GreenTech: Innovation Forces, Trends and Technologies - Part III [The Close]
This is the final and third part in a series of 3 posts looking at the different technological trends which are driving the adoption of sustainable and green-technology across various industries.
We delved into the first 24 technological trends shaping the Green-Tech/Sustainability sector in two separate posts, which you can check out below:
This third part will deal with the final set of 12 technological factors, that are set to impact different industry segments/categories through innovations furthering sustainability. Let’s jump right in.
Recycling Wind Turbines
Key technologies / innovations driving the trend: Wind Energy
While we tap into wind energy as a renewable source for future use-cases, the aging of wind turbines (totally several tens of GW, if not more) is a growing concern that we will eventually have to deal with. For instance, some 14 GW of wind capacity in Europe is already more than 20 years old and, by 2030, the figure will have reached 78 GW. According to a WindEurope study:
In relative terms, Denmark, Spain and Portugal have the oldest wind fleets, with their average turbine at 12+ years old.
The potential for repowering — i.e. replacing older turbines with newer machines — is largest in Germany, with 17 GW now older than 15 years.
Amid this juncture, various companies have embarked on the challenging odyssey of recycling old wind turbines. The aim is to transform them into new construction materials, breathing new life into the remnants of wind turbines. This is extremely pertinent specially because the performance of wind turbines dwindles drastically as they age.
Beyond repurposing, innovative firms (such as Carbon Rivers, funded by the US DoE, or the ZEBRA/DecomBlades project) are also exploring the creation of fully recyclable wind turbine blades. These blades, crafted from scratch, are designed to embrace a circular life cycle, where at the end of their tenure, they are disassembled into reusable base components.
Enter ‘chemcycling’, a technological marvel designed for these fully recyclable blades. This two-step process begins with the disassembly of thermoset composites, the materials that form wind turbine blades. First, they are separated into fibers and epoxy. Then, the epoxy undergoes further transformation into its base components, paving the way for a new chapter in sustainable materials management.
Bioplastic made of forest and farm waste
Key technologies / innovations driving the trend: Bioplastic
In the heart of Berlin, a groundbreaking bioplastic has emerged, born from biochar, a carbon-sequestering marvel developed by a startup called ‘Made of Air’. This material is not just a creation; it's a solution to the challenge of carbon release.
At its core, biochar is a type of charcoal forged by subjecting biomass, sourced from forest and farm waste, to searing temperatures in an oxygen-free furnace. [There is also a deeper study on the elemental composition here] This transformative process renders biochar stable for centuries, shielding its carbon content from atmospheric release.
Unlike its counterpart, decaying biomass, this new bioplastic holds the promise of stability over time.1 Its carbon content remains encapsulated, contributing to an extended lifespan without contributing to atmospheric carbon release.
The potential of biochar extends beyond its role in combating carbon release. It finds diverse applications, from gracing the contours of furniture to adorning building facades, showcasing the versatility that sustainable innovations can bring to the industries like design and construction.
Bonus: There is also a very interesting study on the economics of Biochar Carbon Sequestration (by a UMass alum, David Timmons), which provides an interesting framework, though it focuses only on the state of Massachusetts.
All-carbon recyclable printable transistor
Key technologies / innovations driving the trend: Semiconductors
A breakthrough unfolds as researchers unveil an all-carbon transistor designed for nearly full recyclability. This groundbreaking creation is crafted from three carbon-based inks, specifically termed nanocellulose.2
The flexibility of this innovation lies in its inks, effortlessly printable on eco-friendly surfaces such as paper. This ensures a seamless integration into a variety of environmentally conscious platforms.
Why is this pertinent for the Semiconductor Industry? The consensus has largely been that the ‘future of semiconductors’3 entails ensuring that recyclability is achieved, atleast as a long-term goal.
Many of the materials used in semiconductor manufacturing are valuable and well worth recycling at the end of a device’s use life. The minuscule amounts of materials found in individual integrated circuits make reclaiming used materials difficult, however, and almost 70 percent of electronic products wind up as unrecycled trash.4 If the future of semiconductors is to be sustainable, significant efforts will need to be made in the fields of recycling and materials reclamation.
The obvious problem is one of scale. The amount of materials the industry reclaims through recycling is not economically viable. Individual semiconductor devices contain such minuscule amounts of valuable materials that reclaiming them is a costly endeavor.
Recycling semiconductor materials not only costs money—the process of reclaiming semiconductor materials from e-waste also generates its own waste, much of it toxic. Complicating matters further, recycling e-waste is often outsourced to developing countries, where local recycling firms often use child labor to sort recyclables, manually recycle products, and burn unusable parts.
Furthermore, wastewater produced during deposition and etching can contain arsenic and other contaminants while incinerated chemicals are released into the atmosphere. It’s at the production stage, rather than device end-of-life, that the industry has the best chance of reclaiming wasted materials, including tantalum, an important component of next-generation semiconductors.
(Visual Credits & Source Visual Capitalist)
Terraforming for outer-Earth agriculture
Key technologies / innovations driving the trend: Terraforming
Terraforming, an ambitious endeavor (some may even say science fiction-esque), unfolds as a deliberate process to reshape the environments of planets or moons, molding them into Earth-like havens. NASA categorizes this endeavor into three tiers: full, partial, and para-terraforming, each offering a unique approach to fostering habitability.
Once relegated to the realms of science fiction, terraforming becomes a practical necessity as humanity ventures into outer space. As the prospect of settling beyond our planet looms, the demand for agricultural practices resilient in these alien landscapes takes center stage for any kind of discussions on surviving or colonizing them.
Earth's resilient microbes, battle-tested in extreme locales like the Atacama Desert, emerge as potential pioneers in the narrative around terraforming. Their ability to withstand harsh conditions positions them as candidates for kickstarting agricultural ecosystems beyond the confines of our planetary boundaries.
The canvas of terraforming is not confined to Earth's cast of life. Advances made in synthetic biology have turned a nascent field such as it into something that is akin to a ‘brush’, capable of iterating on and perhaps crafting new life forms tailored to endure and thrive in extraterrestrial landscapes.
This marks a paradigm shift, trying to mesh together strands of biological exploration, botanical adaptation, agricultural innovation, robotic assistance, and the fundamental principles of physics into a singular endeavour.
Radiative cooling enables solar power to produce energy at night
Key technologies / innovations driving the trend: Radiative Cooling
While solar panels and wind turbines are being increasingly adopted, a persistent challenge still remains: the intermittent nature of solar energy. Solar panels are bound by daylight constraints and cloud (or even dust) coverage interruptions.
Addressing this energy gap, pioneering research at Stanford and the University of South Wales delves into 'radiative cooling.' This process capitalizes on the cooling phenomenon objects experience at night, leveraging the temperature contrast to generate electricity. Notably, this technology can be integrated with existing solar panels.
While the concept of radiative cooling is promising, its effectiveness raises a notable caveat. In comparison to solar cells producing 200 watts per square meter, this new technology yields a fraction—50 to 100 milliwatts per square meter. The balance between innovation and efficiency becomes a critical consideration in the ongoing quest for sustainable energy solutions.
AI in wind farms improving energy output
Key technologies / innovations driving the trend: Artificial Intelligence & Wind Energy
MIT Professor Michel Howland pioneers an algorithm designed to orchestrate the optimal orientation of turbines within wind farms. The algorithm, attuned to the intricacies of the 'wake effect,' dynamically adjusts the positioning of turbines to mitigate the turbulence caused by neighboring turbines, and ensure a consistent and maximized energy output from the entire wind farm.
On another frontier, Google pioneers a pilot program deploying AI to predict wind power output up to 36 hours in advance. This predictive capability injects an element of foresight into the energy production landscape, transforming wind power into a more predictable and reliable source.
From real-time adjustments to proactive forecasting, the convergence of AI with wind energy can bolster it as a transformative force, optimizing the efficiency and predictability of wind farms.
CO2 storage and transformation into energy
Key technologies / innovations driving the trend: Carbon Capture, New Types of Batteries
In the heart of Italy, the startup Energy Dome propels a pioneering breakthrough — a battery fueled by carbon dioxide (CO2) as its primary component. This visionary battery harnesses the potential of CO2 within a closed thermodynamic process, where the gas acts as a working fluid. As CO2 undergoes controlled heating, it expands, setting in motion a turbine inside the battery.
Energy Dome’s CO2 Batteries can be quickly deployed anywhere in the world at less than half the cost of similar-sized lithium-ion battery storage facilities, and use readily available materials, such as carbon dioxide, steel and water.
Energy Dome is now preparing for its first full-scale 20MW-200MWh plant. Its first commercial project, Commercial Operation Date, is expected to be deployed by the end of 2023..
Simultaneously, on a global scale, 27 DAC (Direct Air Capture) plants have been commissioned to date worldwide, capturing almost 0.01 Mt CO2/year. Plans for at least 130 DAC facilities are now at various stages of development. If all were to advance (even those only at the concept stage), DAC deployment would reach the level required in 2030 under the Net Zero Emissions by 2050 (NZE) Scenario, or around 75 MtCO2/year.
Additionally, researchers at the University of Basel unravel a microbial marvel — a bacterial enzyme with the capacity to store carbon dioxide. This discovery paves the way for novel approaches to carbon deposition, adding a dynamic layer to the evolving narrative of carbon capture and utilization.
First ‘supercritical’ geothermal plant running within the next 6 years
Key technologies / innovations driving the trend: Supercritical Geothermal Power
Geothermal energy, a constant and renewable resource available worldwide, has often lingered in the shadows of solar and wind power, largely due to steep implementation costs and operational risks.
Enter ‘Quaise’, a trailblazing enterprise born out of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Armed with an ingenious nonmechanical drilling process, Quaise aims to delve 20 km or deeper into the Earth's crust, reaching temperatures surpassing 500 degrees Celsius. By vaporizing rocks, they unlock the realm of supercritical geothermal energy, challenging the status quo and signaling a potential revolution in this energy source.
Quaise boldly declares its intent to operationalize the first supercritical geothermal plant within the next six years. This ambitious timeline reflects the urgency and commitment to harnessing the untapped potential lying beneath the Earth's surface.
Simultaneously, in Newberry, Oregon, an existing well undergoes expansion to a depth of 4,500 meters, targeting temperatures of 400 degrees Celsius. This endeavor becomes a testing ground for superhot temperatures in power production, with estimates suggesting the potential to meet the energy needs of three million homes.
Biofuel development from hemp and algae
Key technologies / innovations driving the trend: Biofuel
Governments worldwide are directing attention and support toward biofuel initiatives, seeking sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. Biofuel, derived swiftly from biomass, opens avenues for production from plants or biowaste, sparking exploration into viable sources.
Among the promising candidates for biofuel production, hemp stands out. This versatile crop not only outpaces other land-grown crops in biofuel yield per hectare but also boasts quicker processing. Hemp, distinctively, skips the need for pre-drying, offering a faster route to biofuel production. Ethanol, methanol, biodiesel, and solid fuel are among the products extracted from hemp through processing.
Algae emerges as another biomass contender for biofuel, presenting advantages such as non-competition with food crops for arable land and certain strains exhibiting high lipid production, easily convertible into fuel. Despite its promise, funding for algae biofuel research has faced setbacks due to high costs involving substantial water usage and expensive nutrients.
Breaking ground in cost-efficient solutions, recent success involves using coffee grounds as a nutrient source for microalgae. This innovative approach has the potential to mitigate the financial challenges associated with algae biofuel production, providing a more sustainable and economical pathway.
Break-even in fusion power
Key technologies / innovations driving the trend: Fusion nuclear power
Fusion power, nestled within the realms of nuclear energy, promises the . This heralds a pivotal moment at the National Ignition Facility of the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where scientists cracked the code to generate slightly more energy from fusion than was expended in creating it.
Long deemed implausible, fusion faced a conundrum where the energy required to initiate the fusion surpassed the energy yielded, resulting in a net loss. The breakthrough at the end of 2022 shattered this barrier, marking a crucial turning point by achieving break-even fusion power.
Despite the potential of fusion power, nuclear energy, including fusion, faces persistent resistance. Concerns over possible accidents and fallout continue to cast shadows, underscoring the complex dichotomy between the promise of limitless, clean energy and public apprehensions.
Development of solar-enhanced vehicles
Key technologies / innovations driving the trend: Solar-enhanced vehicles
A transformative trend is emerging in the realm of electric vehicles, marked by the integration of embedded solar panels. This innovation aims to alleviate vehicle weight and charging requirements, subsequently enhancing efficiency and extending the range of electric vehicles.
In a pioneering move, the company Lightyear made waves in 2022 by delivering its inaugural solar-enhanced vehicle to a select group of customers, taking a step towards integrating solar technology into the automotive landscape.
As challenges in combining solar cells with vehicles diminish, companies like Exeger are at the forefront, introducing compact and flexible solar cells that promise to convert all kinds of light into electrical energy.
Additionally, Powerfoyle's dye-sensitized cells, incorporating titanium dioxide, offer a unique printing capability, allowing cells to mimic the appearance of plastic, carbon fiber, or steel.
Regenerative ocean farming costs may be going down
Key technologies / innovations driving the trend: Ocean monitoring, bio-engineering, & boat engineering
The allure of regenerative ocean farming lies in its inherent ecological benefits. This practice necessitates none of the conventional inputs associated with traditional farming, creates thriving habitats for diverse marine species, enhances ocean quality, and notably, acts as a carbon sink by capturing carbon dioxide.
Beyond its current ecological merits, regenerative ocean farming holds the promise of emerging as a pivotal source of protein in the future of global food production. Its scalability and economic viability position it as a sustainable solution to address the growing demand for protein.
Innovations in the regenerative ocean farming supply chain encompass a triad of advancements in hardware, software, and biology. Purpose-built boats for multi-trophic aquaculture, sensor technology, and farm management software facilitate remote control, production optimization, and efficient farm operations.
Researchers and breeders are strategically focusing on developing more productive and disease-resistant strains, enhancing the overall resilience and yield of regenerative ocean farming. These advancements contribute to the sector's sustainability and economic viability.
Cell-cultivated seafood will take off
Key technologies / innovations driving the trend: Cell-cultivated food
The trajectory of food production is evolving with the rise of cellular agriculture, a field dedicated to crafting animal products without the need for traditional animal rearing. Within this industry, cell-cultivated seafood is emerging as a transformative concept.
The essence of cell-cultivated seafood lies in its biological precision. Utilizing the same cellular processes responsible for tissue growth within living organisms, scientists employ a combination of biotechnologies to cultivate fish cells. This methodology ensures that the resulting product is indistinguishable from traditional seafood at the cellular level, replicating both texture and bite.
A pivotal aspect driving the future of cell-cultivated seafood is the anticipation of cost reductions. Despite current technological costs, the trajectory suggests a future where cellular agriculture becomes not only sustainable but also increasingly affordable. This shift could mark the beginning of a transformative era in reducing reliance on traditional livestock consumption.
The adoption of cellular agriculture has broader implications for sustainability. Beyond cost considerations, it holds the potential to contribute to ecosystem and fauna regeneration. Furthermore, cell-cultivated seafood offers independence from external factors such as weather conditions, diseases, and antibiotics that often impact traditional animal protein production.
C. The Research Sources
This section contains a list of the different reports, research studies, and articles that were taken into account for curating the set of technological trends covered under the GreenTech sector:
BBC Science Focus, Future technology: 22 ideas about to change our world
Future Today Institute, Synthetic Biology, Biotechnology & AgTech
S2G Ventures, 8 Trends Critical to a Vibrant Blue Economy in 2022
Johannes Lehmann & Stephen Joseph, Biochar for Environmental Management: Science and Technology, Earthscan Publishing
Williams, Bullard, Brooke, Therien & Franklin, Fully printed, all-carbon, recyclable electronics
Stay tuned, we’ll be doing a deep-dive into the semiconductor industry in an upcoming edition of the newsletter.