Increased technological consolidation can be seen as an epoch in the energy sector for this year at least, according to Greentechmedia.com, which has compiled a list of five emerging energy technologies to look out for in 2020. Here is the list:
Marine solar
This year saw many announcements regarding sea-based photovoltaic projects. “Offshore floating solar has the potential to be the next frontier, but there are still challenges to overcome within the inland floating solar arena,” Molly Cox, research associate, Wood Mackenzie Power & Renewables said in Greentechmedia’s report.
Static compensators
Their job is to mimic the action of rotating masses formerly supplied by thermal turbines, thus helping to maintain a constant frequency across the electricity network. Renewable-heavy grids may lack this natural frequency-response mechanism, requiring compensators instead. “Equipment manufacturers are starting to wake up to the potential of this market. GE, for example, trumpeted contract wins from Brazil to the U.S. earlier this year,” said Greentechmedia in its report.
Dynamic export cables
These cables can be suspended in the water column using special flotation devices to carry electricity back to shore across waters where it is too deep to bury a cable.
Molten salt reactors
This technology can provide carbon-free electricity with fewer radiation risks than traditional nuclear. “The concept seems to be gaining fans: Moltex Energy, a UK developer, managed to pull in $7.7 million through a crowdfunding event in September,” the report added.
Green hydrogen
In addition to its use as a source of energy for the grid, green hydrogen has ample potential to help decarbonise industrial processes, gas heating and heavy transport.
