1. Solar power efficiency breakthroughs: Several breakthroughs were made in solar photovoltaic (PV) technology, including the development of perovskite solar cells with unprecedented efficiency levels.
2. Wind power expansion: The offshore wind industry witnessed significant growth, with the installation of larger and more efficient wind turbines. Projects such as the Hornsea Two Offshore Wind Farm in the UK became the largest offshore wind farm in the world.
3. Battery storage advancements: Improvements in battery technology, particularly in lithium-ion batteries, have allowed for higher capacity and cheaper energy storage solutions, enabling greater integration of intermittent renewable energy sources into the grid.
4. Hydrogen fuel developments: There were notable advancements in hydrogen fuel production and storage, including the development of more efficient electrolysis processes and the use of hydrogen as a fuel for transportation.
5. Increased use of bioenergy: Different bioenergy sources, such as biofuels and biomass, saw expanded use in various applications such as transportation, power generation, and heating.
6. Geothermal energy innovations: Enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) gained attention as a promising renewable energy source, with improved drilling techniques and technologies unlocking the potential of geothermal energy in more areas.
7. Electrification of transportation: The electric vehicle (EV) market continued to grow, with increased adoption and infrastructure development. This move toward electric transportation reduces reliance on fossil fuels and promotes the use of renewable energy sources.
8. Grid modernization and smart grids: Advancements in grid infrastructure, including the integration of advanced sensors, data analytics, and automation, have led to more efficient and reliable grid management, facilitating increased renewable energy integration.
9. Floating solar panels: The concept of floating solar panels gained popularity due to their potential to extract more solar energy using underutilized bodies of water, such as reservoirs and lakes.
10. International renewable energy commitments: Several countries made significant commitments to renewable energy targets and plans, including the European Union’s Green Deal, which aims to make Europe the world’s first climate-neutral continent by 2050. Such commitments promote renewable energy advancements and investments globally.
