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A transition to clean energy has been growing over the last decade. Businesses are moving towards renewable energy to minimize emissions, reduce energy costs, and enhance eco-friendliness. Alternative sources are expected to exceed 22% in Europe, and 12.4% in the United States. And this tendency will remain for the next decade, to say the least.
The major renewable energy sources rely on digitization, energy-effective integration, and low intermittency in renewable energy production. Thanks to great innovations, they slowly start dominating the energy sector.
Alternative Energy Sources to Become the Future Trends
Liquid sunlight
Through natural photosynthesis, compatible inorganic and biological elements can be transformed into light. Scientists have been trying to use this method for getting an alternative source of energy – liquid sunlight. Fortunately, they have succeeded in their aspirations. They have produced green fuel from solar power. A new form of chemical energy can now be converted and stored in chemical bonds.
Solar powered trains
The first solar-powered train was created and designed by Byron Bay. Running completely off renewable energy, it covers a distance of 6 km. In the future prospects, this distance is about to increase. By 2023, the Byron Solar Train is the only solar-powered passenger train in the world. It will soon be used within cities that have tram systems.
Waste powered planes
Planes fuelled by trash could be the future of green aviation. Converting a renewable source like corn, wood, grass, and carbon into jet fuel is one more step into a better way of life. This will have a negative impact on the environment. The main reason that sustainable fuels are not used more widely is the low supply and high cost.
Electric tires
Goodyear is currently working on the development of electric tires. The idea is based on the triboelectric effect that controls the changing electric potential of the pavement and a car’s wheels. Tires are powered by the friction heat of the tires on the road. They can still be charged while on the move.
Artificial photosynthesis
Artificial photosynthesis is the process of obtaining and storing energy from sunlight. Scientists are also trying to convert water into hydrogen and oxygen as a way of decreasing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The ability to produce a clean fuel without producing any harmful by-products, like greenhouse gasses, makes artificial photosynthesis a perfect energy source.
Carbon nanotube electricity
In 2010, Strano demonstrated that carbon nanotubes could produce “thermopower waves.” Being carbon atoms organized into singular sheet molecules, they can move pulses of heat or thermopower waves and create an electrical current. Compared to other energy sources, the produced electricity can be used in smaller electrical appliances.
Tidal energy
Tidal energy is known as a consistent source of energy. It is generated by the surge of ocean waters during the regular rise and fall. No wonder it used to be difficult to obtain and transfer due to its location. Thanks to modern technologies, tidal energy has become a direct source of energy. All alone, it can reach up to 20% of the renewable energy market in the world.
Solar roof tiles
Solar tiles have the same principle of work as solar panels. But you don’t need to put panels on the roof. The tiles themselves serve as solar panels. Not only does this enable more solar energy due to the increased surface area, but also minimizes the need for traditional tiles. Solar tiles turn out to be a great source of renewable energy for areas with high solar incidence.
3D printed solar energy trees
3D printed solar energy trees consist of wood-based stems and solar panel leaves. They were intended for replacing wood as an energy source. They rely on sunlight in spite of looking like real trees.
Lithium-glass batteries
Compared to standard batteries, lithium-glass batteries have a prolonged lifespan. They demonstrate high energy density, while their capacity grows with age. They also can be charged quicker, cost less, and operate at lower temperatures.
What Is the Future Source of Energy?
When it comes to climate change problems, the issue of alternative energy appears straight away. Scientists all over the world are trying to optimize renewable sources by making them more effective and accessible. They seem to be getting really close to finding the most innovative solutions that will make our world a cleaner, healthier place to live.
