Renewable Energy Inventions Shaping Our Energy Future

There are various renewable energy types. Whether solar, wind, hydro, or tidal, all come from innovation and invention⁵. As we accelerate our move away from the use of fossil fuels, we rely on renewable energy inventions and innovations to make the switch possible. Each of these renewable energy inventions provides us with some of the means to realize the many advantages of renewable energy.

As it currently stands, we have around 50 years of oil and gas left in the world. Therefore, the importance of using renewable energy is ever-increasing. If we can generate power from renewable sources, we can make renewable energy accessible for all.

We have used renewable energy for centuries. In fact, we used it before we started using coal. However, the Industrial Revolution brought with it change, and from this moment, we have damaged our planet by polluting fossil fuels. Therefore, we are now trying to go full circle and begin relying on renewable alternative energy sources again.

So, let's take a look at some of the top renewable energy inventions that have helped us on our way. And stand to help us realize the advantages of renewable energy further are we switch to cleaner, greener renewable energy sources and pursue net zero incrementally driving a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Renewable Energy Inventions:

1. Battery Storage

One of the problems we face when it comes to using renewable energy is the way we store it. Up until recently, we could only use it as it was generated. This meant that we were not making full use of the likes of solar energy. However, our quest to use more renewable energy has been met with progress in storage³.

The likes of Tesla are now offering energy storage solutions. Their Powerwall storage solution has the ability to power a home for up to 7 days using stored energy from solar cells. If we can store surplus energy at times of peak generation, then we can use it later, particularly when the sun or the wind prevents renewable energy from meeting demand.

Of course, we need more renewable energy battery storage, too, as solar farms are now becoming mainstream across the globe. Therefore, we need a way to store all of this energy to use it when needed.

As it stands, battery storage is improving, which means future battery generations are sure to solve one of our problems. A number of renewable energy startups, often with government backing and support, are pioneering improvements to battery efficiency and storage, recognizing the importance of their role in our clean energy future.

2. Wind Turbines

We have used wind for centuries, so it is not a new technology or concept. For example, think back to pictures of large wooden windmills grinding flour. However, we can now use wind turbines as a renewable means of energy production. In the history of wind energy, the first turbine that could generate electricity was invented in 1988 by Charles F. Brush.

With every decade since came an improvement in technology. Today, wind turbines are bigger than ever and can generate large amounts of electricity. We can now power thousands of homes from one wind power plant. The average onshore wind turbine can produce 6 million kWh annually.

Meanwhile, offshore wind is also growing at a pace. We have a vast amount of ocean that we can make use of. What is also vital is that a lot of wind blows across the ocean that we can harness. It also makes creating large offshore wind farms possible without using up valuable land.

Therefore, when it comes to renewable energy inventions, wind turbines are up there as one of the most significant.

3. Solar Panels

Just like the wind will always blow, the sun will always shine. In 1839, Alexandre Edmond Becquerel discovered the photovoltaic effect that allowed us to convert heat energy in the form of solar radiation into electricity. From this moment in the history of solar energy, we could benefit from generating electricity from the sun.

Solar panels use the sun's energy, so this invention's potential as a source of energy is huge. So much so that whole countries now have targets to become solar energy-reliant.

Solar panels use solar cells to turn sunlight into energy, and we can use this to power towns and cities. Solar farms and solar power plants are now more and more common. This proves that solar energy is an invention that is going to power us into the future.

4. Tidal Turbines

In the same way as wind turbines, tidal turbines turn through wave movement¹. The ocean covers around 70% of the world. If we can harness the ocean's kinetic energy, then we can solve our need for green energy.

However, tidal energy is still a relatively new idea when it comes to renewable energy. We did not utilize the power of tidal energy until the 1960s. The first tidal power plant was built in St. Malo, France, and has been generating energy ever since.

Despite its potential, these renewable energy technologies have had small-scale success. The science that drives this source of energy forward is progressing. In Scotland, a low-cost turbine can generate two megawatts. As it can be moved, it means that it won't disrupt the fishing industry.

5. Ground Source Heat Pumps

For centuries, we have known about the power of geothermal energy. Robert C. Webber developed the first ground source heat pump generator. So, this energy source can make use of the earth's heat and heat from the sun as it heats the ground.

The idea is one that countries such as Iceland and Japan use. They are known as geothermally active countries. They utilize this technology for district heating schemes and use it to generate steam that drives turbines to generate electricity. This is a renewable energy power supply that is not widely used. However, it is one that can certainly help our energy transition to renewables.

6. Biomass Fuel

Biomass is a form of fuel that comes from plant materials. This can include wood and crops that are specially grown. Our ability to use biomass as a form of fuel is a clear indication of how far the energy sector has come.

The wood we burn comes from sustainable sources⁶ to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Therefore, the trees that we use we replaced with new trees. As a result, the new trees absorb the carbon we release when we burn the material. As a material, we can use it to heat up space and water while we can also use it to generate electricity. We can now create biodiesel that can power vehicles instead of traditional fuels.

7. Solar Powered Vehicles

Whereas electric vehicles are becoming more popular, what if we didn't have to stop and charge them? While we are not going to see these on the roads for some time, the technology exists for solar-powered vehicles. For too long, our reliance on fuel to run vehicles has caused problems for the environment.

We will soon be able to run vehicles on solar power. Nasa uses solar power to power its Mars Exploration Rovers. Solar power technology is evolving, and the fact that we can power vehicles using it is a remarkable feat.

We can build on the idea in our quest for cost-effective, energy-efficient alternatives to traditional fuel-driven vehicles², further realizing the advantages of solar energy.

8. Using Alcohol Waste

On a global scale, we produce a lot of alcohol. By 2022, we estimate that the alcoholic beverage market will reach $1,594 billion. However, when it comes to making alcohol, there is also a lot of waste. So, some breweries are now using waste to create renewable energy instead of creating waste.

In Scotland, there are whiskey distilleries that are using waste grain to power around 9,000 homes. Energy companies can now convert the grain from around 100 distilleries to create electricity. This reduces waste and helps to contribute to the energy goal of Scotland, which is to use 100% renewable energy by 2020.

9. Solar Powered Water Pumps

When we consider renewable energy inventions, this is one that can make a difference. In Africa, droughts and water shortages are common things. The problems are worsening due to climate change and global warming. In fact, the IPCC is predicting that half a billion people will suffer from climate change.

However, in Africa, even the driest areas have the largest underground supplies of fresh water. Getting to that water has been a problem. However, today, things are changing.

Solar-powered water pumps can reach water 100m underground. The pumps can then draw up as much as 30,000 liters per day. This helps to deliver fresh water to those who need it most.

Renewable Energy Inventions Are Our Future

We have come a long way in such a short space of time when it comes to the renewable energy transition⁴. The problem of climate change is real. We now see its impact through increased heatwaves, floods, and extreme weather. Therefore, the benefits of renewable energy inventions will help shape our future energy landscape.

These inventions form part of a larger picture. Innovation and inventions across the renewable energy industry are helping us to push boundaries from generation to energy efficiency. These solutions make it possible for us to transform parts of our lives and help reduce carbon emissions simultaneously.