THE EDIT
Issue #14, Innovation, June 2024
AI visualisation of a future where we harness the power of algae, solar reflectors, high-altitude winds and sand batteries.
Four technologies that could reshape the future of renewable energy
What to know: With global demand for fossil-free electricity set to double in the coming decade, the need for new solutions is intensifying. Could innovations such as space-based solar reflectors, algae biofuels, sand batteries and high-altitude wind turbines soon become viable options for the energy sector?
Why it matters: Innovations are catalysts for change, pushing societies to redefine what is possible. Pioneering solutions like these, which explore novel ways of utilising the natural elements – fire, air, earth and water – are crucial for driving progress in the energy sector and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.
Drone at work at the Juktan hydro power plant.
Drones doing the dirty work, improving precision and safety
At the Juktan hydro power plant in northern Sweden, autonomous drones are revolutionising operations. The drones navigate kilometre-long dark tunnels, ensuring precise documentation and navigation, while improving personnel safety and significantly enhancing accuracy.
An Airbus vision of a Blended-Wing Body (BWB) aircraft where the wide interior opens up options for hydrogen storage and distribution. Copyright: Airbus.
The race to decarbonise aviation
From electric planes to biofuels, hydrogen, and electrofuels, the flight industry is charting a more sustainable path forward. Mikael Nordlander, Director of Industry Decarbonisation at Vattenfall, highlights the important role of fossil-free electricity in reducing air-traffic emissions.
Fast charge, loads of cycles
A new lithium metal battery has been developed by scientists at Harvard's John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS). Capable of at least 6,000 charge and discharge cycles, this innovation offers rapid recharging capabilities, reaching full charge within minutes – a technology that could transform your daily life by powering electric vehicles that travel further and charge faster, and by boosting the battery life and charging speed of smartphones and laptops.
Read more at otd.harvard.edu.
Maximising offshore wind farm efficiency with digital twins
Vattenfall’s state-of-the-art digital twin is a powerful solution for proactive operation and maintenance, optimisation of wind turbine design and for extending the turbines’ lifetime beyond what was originally expected.
News flash
3 x quick updates from the energy world
The balcony boom
Germany has long been one of the leading nations in terms of generating solar power from residential homes, especially rooftop panels. Now, the government is encouraging people to install solar power on their balconies. (euronews.com)
A heat pump revolution
Air conditioning units in the windows of brownstone houses and skyscrapers have been one of the iconic features associated with New York. However, they may soon be replaced by heat pumps. (wired.com)
Final countdown for coal
For much of the 20th century, coal was the United Kingdom's primary source of electricity production. But over the past 20 years, coal power stations have been shut down one by one. Now it is time to say a last goodbye. (theguardian.com)
And finally …
How footsteps reduce CO2 footprint
Small kinetic movements can have big energy effects, as shown by a pioneering energy project in Paris. A system engineered by students from the Junia Graduate School of Science and Engineering, which converts turnstiles into mini turbines, utilised the movement of 27,000 daily commuters to generate electricity. This technology could potentially reduce Paris's CO2 emissions by 30,000 tons annually.