8.10.3.

CURRENT TRENDS AND FUTURE OUTLOOK IN

GREEN TECHNOLOGY
8.10.3.1. Recent Advances
Green technologies include, but are not limited to, solar power, geothermal power, wind power, tidal power, and fuel cell
technologies. Biofuels and biomass, battery enabled hybrid vehicle systems, organic agriculture, green chemicals, green
textiles, green energy, green buildings, and environmental design of related products are the thrust areas of green technology
with ongoing research. Development of digital technology and Internet-based networking has enabled communications and e-
commerce to revolutionize the market.

One of the latest among green technology is nanotechnology that derives applications from fields like green chemistry and
green engineering principles. Nanotechnology creates tremendous potential for next-generation energy storage (26, 27).
Machine learning technologies, 3D printing, advanced sensor systems, and advanced transportation like self-driven cars and
drones are cutting edge technologies aiming at cleaner production and use. Information and communication technologies
(ICT) provide new approaches for increasing energy efficiency and promoting sustainability (28, 29).

Technologies that run off alternative energy sources, like solar energy are gaining high momentum in recent times as clean
sources of energy are environmentally benign unlike nonrenewable sources like petroleum, oil, and natural gas (30). Solar
panels, which can be installed on domestic, utility and commercial buildings, use the sustainable radiation of the sun to charge
solar batteries (31, 32). In recent years, technology has introduced compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) and light-emitting diode
(LED)—which has phased out incandescent bulbs from use in household lighting. Modern technologies include motion sensor
and solar recharge options too. These new options are more energy efficient, and they can also last years longer than the
incandescent light bulb. Buying longer-lasting, more efficient light bulbs is cost-saving in the long run (33).

Big data analytics (BDA) is another avenue that opens the use of numerous parameters, large amounts of data, and machine
learning (ML) algorithms to predict environmental change. As an air pollution issue, the researchers utilized data mining to
predict dusty days of Bushehr city by analyzing historical data from 1951 to 2003 (34). Data related to environmental
conditions, such as rainfall, winds, temperature, etc., and the relevant big data analysis can be used by farmers for sustainable
agriculture (35).

Over the past few years, a plethora of green chemical products have been introduced into the market that is increasingly laden
with eco-friendly ingredients. These products are designed for better results with least harm to the environment. Examples
include toiletries made from coconut and glycerin, dishwasher soap made of vinegar, and insecticides that use orange or
peppermint oil instead of toxic chemicals and phosphate-free laundry detergents that eliminate harmful chemicals. Green
technology products often come with recycling initiatives and help increase the life cycle of consumer material. Businesses
are motivated by a desire to be perceived as environmental friendly. The industries that employ green technologies can
generate employment opportunities to the local community and also expand into export markets.

8.10.3.2. Future Outlook

Green technologies account for the environmental costs that are externalized in many conventional production technologies.
Because they are relatively new, these technologies may have high initial implementation costs, along with associated
development and training costs coupled with uncertainties about performance impacts. As with any new technology, adoption
and circulation of these technologies can be constrained by regulatory, technological, or cultural barriers.

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Green technology has influence on new and emerging technologies. Internet of things (IoT) which provides a smart and
intelligent system to access to a network of physical objects using the Internet can provide alternative environmentally
friendly alternatives to several domestic and industrial real-time applications. Consumer demand for green technology
products is likely to increase with awareness. Provisions such as government incentives will enhance the spectrum of green
products in the market. Public policies that spur innovation and new cleaner technologies need to be forged. Policies need to
be designed to meet the challenges of economic competitiveness and global environment as well as to transform our
economy to the one based on environmental friendly technologies. Demand will materialize for businesses, when a return on
investment in green products is demonstrated. Promoting green growth requires identifying and removing these barriers that
hinder the large-scale dissemination of green technologies. Speeding the implementation of this emerging technology can
protect our environment and safeguard our planet. Innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment are the way forward to
address the current global challenges and spur the growth of new cleaner technologies.

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