to sustainable urban mobility. Recent years have seen exponential growth in the sale of electric vehicles together with improved range, wider model availability and increased performance.
The circular economy is gaining traction through sustainable technologies enabling recycling of materials leading to reducing waste and maximising usage. From advanced recycling processes for plastics and electronics to the development of biodegradable and compostable materials, innovative solutions are emerging to reduce the impact of waste on the environment and create a more sustainable approach to resource management.
Another important sustainable technology is carbon capture which involves capturing carbon dioxide emissions from industrial processes or power plants and storing them underground to prevent them from entering the atmosphere. This technology has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, especially in sectors where reducing emissions is particularly challenging.
Other areas where sustainable technologies are adding a lot of value include agriculture (through innovations like precision agriculture, vertical farming, and aquaponics), and urban development through smart city initiatives (From intelligent infrastructure monitoring to optimized energy management and integrated public transportation systems). By harnessing the power of technology and innovation, we have the potential to create a more sustainable and resilient planet for future generations.
Shared By: Harshitha S Kumar,
COO, Radiance Renewables
