2024 has been disappointing, to say the least, in terms of climate and biodiversity decision-making. However, some discoveries and developments might have set the course for more sustainability and effective climate mitigation efforts over the coming years. Most of these efforts contribute to the energy transition, which is key to fighting climate change. For some, like SAF, skepticism remains.
In the first half of 2024, wind and solar generated more electricity than ever before, for the first time overtaking fossil fuels in the EU. This trend, combined with the closing of coal-fired power plants like those in the UK, indicates that major shifts towards cleaner generation sources are underway.
The fact that more heat pumps were sold versus gas furnaces in the United States in 2024 suggests yet another very important shift: heating and cooling becoming an increasingly efficient process.
Making power
Floating wind farms are gradually pushing the boundary of using wind energy. These platforms can now be anchored in deep waters far from the coastlines, where the wind blows much stronger and more regularly. This is opening possibilities for harnessing wind power in places previously unreachable, which in turn may further boost wind capacity globally. In 2024 alone, several large-scale on-stream floating wind projects have also come online, mostly in Europe and Asia.
Green hydrogen production is one of the most prospective applications that has developed rapidly over 2024. It involves producing hydrogen from renewable energy sources (solar and wind) without emitting carbon dioxide. Scaling up increasingly efficient electrolysis technology and electrolyzers will help drive costs even lower. As the price of renewable electricity declines and electrolyzer efficiency improves, green hydrogen may become competitive with blue hydrogen, which is basically hydrogen from fossil fuel feedstocks, before the end of the decade.
Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells, which combine perovskite and silicon, are emerging as one of the most promising technologies for making solar power more efficient and cost-effective. Compared to traditional silicon-based photovoltaic panels, perovskite-based solar cells are highly efficient at lower production costs. The recent stabilization of the materials has overcome old concerns about their durability, helping make their prospects for commercialization viable. This may be just the most important boost in the global output and availability of solar energy.
Storing energy
One of the biggest questions surrounding renewable energy has been answered through the development of solid-state and flow batteries. Solid-state batteries have much greater energy density than traditional lithium-ion batteries, and they are safer. Flow batteries provide scalable storage solutions for large renewable energy installations. This is very important in the effort to make renewable energies a reliable supply, even when the weather is not ideal.
Enhanced Geothermal Systems EGS are emerging as a promising technology for both energy production and storage. EGS creates human-made reservoirs in hot underground rock formations where natural permeability or fluids are lacking. Recent studies have shown that EGS may be superior to traditional battery technologies in storing excess renewable energy. This dual capability for producing and storing energy underlines a potentially crucial component in the transition to renewable energy.
Artificial Intelligence in the field
Adaptation of climate through Artificial Intelligence includes early warning systems powered with AI, optimization in the supply chain, and agricultural forecast; this can help majorly toward the climate adaptability move. Artificial Intelligence integrated into the energy grids optimizes their production, distribution, and storage. Smart AI-powered grids are able to balance demand with supply accordingly, minimize wastage, and ensure maximum renewable energy utilization to the last bit. In this regard, it’s making not just the grid resilient but environment-friendly through as much harnessing of renewable sources as possible.
Flying clean?
Companies like Infinium develop ultra-low carbon eFuels, including this new type of SAF, by combining captured CO2 with clean hydrogen. The increasing momentum behind sustainable aviation fuel has been one of the solutions that has helped to clean up aviation much more quickly. It is a renewable fuel that cuts CO2 emissions by up to 80% compared with traditional jet fuel.
These various feedstocks range from wastes such as waste oils and green and municipal wastes to other non-food crops. A strategic priority of the aviation sector is the increase in using SAF, with the ambitious plan of reaching 100% SAF by 2030. IATA estimates that SAF may provide about 65% of the emission reduction contribution toward the goal of reaching net-zero CO2 emissions for aviation in 2050.
However, others are less optimistic, and arguments against the use of SAF accumulate, highlighting its limitations and challenges:
- High production costs: SAF is significantly more expensive to produce than conventional jet fuel, often costing two to four times as much per gallon. This makes it financially challenging for airlines to adopt on a large scale.
- Limited supply: SAF’s current production capacity is insufficient to meet the aviation industry’s needs. This limited availability can lead to supply chain issues and inconsistency in supply.
- Environmental concerns: While SAF is made from renewable sources, there are debates about the sustainability of feedstocks used in its production. Critics argue that some feedstock production can lead to negative environmental impacts such as deforestation and competition with food crops.
- Carbon emissions during flight: When burned during flight, SAF emits the same amount of carbon as conventional aviation fuel. The greenhouse gas savings primarily come from the production stage, not the actual use.
- Infrastructure challenges: Most airports lack the necessary infrastructure to handle SAF, and existing fuel supply chains are designed for traditional jet fuel. Converting or building new facilities represents a significant financial and logistical hurdle.
- Feedstock availability: Concerns exist about the long-term availability and sustainability of feedstocks used for SAF production. Some proposed feedstocks may not meet government carbon reduction targets.
- Energy-intensive production: Producing SAF can be energy-intensive, potentially leading to greenhouse gas emissions if the energy used is not from clean sources.
- Regulatory barriers: Existing regulations can slow down the adoption of SAF due to understandable caution, although research has shown that jet engines are receptive to SAF.
- Competition for resources: The waste materials used for SAF production can also be valuable resources for other industries, leading to potential conflicts over resource allocation.
Developments like these will likely make a difference in the coming years in the efforts to achieve sustainability and mitigate climate change by accelerating the transition to clean energy and improving energy efficiency. However, not all of them will be equally beneficial. A critical approach remains vital.
