TR2024 Energy-Climate FINAL LINKED

2024 TECH TRENDS REPORT • 17 TH EDITION
ENERGY • CLIMATE
TECH ENERGY & CLIMATE
FUTURE TODAY INSTITUTE’S 2024 TECH TREND REPORT

Our 2024 edition includes nearly 700 trends, which are published individually in 16 volumes and as one comprehensive report with all trends included.
Download all sections of Future Today Institute’s 2024 Tech Trends report at http://www.futuretodayinstitute.com/trends.
2 © 2024 Future Today Institute. All Rights Reserved.

THE YEAR AHEAD: TECH SUPERCYCLE
The theme for our 2024 re- Institute’s analysis shows that every technology—AR/ VR/ We’ve visually represented the tech supercycle on the
port is Supercycle. In eco- XR, autonomous vehicles, low Earth orbit satellites, to report’s cover, which is an undulating image reminiscent
nomics, a “supercycle” refers name a few—connects to the supercycle in some way. of a storm radar. Vertical and horizontal lines mark the
to an extended period of edges of each section’s cover. When all 16 section cov-
The ramifications are stark and undeniable. As this tech
booming demand, elevating ers converge, the trends reveal a compounding effect as
supercycle unfurls, there will be victors and vanquished,
the prices of commodities reverberating aftershocks influence every other area of
those who seize the reins of this epochal change, and
and assets to unprecedented heights. It stretches across technology and science, as well as all industries.
those who are swallowed whole. For business leaders,
years, even decades, and is driven by substantial and
investors, and policymakers, understanding this tech It’s the convergence that matters. In isolation, trends of-
sustained structural changes in the economy.
supercycle is paramount. fer limited foresight into the future. Instead, the interplay
We believe we have entered a technology supercycle. of these trends is what reveals long-term change. For
In this 17th edition of FTI’s annual Tech Trends report,
This wave of innovation is so potent and pervasive that that reason, organizations must not only remain vigilant
we’ve connected the supercycle to the nearly 700 trends
it promises to reshape the very fabric of our existence, in monitoring these evolving trends but also in cultivat-
we’ve developed. Our research is presented across 16
from the intricacies of global supply chains to the minu- ing strategic foresight—the ability to anticipate future
technology and industry-specific reports that reveal the
tiae of daily habits, from the corridors of power in global changes and plan for various scenarios.
current state of play and lists of influencers to watch,
politics to the unspoken norms that govern our social
along with detailed examples and recommendations de- Our world is changing at an unprecedented rate, and this
interactions.
signed to help executives and their teams develop their supercycle has only just begun.
Driving this seismic shift are the titans of technology strategic positioning. The trends span evolutionary ad-
and three of their inventions: artificial intelligence, bio- vancements in well-established technologies to ground-
technology, and a burgeoning ecosystem of interconnect- breaking developments at the forefront of technological
ed wearable devices for people, pets, and objects. As they and scientific exploration. You’ll see emerging epicenters Amy Webb
converge, these three macro tech segments will redefine of innovation and risk, along with a preview into their Chief Executive Officer
our relationship with everything, from our pharmacists to transformative effects across various industries. Future Today Institute
our animals, from banks to our own bodies. Future Today

TABLE OF CONTENTS
06 Top Headlines 19 Perovskite Cells 23 Digitalization 28 Fusion 34 TPV Batteries
07 State of Play 20 Dye-sensitized Solar Cells 24 Small Scale Hydro 28 Fusion Momentum 34 Iron Batteries
08 Key Events 20 Organic Solar Materials 24 Hydro as a Water Battery 28 Privately led Fusion Projects 34 Solid State Batteries
09 Likely Near Term 20 Solar Thermophotovoltaics 24 New Turbine Design 28 Molten Salt Reactors 35 Gravitational Energy Storage
Developments
21 New Wind 25 Clean Fuels 28 Laser-Driven Fusion 35 Flow Batteries
10 Why Energy & Climate
21 Offshore Floating Wind 25 Hydrogen 28 Small Modular Reactors 35 Capacitors
Trends Matter to Your
Turbines
Organization 25 Reducing the Cost of Hydrogen 30 Emerging Forms of 35 Compressed Air Storage (CAES)
21 Vertical Wind Turbines Production Energy Production
11 When Will Energy & 36 Energy Transport
Climate Trends Impact 21 Going Bladeless 25 New Base Materials 30 Energy From Thin Air
36 UHV Power Lines
Your Organization?
21 Airborne Wind Energy 25 Biofuels 30 Wave Power
12 Opportunities and Threats 36 Superconductors
22 AI Wind Farms 25 Biofuels From Hemp 30 Tidal Turbines
13 Investments and Actions 37 The Grid
22 Dispatchable Wind Energy 26 Biofuels From Algae 30 Mimicking Photosynthesis
To Consider 37 Dynamic Line Rating (DLR)
Production
26 Syngas From the Sun 31 Alternatives to Minerals and Systems
14 Central Themes
23 Other Renewables Rare Earths
27 Fossil Fuel Innovation 37 Balancing the Flow of Power
16 Ones To Watch
23 Geothermal 31 Local Sourcing Within the Grid
27 Rededication of Contaminated
17 Important Terms
23 Supercritical Geothermal Land 31 Alternative Materials 38 Emissions Removal
18 Energy Production
23 Using Geothermal for 27 Reducing the Carbon Footprint 31 Rare Earth Avoidance 39 Carbon Capture and Storage
19 New Solar Energy Storage of Fossil Fuels
32 Scenario: What If the World 39 Natural CSS
19 Concentrated Solar 23 Ocean Thermal Energy 27 Methane Emissions Runs on Thermal Energy?
39 Direct Air Capture
19 Multitasking Solar Conversion Reductions
33 Energy Infrastructure
39 CO2 Storage
19 Dispatchable Solar 23 Hydropower 28 New Nuclear
34 Energy Storage

TABLE OF CONTENTS
40 CCS-as-a-Service 45 3D Printed Houses 50 Self-Healing Materials 57 Ocean Chemistry 64 Verification Methodology

41 Carbon Utilization 46 Heavy Industries 51 Lab Grown Leather 57 Gene Editing 64 Focus on Asset Management
41 Carbon-Based Food 46 Steel and Iron 52 Green Transport 58 Scenario: What If a Sunshield 64 Blockchain Integration
Leads to a New World Order?
41 Diamonds 46 Chemicals 52 Micromobility 64 Measuring Carbon
59 Effects of Climate Change Sequestration
41 Hair Care, Soap, and Laundry 47 Agriculture 52 Cars
Detergent 60 Monitoring Climate Change 65 Blue Economy
47 Plants Without Plants 52 Heavy Trucks
41 Chemical Production 60 Emissions 65 Blue Carbon Offsets
47 Fertilizer Innovation 52 Trains
42 Carbon Tracking 60 Extreme Weather 65 Ocean land mapping
47 CRISPR Edited Crops 53 Air
42 Funding Influx 60 Crops 65 Foundational Data US
47 Waste 53 Ocean
42 Tracking Platforms 61 Community-based Efforts 65 Data Platforms
48 Digital Emissions 54 Environmental Manipulation
42 Government Investment and 61 Digital Twins of Earth 66 Fishing
48 Reducing Carbon Emissions 55 Earth
Regulation
62 Living in a New Reality 66 Desalination
48 Measuring Emissions 55 Rewilding: Animals/Nature
42 Individual Consumer Tracking
62 Floating Cities 67 Authors
49 Recycling 55 Bioengineering
43 Scenario: What If CO2 Is the
62 Other Concepts for Cities 69 Selected Sources
Foundation for Consumer 49 AI Waste-Sorting Robots 56 Sky
Products? 62 Underground Climate Change 76 About Future Today Institute
49 Food 56 Geoengineering
44 Emissions Reductions 62 Indonesia’s New Capital 77 Methodology
49 Plastic 56 Solar Geoengineering
45 Green Processes 62 Domed Cities 78 Disclaimer
50 Green Materials 56 Cloud Seeding
45 Construction 63 Climate Economy 79 Using and Sharing the Report
50 Cross-Laminated Timber 57 Ocean
45 Carbon Neutral or Negative 64 Carbon Credits
Building Materials 50 Mycelium 57 Microplastics
64 Investment From Traditional
50 Mushroom Plastic 57 Living Breakwater Banks

TOP HEADLINES 01 Investment is shifting from clean energy to enabling technologies

As wind and solar provide more power, venture capital is targeting bottlenecks
in supporting infrastructures such as the grid and monitoring technology.
Private and public
climate efforts widen 02 Extreme weather sets new records
and accelerate in 2023 was the hottest year in the history of humankind; as the ocean warms,
the collapse of the Gulf Stream is projected to be much more likely.
the light of the most

extreme weather we 03 Tracking carbon has become popular with regulators
Regulators have shifted their focus from establishing the carbon market to
have ever experienced adding transparency, standards, and verification frameworks.
04 Polluters being held accountable

A slew of groundbreaking litigation set precedents for holding governments and
companies accountable for the effects of climate change caused by their (in)action.
05 Governments are considering a broader set of tools

Regulators are exploring solar geoengineering, considering softer regulations for
CRISPR crops, and redesigning urban concepts to adapt to hostile environments.

STATE In 2023, attention shifted from scaling of renewable energies and electric
vehicles to ensuring that these scaled technologies could be viably inte-
OF PLAY
grated into existing systems. Venture capital moved from transportation,
energy, and food and land use to the built environment and heavy industry
decarbonization, making significant innovation likely. Governments tight-
ened ESG regulations, putting pressure on companies to bring transparen-
cy into carbon emission reporting, even while standardization frameworks
for measuring and reporting these emissions along the entire supply
chain are still being developed. These increased reporting pressures run
From revolution to evolution: the risk of leading to a focus on the wrong metrics, crippling effective envi-
ronmental initiatives.
The global focus shifts to the
Environmental impacts are now defined more broadly, which increases
creation of an enabling ecosystem companies’ responsibilities. The framework passed at the 2022 UN’s Bio-
for climate action at scale. diversity Conference amplified the protection of biological ecosystems, eq-
uitable access, and human rights. In 2023, COP28 had its first-ever health
day, and nations committed to include food systems into their updated
Nationally Determined Contributions. Further responsibilities might come
from a series of lawsuits which decide if actors can be held responsible for
the effects of climate change they caused. If courts rule they are, prepare
for drastically changed efforts in regulation and business practices.

KEY EVENTS
MARCH 8, 2023 J U N E 2 9, 2 0 2 3 DECEMBER 3, 2023
Carbon injected in the sea Fraud task force for ESGs First Ever COP Health Day
Denmark became the first nation The Commodity Futures Trading The acknowledgment of the intercon-
to import CO2 for the purpose of Commission announces a task nectedness of health and environment
burying it in the North Sea. force to combat ESG related fraud. at the UN Climate Change Conference
gives hope for integrated actions.
MARCH 14, 2023 J U LY 5 , 2 0 2 3
Forever chemicals ban Looser GMO rules in EU

In the US, toxic PFAS are The European Commission
banned from water while proposes looser restrictions in
the EU backpedals. light of innovation in the field.

LIKELY NEAR TERM DEVELOPMENTS

CHANGE IS THE NEW NORMAL Price Beats Ethics Rethinking Supply Chains From Early Bird to Night Owl
Two opposing forces will make the As inflation soars and the fear of a recession Governments are expanding their require- Excessive heat impacts daily lives around the
corporate landscape highly volatile festers, consumers might put affordability ments for reliable and consistent reporting of globe, forcing people to stay indoors during
and unpredictable. On the one hand, above climate considerations, at least when it direct and indirect emissions (scope 1, 2, and the day and only leave their houses in the eve-
active regulatory bodies, scaling of comes to their wallets. This will put additional 3), putting pressure on corporations to curate ning. As these heat phases expand, industries
strain on business owners, as they determine their vendor networks and on the vendors to dependent on people’s physical presence will
renewable energy production, and how to adjust for climate demands. ensure their operations are still profitable have to rethink operations as habits and tim-
increased investment in innovation under increased standards. ing of activities shift.
that aims to solve the remaining
bottlenecks will require and empower Shifts in Mobility Accountability Changes Climate Upskilling
corporations to integrate sustain-
More and more people, at least in Europe, are The resolution of a number of upcoming With climate regulation expanding and evolv-
ability in ways not imaginable just committing to not use air travel. The resulting court cases will begin to determine governing, and climate technology innovation accel-
a few years ago. On the other hand, smaller spheres of mobility could lead to an ment and corporate responsibility for climate erating (thanks to AI) and scaling, companies
economic headwinds in the form of increasing need for companies to have local change. If verdicts fall on the side of holding need to make sure they have the necessary
hubs, especially as the terms of remote work institutions responsible, we could see funda- know-how in-house to understand and moni-
heavy inflation and a looming reces-
are still being negotiated. mental changes in how climate is addressed. tor relevant developments.
sion might lead consumers to priori-
tize affordability over sustainability,
and escalating geopolitical tensions 11 MACRO SOURCES OF DISRUPTION
could strain the supply chain, in-
crease the price of raw materials, and
hinder collaboration in research—
slowing down innovation.
Technology Media & Demographics Environment Government Public Health Education Geopolitics Infrastructure Economy Wealth
Telecom Distribution

WHY ENERGY & CLIMATE TRENDS MATTER TO YOUR ORGANIZATION
Opportunity for Cost Savings & Climate Risk Investment & Financing Energy Attack on
Innovation Efficiencies Resiliency Opportunities Independence Profitability
Energy and climate Embracing climate Increased frequency, As climate-conscious Businesses that Implementing climate
technologies can help technology brings severity, and wider funding continues to invest in their own technologies and
businesses transform in long-term savings. occurrence of extreme surge, businesses with renewable energy adhering to environmental
revolutionary ways that Reduced energy use and weather events force innovative climate production can achieve regulations may raise
increase profitability operational expenses all businesses to think solutions gain greater a high degree of energy production costs, due to
significantly: Changed enhance overall about how to mitigate access to capital, independence, reducing upfront investment or
processes, new materials, efficiency, positively impacts, not just those enabling them to their vulnerability to compliance expenses,
updated supply chains, a impacting the bottom in disaster-prone regions. scale operations and fluctuations in pricing impacting profitability.
different set of partners line. This positions the Flexible measures are accelerate the transition and increasing grid Strategic planning
and collaborators, and company for sustainable needed to maintain to a more sustainable failures. They’ll gain and collaboration are
investment in research growth, demonstrates continuity, protect future. This provides a greater control over energy crucial to navigating this
can lead to new products commitment to a green assets, and promote unique opportunity to supply, with insulation transition successfully.
and services—and a future, and fosters a sustainable growth in the stay ahead of regulatory from market uncertainties
competitive edge. culture of environmental face of an increasingly requirements and tap into and enhanced long-term
responsibility. unpredictable climate. growing green markets. stability.

WHEN WILL ENERGY & CLIMATE TRENDS DISRUPT YOUR ORGANIZATION?
Forecasted Time of Impact
Agriculture Pharma Space exploration All trends will be relevant
Energy generation Financial services
Transportation Consumer goods
Construction Health care
Insurance Information technology
Real estate Water management
Hospitality Infrastructure development
Retail Waste management
City management
Manufacturing
0-4 YEARS 5-9 YEARS 10-14 YEARS 15+ YEARS

OPPORTUNITIES & THREATS
Threats Opportunities
Assessing the existing expertise and hiring or training employees with Look for new partners to collaborate with and selectively outsource activities for
the necessary skills to integrate climate technologies is a must yet can be implementing sustainability measures as part of a new supportive ecosystem.
challenging in an already tight labor market and an overworked workforce. This keeps costs at bay and expands the opportunity for cross-pollination of
ideas.
Companies might be confronted with a much higher cost of doing business
after integrating sustainable processes and raw materials. This might pose Price volatility and stricter regulation will trigger a rethink of business operations.
existential risks or fundamental shifts in operations and threaten profitability. This can lead to new efficiencies in tangential contexts outside of environmental
considerations and positively affect margins.
Geopolitical tensions and a higher frequency of extreme weather events
increase the risk for supply chain disruptions, as well as rising prices and First movers will be able to define the new normal. They’ll build competitive
scarcity of necessary base materials and labor. advantage by transforming common business procedures in their industry and
setting standards as they improve their business operations.
As tracking capabilities expand through scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions,
businesses should be prepared to find that their carbon emissions footprint Think beyond the changes necessary to comply with sustainability requirements
is much more significant than expected (and less under their control). by also considering structural changes that could make the company more
flexible and responsive to innovation.
Proactive regulators are needed to ensure we reach our climate goals. However,
new regulations as well as changes to existing rules will redesign business Energy and captured CO2 emissions are just two examples of products that the
environments and create a strain for companies as they try to navigate their integration of climate technologies can add to a company’s portfolio. Thinking
operational transformation. expansively can open up avenues into new industries, including but not limited
to energy.

INVESTMENTS AND ACTIONS TO CONSIDER
1 2 3 4 5 6
With innovation making Consider all workforce as- Sustainability is becoming Explore new avenues to not Global demographics will Clearly define goals,
huge strides in carbon pects: Companies need to a broader effort and now only stay on top of innova- change significantly over benchmarks, and deadlines
tracking, invest time into weigh the skills and exper- includes biodiversity, ethi- tion but to become part of the next few decades, for the assessment and
finding the platform and tise available, where to hire cal practices, and protec- the ecosystem of investing, with migration, aging, and implementation of climate
sensor ecosystem that’s the or upskill, whether structure tion of indigenous commu- research and develop- overpopulation all con- technologies in your com-
best fit for your business and hierarchies need to nities. Work toward gaining ment. This ensures that the tributing factors. Investi- pany. Identify a sensible
and supply chain. These evolve, as well as where insights about these areas bottlenecks and problems gate how this affects your organizational structure,
technologies will touch ev- employees should be throughout your entire specific to your business current customer base, relevant stakeholders, re-
ery aspect of your business, working. All these factors supply chain to prepare for are being solved, and might and where new markets, sponsible parties, and how
making the implementation are relevant for the carbon regulatory pressures. even lead to new business either in regards to location the company will efficiently
of new hardware and soft- footprint but also need to models licensing the devel- or customer profile, could integrate the findings and
ware very expensive. be considered for maximiz- oped technology. emerge globally. technologies.
ing profitability.

CENTRAL THEMES
Proactive Regulators Focus on Enabling Technologies Alternative Materials
On both sides of the Atlantic, regulators stepped up After passing the $1 trillion investment mark in 2022, The race to find alternative materials for renewable
to enable significant climate action. The EU’s Green overall venture capital in climate tech dropped 40% energy production and tangential technologies (such
Deal Industrial Plan includes easier access to financ- in 2023. However, most of that decrease took place in as batteries) is on. In a tense geopolitical environment
ing, simplification of permitting processes, regulatory later stages and growth funding; seed funding actual- where the location of needed raw materials is limit-
sandboxes for member states, and the announcement ly grew 23%, and the number of deals rose by 34%. In ed to areas often plagued by political and economic
of the European Hydrogen Bank to quickly scale the addition, investors are showing enthusiasm for solving instability, there’s an increased desire for nations to be
fuel’s use in the region. In the US, regulators banned new problems, after renewables have moved into the resource independent. Recently, Sweden and Norway
certain forever chemicals (PFAS) in drinking water, scaling phase. Investment in the big three—transpor- made inroads on this independence when the larg-
strengthened pollution standards for cars and trucks, tation, energy, and food and land use—saw significant est rare earth and mineral deposits were found in the
and widened eligibility for clean-energy tax credits. To drops, while investment in industry processes and the region. While China responded to the US’s 2022 export
avoid greenwashing, the EU proposed the Green Claims built environment, both historically underfunded, saw controls on advanced computing and semiconductors
Directive to eliminate misleading messaging. In the gains. But there is still much to be done: Transforming manufacturing equipment with its own restrictions on
US, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission cre- the grid to accommodate non-dispatchable energy exporting gallium and germanium (needed for solar
ated a task force to combat environmental fraud, and sources; searching for alternative materials for batter- technologies), impact is less significant thanks to the
the Securities and Exchange Commission proposed ies, solar cells, and wind turbines; capturing and stor- ability to expand in alternative markets in the mid-
stricter climate disclosure rules for publicly traded ing carbon; tracking emissions; and bringing transpar- term. Innovation intensified last year around finding
companies. ency and validity to carbon markets are just some of alternative materials for climate technologies, pre-
the bottlenecks that urgently need innovation. dominantly in electric vehicle motors (rare earth) and
batteries (metals).

CENTRAL THEMES
Looking Beyond Carbon Tracking Climate Change Blue Economy on the Rise
While carbon dioxide emissions are front and center The tightened regulatory requirements for companies Originally used by small developing island states, the
in the climate conversation, a more holistic approach to reduce their carbon footprint increases the need for term “blue economy” today encompasses socially
has gained significant traction and increased public cohesive and reliable emissions tracking, as well as equitable, environmentally sustainable, and economi-
awareness. Both the US and the EU have taken steps to common measurement standards. In the carbon credit cally profitable ocean-based industries and spaces. In
control methane emissions, and global leaders came market, frameworks to verify actual results of carbon 2023, the US launched a global initiative of more than
together during the United Nations Biodiversity Con- projects and create a viable rating system are crucial $800 million to protect oceans and support devel-
ference (COP 15) in December 2022 to agree on global for credibility and effectiveness. As extreme weather be- oping nations. This follows the EU’s previous efforts
action on addressing biodiversity loss, restoring eco- comes more frequent, severe, and widespread, govern- to create the Atlantic Smart Ports Blue Acceleration
systems, and protecting indigenous rights. As a result, ments have increased their efforts to build better pre- Network to transform Atlantic ports, the G20 Supreme
30% of the planet and 30% of degraded ecosystems will diction systems to protect lives and ecosystems. Amid Audit Institutions cooperating to meet the challenge of
be under protection by 2030. EU regulators have agreed a landscape where insurers are pulling out of states like auditing the blue economy, and African funds’ focus on
on the Nature Restoration Law, which requires coun- California and Florida because risks deemed uninsur- innovation to advance blue economy solutions for the
tries to work toward restoring at least 20% of land and able, these systems can provide the industry with the continent. These initiatives triggered a flurry of innova-
sea areas, and the US expressed its intention to join data necessary to calculate risks. The development of tion focusing on the ocean, from means and devices to
the High Ambition Coalition on Biodiversity Beyond these monitoring technologies is being accelerated by collect data underneath the surface, to platforms that
National Jurisdiction, supported by the UN. Currently, artificial intelligence and innovation around imaging, synthesize and analyze the data and make it available
95% of the ocean falls beyond national jurisdiction, such as hyperspectral imaging. Also helping to unify the to all relevant stakeholders, to advanced desalination
and the coalition represents a group of countries that integrity frameworks are joint efforts by various stake- methods and increased support for sustainable fish-
have pledged to protect that ecosystem. Rewilding holders in the voluntary carbon markets. ing. As the ocean is also moving more into the climate
efforts have also increased, often on state, local, and conversation for carbon sequestration and power
even individual levels. generation, we can expect to see an acceleration of not
just technological advances but also novel business
activity in this space.

ONES TO WATCH
Dr. Stefaan De Wolf, professor of material John Connell, senior scientist at NASA Pasi Vainikka, CEO of Solar Foods, for Nathalie Berezina, founder and CEO of
science and engineering of the KAUST So- Langley Research Center, for advancing creating food out of renewable energy and Norbite, for transforming plastic waste
lar Center, for setting the world record for research on a solid state battery to be used carbon dioxide. into sustainable products with the help of
tandem solar cell efficiency. in aviation. moths.
Freddie Lintell, founder and CEO of Ree-
Alexander Bormann, founder of EnerKite, Lee Suk-bae, Ji-Hoon Kim, and Young- wild, for creating a carbon tracking app for Khaled Hassounah, co-founder and CEO
for expanding the EV-charging infrastruc- Wan Kwon of the Quantum Energy consumers. of Ample, for providing an alternative to EV
ture with airborne wind. Research Centre, for their preprint on charging: battery swapping.
developing the first room temperature Josh Dorfman, co-founder and CEO of
Dr. Motiar Rahaman, research associate superconductor. Plantd, for transforming perennial grass Tim Duehrkoop, co-founder and CEO of Xil-
at University of Cambridge, for leading into carbon-negative building materials. va, for developing a methodology to assess
research on a solar-powered reactor that Hudson Gilmer, co-founder and CEO of forest sequestration projects.
converts CO2 captured from industrial LineVision, for creating the only non-con- Virginia San Fratello, architect, for 3D
waste or air into sustainable fuel. tact overhead power line monitoring sys- printing houses out of indigenous materi- Dr. Tom Jackson and his team at Lough-
tem, used by UK’s National Grid. als such as salt and clay. borough University, for the creation of the
Andrew Ponec, co-founder and CEO of “Data Carbon Ladder,” which enables the
Antora Energy, for developing thermal Isabella Arzeno-Soltero, postdoctoral Dr. William Dichtel, chemistry professor at tracking of digital emissions.
energy storage that turns renewable energy scholar at Stanford University, for deter- Northwestern, and Brittany Trang, Sharon
into on-demand power usable by the heavy mining that seaweed farming cannot scale Begley Science Reporting Fellow at STAT, Bob Mumgaard, CEO of Commonwealth
industries. enough to meet climate goals. for developing a low temperature, inexpen- Fusion Systems, for being a frontrunner in
sive method to break down PFAS. the nuclear fusion race.
Xiaomeng Liu, researcher at University of Dr. Graciela Chichilnisky, co-founder of
Massachusetts Amherst, for his research Global Thermostat, for creating one of the Shimrit Bar-El, co-founder and CRO at
on creating energy from air. largest direct air capture machines ever Novella, for growing botanical ingredients
operated. without the plant.
Mateo Jaramillo, CEO of Form Energy, for
building a 1 gigawatt hour demo system of Talal Hasan, CEO of 44.01, for leading the Hunter Swisher, founder of Phospholu-
an iron air battery, expected to come online first CO2 mineralization project in the Mid- tions, for reducing the amount of phospho-
in 2025. dle East that utilizes seawater. rus in fertilizer by 50%.

IMPORTANT TERMS
Ammonia Direct air capture biomass, and used as a source of energy or fuel. Solid bioenergy
A compound of nitrogen and hydrogen. It can A technology that captures CO2 from the atmo- Depending on the resource and energy type used Charcoal, fuelwood, dung, agricultural residues,
be used directly as a fuel in direct combustion spheric air through a chemical reaction. to produce it, hydrogen production can be emis- wood waste and other solid wastes.
processes, as well as in fuel cells or as a hydrogen sions-intensive or carbon neutral.
carrier. To be a low emissions fuel, ammonia must Dispatchable generation Traditional: Refers to the use of solid biomass with
be produced from low-carbon hydrogen and the ni- Dispatchable generation is a source of electricity Liquid bioenergy (biofuel) basic technologies, such as a three-stone fire, often
trogen separated through the Haber process using that can be turned on or off, such as nuclear, mean- Liquid fuels derived from biomass or waste feed- with no or poorly operating chimneys.
electricity generated from low-carbon sources. ing it can be controlled. Non-dispatchable energy stock. They include ethanol, biodiesel, and biojet
sources, such as wind and solar photovoltaics, Modern: Refers to the use of solid bioenergy in im-
fuels.
Bioenergy cannot be controlled by operators. proved cook stoves and modern technologies using
Energy content derived from biomass feedstocks Conventional: Fuels produced from food crop feed- processed biomass such as pellets.
and biogas. It comes in solid, liquid, and gaseous Electrolysis stock such as sugar cane or vegetable oil, among
Electrolysis is a process where electric current Solar photovoltaics (PV)
form. Its liquid form is often labeled biofuel. others.
passes through a substance to effect a chemical A process which converts sunlight into electricity
Biogas change. In hydrogen production, electricity is used Advanced: Fuels produced from non-food crop using a technology based on the photoelectric ef-
A mixture of methane, CO2, and small quantities to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. If the feedstock that don’t directly compete with food and fect. With the photoelectric effect, materials absorb
of other gases produced by anaerobic digestion of power used for the process comes from sustain- feed crops for agricultural land. photons (light) and release electrons, generating
organic matter in an oxygen-free environment. able energy sources, the process does not produce electricity.
Process emissions
greenhouse gas emissions.
Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) Emissions from industrial processes that involve Zero carbon-ready buildings
The process of capturing CO2 emissions from fuel Energy intensity chemical or physical transformations (separate A zero carbon-ready building is a highly energy
combustion, industrial processes or directly from Energy intensity is the amount of energy used to from fuel combustion). efficient building. It uses either renewable energy
the atmosphere. Captured CO2 emissions can be produce a certain level of output. sources directly or energy sources that can be de-
Pyrolysis carbonized, for example electricity or district heat.
stored in onshore or offshore underground geologi-
Hydrogen Pyrolysis is the process of heating organic materi-
cal formations, or used as an input or feedstock in
Hydrogen is the simplest and most abundant als, such as biomass, in the absence of oxygen. Zero emission vehicles (ZEVs)
manufacturing.
element in the universe. It can be produced from a Vehicles that operate without emitting CO2 emis-
variety of resources such as water, fossil fuels, or sions (such as battery electric and fuel cell vehicles).

ENERGY
PRODUCTION

NEW SOLAR
Concentrated Solar Multitasking Solar Dispatchable Solar Perovskite Cells
Concentrated solar power (CSP) uses para- Companies are building new solar installa- Dispatchable power enables a generation Perovskite is a crystalline compound that
bolic mirrors or “heliostats” to focus sunlight tions with a mind toward additional benefits source to scale up or down based on fluctu- can be used as a semiconductor in solar cells
and generate extremely high temperatures. A beyond electrical power generation. When ations in demand. Solar power installations, as an easier, cheaper, and more sustain-
common implementation of CSP is the “pow- installed in tandem with wind turbines, solar traditionally implemented in a way that able alternative to silicon. Furthermore, it is
er tower,” in which concentric circles of helio- panels are arranged to take advantage of always maximizes energy output, are getting transparent and flexible, making it easier than
stats all focus on the receiver of a single, cen- the Venturi effect, essentially creating wind smarter, able to adjust individual panel an- silicon to integrate into the landscape. In April,
tral tower hundreds of meters off the ground. tunnels. These configurations increase air- gles to change their aggregate power gen- researchers at the King Abdullah University
Although the concept was first developed in flow and wind turbine output by up to 60%. eration and better accommodate the needs of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia
the 1970s and ’80s, new methods and plant Solar windows are becoming transparent of the grid. On large-scale solar farms, this developed a new combination silicon/per-
designs have inspired a modest resurgence, enough not to impact aesthetics in building system of dispatching can go so far as to ovskite solar cell, which achieved an efficiency
particularly in Australia and Africa. Bolstering construction, thanks to organic semicon- independently adjust subsections of panels, of 33.2%, a new world record for two-junction
the case for CSP plants is the dispatchability ductors that can be liquified and spread as a or even individual panels, to compensate solar cells. Advances in perovskite-based cells
of the energy generated. Because CSP gen- coating on glass. In California, a pilot pro- for others that are temporarily obscured are occurring quickly, and the technology is
erates thermal energy, it can be transferred gram dubbed Project Nexus is placing solar by cloud cover or experiencing operation- regularly setting new efficiency and lifetime
using liquid sodium and stored long term in panels above irrigation canals in the San al issues, thus ensuring a responsive and records.
molten salt reservoirs. Due to the abundance Joaquin Valley. Researchers estimate that consistent output. Counterintuitively, many
of the elements required, large-scale thermal placing similar solar panel canopies above of the problems with static solar power gen-
storage would be relatively cheap when com- the state’s 4,000 miles of open canals would eration stem from creating too much pow-
pared with the rare earth elements needed for generate 13 gigawatts of power while simul- er: When the sun is at its zenith and solar
electric batteries, such as lithium and cobalt. taneously saving 63 billion gallons of water generation peaks, solar plants can potential-
For this reason, concentrated solar is being annually in a region that has seen severe ly produce so much energy they overwhelm
viewed as an economical alternative to photo- drought over the past decade. The solar can- local electric grids. Dispatchable solar power
voltaic solar for nighttime use. opies cool water temperatures, halt evapora- eliminates this problem, creating a more
tion, and prevent the growth of water-based dynamic and responsive source of power.
plants.

NEW SOLAR
Dye-sensitized Solar Cells Organic Solar Materials Solar Thermophotovoltaics
Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSC) are made Organic solar materials that can be printed While normal photovoltaic cells respond
using organic dyes that capture photons from or stuck onto surfaces have continued to only to less than half of the sun’s rays that
light. They are cheaper to manufacture than shrink in size. These photovoltaics can be are visible, solar thermophotovoltaics create
silicon solar cells, more flexible in their de- 50 microns thin, less than the width of a electricity from heat waves. Antora Energy,
sign, and can even be semitransparent. Fur- human hair, and can be adhered to surfac- a US-based startup, has completed a large-
ther, they operate on a wider spectrum of light es after they’re manufactured, ostensibly scale manufacturing facility that produces
than traditional silicon solar cells. Ambient making any surface a power-generating thermophotovoltaic cells with 40% efficien-
Photonics, an Amazon-backed startup, has opportunity. Because of the small footprint cy. Meanwhile, researchers at the University
completed construction on a new, large-scale of organic solar cells, they can also be ad- of Houston have developed a new design for
DSC manufacturing facility. The company hered to transparent surfaces. As a result, thermophotovoltaic cells with an improved
claims its products can operate at low levels solar windows are reaching the point where intermediary layer, which prevents thermal
of light, such as indoor environments, and is they are transparent enough not to impact energy from being wastefully radiated away.
aiming to eliminate the need for batteries in aesthetics and could be used more widely in This development could push efficiency lev-
small electronic devices. buildings. Recent experimentation aims to els even higher.
increase these organic solar cells’ viability
for power production on larger areas.
Flexible, transparent solar cells might soon be

adhered to building windows.

NEW WIND
Offshore Floating Wind Turbines with pioneering floating wind projects; it will flows to cater to the chaotic wind patterns Airborne Wind Energy
Offshore floating wind technology is growing be supported by a $100 million public fund. of urban areas. Available in varied sizes to Kitemill, a Norwegian enterprise, is pioneer-
with changes in base designs, innovative tur- suit diverse buildings, O-Wind turbines can ing the advancement of airborne wind ener-
Vertical Wind Turbines connect to the grid or operate independently
bine configurations, and strengthened regu- gy, which involves attaching a turbine to a
latory backing in the US and Europe. In recent Vertical wind turbine innovation reached a with battery units. From Xenecore, a design flying device, to revolutionize wind energy’s
years, “super-sized” structures have become milestone with Norway’s March 2022 ap- that incorporates I-beam ribs and micro- effectiveness, versatility, and affordability.
popular as major players unveil groundbreak- proval of a vertical-axis floating wind pilot sphere structural foam amplifies power gen- Its latest triumph, the KM2 system, is double
ing designs. Among these is Wind Catching project. SeaTwirl and the Marine Energy Test eration with its fan-shaped wind blades. And the size of the KM1 prototype, has a 16-me-
Systems, a 2017-established entity situated Centre will test the prototype for five years because the future needs wind technology ter wingspan, and integrates four propellers
near Oslo, Norway. Pioneering the multi-tur- near Lauplandsholmenoff. The project’s that will work at relatively low wind speeds, for vertical takeoff. The system can generate
bine approach, the company focuses on a progress stalled due to appeals from envi- the fastest-growing energy sector across the an average power cycle of 100 kilowatts. In
“floating wind power plant.” The Dublin-based ronmental and fishing groups, but Norwe- globe is bladeless wind energy. It leverages another promising collaboration, EnerKíte and
Gazelle, a company focused on advanced gian regulators’ rejection of the appeals en- vortex shedding, a vorticity phenomenon, Volkswagen embarked on a feasibility study
offshore wind platforms, has introduced a sures SeaTwirl’s S2X pilot can move forward through a vertical cylinder affixed with an to explore the potential of a mobile e-charging
new hybrid dynamic mooring system—this without further challenges. Additionally, elastic rod. It oscillates within the wind’s station. These innovative airborne wind tur-
revolutionary platform design promises 3D-printed vertical wind turbines are grow- range and powers an alternator system bines hold the promise of charging electric
unmatched stability, courtesy of its light- ing, with several companies experimenting. to generate electricity. Prominent players vehicles even in the remotest regions, reduc-
weight and compact structure and flexibility include Vortex Bladeless, Tyer Wind, Agile ing reliance on conventional power grids and
Going Bladeless Wind Power, Silent Wind, and Sway Turbine
as it can be seamlessly assembled at global enhancing green mobility.
port facilities. In the realm of US regulation, New innovation in wind turbines includes AS in Europe; Saphon Energy in Africa; and,
the Biden administration has announced a evolving designs beyond traditional blades. Mag-Wind Vertical Axis Turbine, Atmocean,
comprehensive 20-month study of the West O-Wind has pioneered an omnidirection- Enomad, and SheerWind in the US.
Coast’s burgeoning floating offshore wind al design that simultaneously captures
potential. This investigation aims to optimize winds from all directions, a breakthrough
transmission networks and connect the grid that uniquely blends horizontal and vertical

NEW WIND
AI Wind Farms Dispatchable Wind Energy Production
Like most other industries, AI is also reshap- As scientists find more ways to store wind
ing renewable energy. Israeli company vHive energy, it will grow as a dispatchable elec-
has introduced an advanced tool for wind tricity solution from which power grids can
turbine inspections, leveraging autonomous demand electricity based on market needs.
data collection and a novel digital twin plat- One way to ensure such storage is by fusing
form. This innovation empowers wind farm hydrogen with the grid, like what’s being
operators to strategically digitize assets, ele- done in the Netherlands. There, an alliance
vate operational efficiency, and curtail output of prominent partners led by Shell is using
decline. UK’s Cognitive Business is working hydrogen from offshore wind energy plants
with RWE’s Robin Rigg offshore wind farm, de- to stabilize the electricity grid, and aims to
livering an AI-powered package that encom- maintain 70% renewable electricity by 2030.
passes pattern recognition and production The FlexH2 consortium, which includes TNO
forecasting to ensure precise maintenance and other industry players, collaborates
predictions and optimal performance. AI has closely on joint research and pioneering
also proven pivotal in the setup, upkeep, and technology development, expediting integra-
enhancement of offshore wind farms. The tion into the energy matrix.
Dhalion Inspection System by Perceptual
Robotics is an interesting example with a
fully autonomous solution for wind blade
inspection, encompassing data acquisition,
insights, and decision-making.
AI helps to make Windfarms more efficient and maintain and optimize performance.

OTHER RENEWABLES
Geothermal Earth’s surface, greatly reducing the risk of electrical batteries, which require large pump water from a depth of 600 meters at
Unlike other renewables, geothermal ener- and investment required to utilize them. In quantities of rare earth elements and are not near-freezing temperatures to be used in a ti-
gy represents a stable source of power that Japan, the New Energy and Industrial Tech- as efficient. Multiple research efforts have tanium heat exchanger; the process is expect-
doesn’t fluctuate with time of day or weather nology Development Organization has been recently focused on using carbon dioxide as ed to generate 1 megawatt of electric power by
patterns. This energy can be harnessed by experimenting in volcanic regions of Hokkai- the storage medium, which has the added 2026.
tapping into hot water and steam reservoirs do. Meanwhile, new geothermal research and benefit of sequestering greenhouse gases.
startups push the boundaries of existing In the US, the National Renewable Energy Hydropower
beneath the Earth’s crust. Once accessed, it
can be used for direct heating or to generate technologies. Researchers are testing work- Laboratory has begun efforts to identify high Accounting for more than 15% of global elec-
electricity through geothermal power plants. ing fluids composed of supercritical carbon storage potential sites, and in Germany, the tricity generation in 2022, hydropower con-
dioxide to transfer and pump heat back to Karlsruhe Institute of Technology is evaluat- tinues to be the largest source of renewable
Supercritical Geothermal the Earth’s surface. Companies are developing how geothermal energy storage might be power, contributing more than wind, solar, and
Supercritical geothermal energy production ing new tools, like Thermochem’s probe and integrated into the existing grid. biofuels combined. New opportunities for hy-
requires going deeper into the Earth’s crust logging tool rated to operate at temperatures dropower manifest in efficiency, storage, and
up to 400 degrees Celsius. Barriers to devel- Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion small scale (but widespread) deployments.
than conventional geothermal, tapping into
the extreme temperatures and pressures opment remain, however, mainly in the form Ocean thermal energy conversion generates
of policy and international cooperation. power from the temperature difference that Digitalization
present there (in excess of 374 degrees Cel-
sius and 221 bar, respectively). While con- exists in ocean water. Because this differ- Hydro plants have invested significantly in
Using Geothermal for Energy Storage ence is unaffected by weather and climate digital management for their equipment and
taining enormous power generation poten-
tial, these conditions also present extreme Geothermal energy storage techniques hold conditions, it represents a reliable source of systems, all with the aim of optimizing energy
technological challenges. Some of those may energy in the form of increased temperature sustainable energy. Furthermore, the sea- output and safety. Utilizing cloud computing
be alleviated by recent research, which has and pressure which is “pumped” into the water output from the process is usable in and big data, operators hope to build machine
focused on tapping into supercritical geo- earth and released as needed. Research- commercial applications such as fisheries, learning models to guide automated deci-
thermal fluids at sites adjacent to volcanic ers and government agencies are looking agriculture, and air conditioning. Japanese sion-making in these complex environments.
activity. At these sites, extreme temperatures closely at this option for storing sustainably shipping company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines has Given the risk involved with such a digital
and pressures can be found closer to the generated energy in lieu of massive banks announced a pilot program that would transformation, some operators have even

OTHER RENEWABLES
opted to create digital twins of their plants, The European Union has also funded pilots ity by 2031. Spain started building a 200 ing to minimize the environmental impact
enabling a safe environment for training the for small scale hydro in sites across Central megawatt plant in the Canary Islands. China, of hydropower. Its latest turbine implements
algorithms of the future. Spain has made sig- Asia. Though this region has the world’s sec- meanwhile, continues to lead the world in a curved blade design aiming to drastically
nificant investment so far, and officials plan ond largest potential for hydroelectric power, pumped storage capacity, with 51 gigawatts reduce the rate of marine life fatality for crea-
to onboard 160 of its power plants to a digital larger hydro developments there have been currently in operation and more planned to tures passing through.
management platform. China, too, is making slow due to political, economical, and legal come.
strides, and officials have put all data from factors, such as water rights claims and con-
the Three Gorges Dam (the largest hydroelec- cerns about environmental impact. Small New Turbine Design
tric project in the world) into the cloud of scale hydro has the ability to simultaneously Companies continue to innovate on the de-
Chinese company Huawei Cloud. provide a significant source of power while sign of hydro turbines. Turbulent, a Belgian
avoiding many of those pitfalls. engineering company, has developed an un-
Small Scale Hydro derwater vortex turbine capable of operating
Small scale hydro projects are allowing en- Hydro as a Water Battery in remote locations. With low maintenance
ergy suppliers across the globe to add more Hydro storage, or “pumped storage,” involves and water flow requirements, it is ideal for
renewable energy generation to their portfolio pumping water into uphill reservoirs when rural communities with simple irrigation.
without the need for massive, upfront invest- energy is cheap (or when renewables are op- Similarly, Emrgy is working on hydrokinetic
ments of capital. In California, a pilot program erating) and then allowing that water to flow turbines that can be dropped into canals
led by startup Emrgy places small, modular downhill and generate energy as needed. and other low pressure, low flow environ-
turbines into irrigation canals to produce Recently, large investments in the field have ments. Voith Hydro in Germany made ad-
modest amounts of electricity, between 2 been made across the globe. Switzerland justments to the centuries-old Pelton Wheel
and 10 megawatts. The turbines operate in just opened a 20-gigawatt-hour plant in the design, which allows its turbines to operate
a manner that does not require damming Swiss Alps that can transition from energy in a horizontal configuration, as opposed to
the water. This, paired with the fact that all storage to energy generation in less than 10 vertical. More injectors can be utilized in its
the canals used are pre-existing, means the minutes. In Utah, a $2.5 billion project broke operation, increasing its overall output. Addi-
impact to the local environment is minimal. ground that could provide 9GWh in capac- tionally, companies such as Natel are work-

CLEAN FUELS
Hydrogen has pursued similar coating-based improve- Biofuels
Hydrogen fuel technology has been around ments, focusing on alkaline electrolyzers. Biofuels encompass any fuel made or de-
since the 1950s, and for the past 75 years, it Meanwhile, American company TFP Hydrogen rived from organic matter—typically corn,
has served as the main propulsion source for has announced plans to scale up its electro- sugar cane, or soy. These fuels include etha-
spacefaring vehicles. Recent developments, lyzer coating capacity threefold over the next nol, biodiesel, and biogas. While biofuels rep-
including updated designs for hydrogen fuel year, up to 600 megawatts annually. Cana- resent an alternative to fossil fuels, concerns
cells, have reignited conversations of using da-based Loopflow has developed a new fuel have arisen over the amount of farmland
the fuel source closer to home. In particular, cell design with a unique geometry and flow needed to provide significant amounts of
“green hydrogen” (hydrogen fuel produced us- field properties that increase the stability of energy and the impact large scale operations
ing renewable energy), has been viewed as an internal conditions and efficiency. might have on food systems.
emissions-free alternative for long distance
New Base Materials Biofuels From Hemp
naval, aerial, and ground transportation. How-
ever, issues of economics and scale remain. Currently, hydrogen is typically extracted Hemp represents a unique opportunity for
from treated freshwater. As issues of water biofuels. It can be turned into multiple types
Reducing the Cost of Hydrogen Production scarcity continue to grow, hydrogen power of fuel (e.g., ethanol, methanol, biodiesel)
Researchers are making progress in reducing companies have sought to harness alter- and boasts one of the highest energy den-
the cost of green hydrogen generation. Many native sources. Efforts in Guam, the Nether- sities of any land-grown crop. However, the
of these efforts focus on improving the ma- lands, and Australia have focused on using plant’s association with cannabis is often
terials coating the electrodes used to extract seawater, both treated and untreated, for hy- seen as hindering widespread adoption
pure hydrogen from water. Separate research drogen generation. A large EU pilot program (industrial hemp has only a fraction of the
teams, both in Korea, have perfected pro- will explore using wastewater as a base ma- THC associated with recreational marijuana).
tective titanium oxide coatings that reduce terial. Other efforts are looking into an even A bipartisan bill in the US hopes to change Hemp’s high energy density makes it a great source
corrosion in the electrodes and have experi- more direct method: accessing “geologic hy- that by deregulating hemp and legally for biofuel.
mented with using cheaper iron nitride as a drogen,” or sources of pure hydrogen trapped decoupling it from cannabis. Meanwhile,
coating alternatives. An Oxford-based team in the earth, in gaseous or other forms. researchers at Texas A&M are breeding new

CLEAN FUELS
strains of hemp that are both suitable for Syngas From the Sun
the state’s dryer climates and fall within THC Synthesis gas, or syngas, is a mixture of
compliant ranges. hydrogen and carbon monoxide that can be
used as fuel and in the production of meth-
Biofuels From Algae
anol. Researchers at the University of Cam-
Through photosynthesis, certain kinds of bridge have devised a solar-powered reactor
algae can produce biofuel. As added bene- that extracts carbon dioxide from industrial
fits, they absorb carbon dioxide and grow waste, or even from the atmosphere, and
organically. In spite of this, scaling biofuel converts it into syngas using what they de-
extraction from algae is slow and expen- scribe as “artificial leaves.” By infusing ceria
sive. Researchers in Brazil have conducted (a common material used in syngas produc-
experiments with microalgae in which they tion) with a nickel catalyst, researchers at
“stress” the culture to induce it to make the University of Florida have demonstrated
more lipids, the key component in biofuel the ability to create syngas at lower tempera-
production. Other experiments have focused tures—700 degrees Celsius instead of 1,000
on genetically modifying algae to optimize degrees—a reduction that provides economic
their efficiency and survivability characteris- benefit to producers.
tics. United Airlines has invested $5 million
in biofuel startup Viridos, which focuses on
producing sustainable aviation fuel from
algae in seawater.
Scientists are exposing algae to stressors to increase lipid production, the key component for biofuels.

FOSSIL FUEL INNOVATION

Rededication of Contaminated Land blend fuel. Japan is turning coal into “clean US. Oil and gas companies will pay a fee if
Abandoned coal mines could be the solution hydrogen” through the Hydrogen Energy Sup- they emit more than 25,000 tons of carbon
to warming homes in Europe, where homes ply Chain project, which uses carbon capture dioxide equivalent per year into the atmo-
across the continent are sitting on top of old and storage technology and has attracted sphere, thus spurring innovations in meth-
mines filled with warm water. The water gets $2.35 billion in investment. Botswana is ane emission monitoring to avoid the fee.
warmer the deeper it goes and can be brought working with South African-based Sasol’s ex- A team of Princeton University researchers
up through boreholes, run through heat tensive coal resources to produce synthetic has developed extremely agile drones with
pumps and extractors to increase the tem- fuels to support Europe’s energy crisis. And remote-sensing lasers to detect gas leaks
perature even more, and then sent through in the UK, Net Zero Teesside Power is on track up to 25 times smaller than can be detected
heating networks to warm homes. Once the to be the world’s first commercial-scale using traditional methods. The drones only
water is used, it can be redirected back into gas-fired power station with carbon capture. require a small mirror and laser and can
the mines where it is heated again. The UK The project will drive the UK government to- be outfitted to measure other gases such
is currently exploring this project beginning ward its decarbonization goals and produce as carbon dioxide and ammonia as well as
with 12 preliminary boreholes in Glasgow. enough electricity to power 1.3 million homes methane. Swiss-based Distran, an innovator
per year. in ultrasonic camera technology to detect
Reducing the Carbon Footprint of Fossil Fuels gas leaks, has recently closed $8.3 million
Methane Emissions Reductions in funding to diversify their products and
In many countries, regulators and research-
ers are attempting new ways to reduce fossil Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, plays tap into new markets to expand the safety of
fuels’ impact on the climate crisis. The US a major role in trapping heat in the Earth’s industrial plants and reduce their environ-
Environment Protection Agency has proposed atmosphere. Recognizing its importance mental impact.
new regulations on limits for pollutants from as a driver of climate change, regulators
American coal and gas power plants, forcing and scientists are turning their attention
Abandoned coal mines could support warming
facilities to track and report emissions. Ko- to finding ways to reduce methane emis- homes in Europe.
rean companies have successfully operated sions. The Inflation Reduction Act contains
a gas turbine with a cleaner 60% hydrogen the first ever greenhouse gas fee in the

NEW NUCLEAR
Fusion attention of both private and public sectors. German startup Proxima Fusion has raised Laser-Driven Fusion
Long considered the “holy grail of energy Lawrence Livermore has already repeated— $8.6 million to pursue a twisting, new reac- Laser-driven fusion, also known as “inertial
production,” nuclear fusion technology would and improved upon—its initial experiment. tor design, one drastically different from the confinement fusion,” is a means of triggering
allow humans to emulate the atomic process Startups funded by tech millionaires have widely used, toroidal tokamak design. fusion reactions by firing high energy laser
that powers the stars. Most experimental fu- begun to enter the field. However, large ob- volleys at small pellets of deuterium and triti-
stacles remain—namely the massive amount Molten Salt Reactors
sion reactors today seek to fuse hydrogen at- um to increase temperature and pressure. Fol-
oms into helium, the same reaction our own of investment and lengthy timelines needed Although the idea of using molten salt as lowing the landmark net positive fusion reac-
sun has been conducting for billions of years. to develop the technology into something a coolant for nuclear fission reactors has tion from Lawrence Livermore in 2022, which
This reaction creates substantial amounts meaningful. Even the most generous esti- been around since the 1950s, it was more or utilized laser-driven ignition techniques,
of energy in the form of extremely fast mov- mates place large scale nuclear fusion over less abandoned as most commercialized additional funding is finding its way into
ing atomic particles, which can be converted 30 years away, a sobering reality check given nuclear installations opted for water cooling the space. Marvel Fusion, a German startup,
to heat and then used to power generators. the planet’s immediate need for sustainable instead. Now, companies and researchers plans to build a $150 million high-power laser
The only byproducts are heavier (potentially sources of energy. are revisiting the concept, seeing it as a way and fusion research facility at Colorado State
useful) elements and trace amounts of ra- to increase efficiency (by making it easier University. With an expected completion date
Privately led Fusion Projects to extract thermal energy), generate addi-
diation at harmless levels. Given the cosmic of 2026, the facility will be the most techno-
abundance of hydrogen, nuclear fusion would The US Department of Energy injected tional fissile material (which can then be logically capable research site for laser fusion
provide a virtually limitless source of energy. capital into a growing ecosystem of private used in subsequent reactions), and reduce energy and high-energy density physics.
fusion projects, by distributing $46 million radioactive waste. Researchers at MIT plan to
Fusion Momentum in funding to eight companies. Incumbent explore the practicality of molten salt reac- Small Modular Reactors
Following the Lawrence Livermore Nation- players, such as TAE Technologies, continue tors while companies such as Kairos Power Early in 2023, the US Nuclear Regulatory Com-
al Laboratory’s landmark achievement in to iterate and produce new reactor designs and TerraPower are developing commercial mission certified the first design for a small
2022, when researchers created the first while newer ventures, such as the Sam Alt- models. modular reactor capable of nuclear fission,
human-controlled, net-positive energy-pro- man-backed Helion, aim to bring a Silicon meaning utilities can now select it when
ducing fusion reaction, conversations around Valley-esque sense of disruption to the building a new power plant. This could repre-
the technology have reignited, capturing the industry by targeting small scale reactors. sent a major opportunity for new nuclear proj-

NEW NUCLEAR
ects, especially as a complementary solution

to less reliable emissions-free generation,
such as solar and wind. Conventional nuclear
power plants are bespoke, heavily site-de-
pendent, and must be constructed on-site.
These small modular reactors can be factory
made and integrate much more easily into
existing grids. The approved design is rated
at 50 megawatt output though the company
behind it, Nuscale, is hoping to get higher
capacity models approved soon.
Extraordinary sums of money continue to flow into nuclear fusion, however, timing for scaling remains elusive.

EMERGING FORMS OF ENERGY PRODUCTION

Energy From Thin Air Wave Power aquaculture, and renewable energy resourc- Mimicking Photosynthesis
New technology is being developed to create Wave power, or using wave energy to cre- es to maritime communities. Researchers at the University of Cambridge
clean energy from the materials in the Earth’s ate electricity, is a growing industry that is have made a groundbreaking discovery in the
Tidal Turbines
atmosphere. At KU Leuven University, Belgian expected to increase 4.7% to $30.44 million photosynthesis process that could change
researchers have created solar panels that by 2030. In Australia, Wave Swell Energy has Underwater, companies are turning the how we generate renewable energy and clean
produce hydrogen from the water vapor in the done this with floating devices. The com- movements of the tide into electricity. Scot- fuel. Photosynthesis powers a majority of
atmosphere and convert it into electricity via pany uses the concept of oscillating water land’s MeyGen tidal power project, an array life on Earth, and it was previously believed
a hydrogen fuel cell. The hydrogen panels will columns to power its turbines: As waves of four underwater turbines about 66 feet that the chemicals that can extract electrons
be on the market through the startup Solhyd; push water up and down into a hole at the below the ocean’s surface, has generated 50 occurred later in the photosynthesis process.
they can produce up to 250 liters of hydrogen bottom of the floating devices, the air in the gigawatt hours of electricity as of February However, researchers discovered it takes place
a day, and the gas can be stored in a tank space is pushed out of the device and in 2023, the first of its kind to do so. This is much earlier and pathways exist to move
to use later. At the University of Massachu- turn spins a turbine that creates electricity. roughly equivalent to the annual electrici- electrons that were previously unknown. This
setts Amherst, researchers have developed a Closer to shore, Eco Wave Power uses“float- ty consumption of 4,700 US homes. Off the new discovery opens up new ways of using
device that harnesses the same technology ers” that can be attached to existing man- coast of Eastport, Maine, Ocean Renewable power and the ability to mimic photosynthesis
as lightning, by using electricity generated made structures. These floaters rise and fall, Power Co. is beginning to test turbine gener- to create clean fuels from water and sunlight.
from water droplets passing through the moving a piston, accumulator, and hydraulic ators that could be commercially viable. The This ability to regulate photosynthesis could
generator’s porous material. The “air gener- motor to create power in a generator. The turbine will have a 12 month test period, and also increase crops’ ability to tolerate sunlight
ator,” or Air-gen, can make clean electricity company’s floaters were added at the Port of then the company plans to implement a full in a world facing climate change.
almost anywhere and runs only on ambient Los Angeles and are currently being scaled scale four turbine system further along the
humidity, providing a completely sustainable up; they could generate up to 69% of Cali- coast. There are also many other tidal energy
energy source. And in Australia, an enzyme fornia’s electricity production if fully scaled. startups that have secured substantial fund-
has been found by scientists that can do And on the support side, AWS Ocean Energy, ing, showing a trend in attention returning
something similar, by turning air into ener- who is currently working with Wave Energy to tidal power, including Sustainable Marine
gy. The enzyme, commonly found in soil, can Scotland, is providing technology and ser- Energy, which raised $11.3 million; Orbital
create electrical currents using low amounts vices for those in the marine energy industry. Marine Power, which raised $11.4 million; and
of hydrogen in the atmosphere. The company services oilfield infrastructure, Verdant Power, which raised $8.73 million.

ALTERNATIVES TO MINERALS AND RARE EARTHS

Local Sourcing such large scale operations, and the environ- rare earths. Vitesco Technologies, an electric
Chinese mines account for about 60% of mental impact is not well understood. vehicle parts manufacturer, has developed
the global supply of germanium and 80% of an “externally excited synchronous ma-
Alternative Materials chine” (ESM) motor design that can replace
gallium—minerals used in everything from
smartphones to electric car batteries. Last As another strategy to decrease dependen- the permanent magnet synchronous motor
year, in what appeared to be retaliation for cy on rare earths, researchers have begun (PSM) design that currently dominates the
American technology trade limitations, China developing alternative materials to replace EV market. In high-performance vehicles,
enacted heavy export restrictions on these them. A number of Japanese companies which often require larger or more powerful
materials, sending many nations scrambling claim to have developed valid substitutes magnets, the ESM design offers an econom-
to find alternate sources. These actions have in the magnet space. Proterial has produced ic advantage over the PSM design due to its
raised concerns that restrictions on rare a “high performance ferrite magnet” made reduced dependence on costly rare earth ele-
earths, which China also dominates (70% of from iron that claims to replace neodymium ments. Tesla has likewise announced a pow-
global production), might not be far behind. magnets in electric vehicle motors. Automo- ertrain design that reduces the company’s
As a result, in recent years Australia, Canada, tive parts manufacturer Denso has purport- dependence on rare earths, citing economic,
the US, and the EU have all invested in finding ed a similar breakthrough, making a magnet stability, and environmental motivations.
domestic sources of rare earths. For exam- using iron and nickel. Others have developed
ple, mining company Northern Minerals has a design using iron and samarium. It is per-
invested $80 million in the exploration of the haps not surprising that these companies
Browns Range in Western Australia and plans are all based in Japan; that nation was the
to use the site to add dysprosium and terbi- first to feel the brunt of China’s rare earth
um to its current offerings of neodymium and trade restrictions in 2010.
praseodymium. The demand for rare earths Countries are looking to diversify their sources for
Rare Earth Avoidance
has also kicked off a heated debate over deep rare earth and minerals.
sea mining and which countries can lay claim Certain manufacturers have attempted to
to the rich resources on the ocean floor; how- strengthen their supply chains by reducing,
ever, international law does not yet permit or completely eradicating, their need for

SCENARIOS
SCENARIO YEAR 2035
What If the World Runs on Thermal Energy?

In 2035, Thermal Symphony Networks power our world with renewable energy. This technology’s dual capabilities
are leveraging temperature contrast for clean electricity generation and provide heating and cooling with no mov-
ing parts. Initially designed to enhance urban energy production and efficiency where wind and solar were not as
easily integrated, Thermal Symphony Networks quickly transcended their purpose: sidewalks paved with thermo-
electric tiles captured footfall heat to power nearby buildings, and architectural facades lined with thermoelectric
panels balanced indoor temperatures while generating electricity.
As the networks gained traction, industries experienced a paradigm shift. Farmers established “Energy Orchards,”
where temperature-controlled environments enclosed by thermal tiles optimized crop growth while generating
power. Global maritime transport saw the implementation of thermoelectric ship coatings, converting tempera-
ture differences between ocean water and cargo into energy. Electric vehicles equipped with thermoelectric sys-
tems harnessed the heat generated during braking to recharge their batteries, extending their range. Airports
showcased runways embedded with thermoelectric materials, converting the temperature contrast between
asphalt and air into additional power for terminals.
The benefits of Thermal Symphony Networks even extend underwater: The technology’s heat exchange mecha-
nisms promote coral reef health, reversing the damage caused by rising sea temperatures.

ENERGY
INFRASTRUCTURE

ENERGY STORAGE
TPV Batteries energy to heat solid carbon blocks over 1,500 technology has also bridged the perfor- totype battery with a high energy density of
Given the inherent intermittency of wind and degrees Celsius, Antora can also provide its mance gap with materials like nickel and co- 500 watt-hours per kilogram. With a storage
solar power, electricity generated from these technology to industrial processes requiring balt. Our Next Energy, a startup, is launching capacity twice that of traditional lithium-ion
sources needs a more dependable energy high levels of heat. In line with the idea of production of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, these batteries offer the rapid dis-
storage system that would work irrespective ensuring high-temperature stability, a novel batteries in Michigan. It plans to expand charge capabilities necessary to be used in
of weather patterns. TPV batteries are one nanophotonic material—embodying struc- via a new $1.6 billion plant that will supply aircraft. Toyota has set its sights on launching
such solution to bottle and store renewable tural variations on a scale comparable to the 200,000 electric vehicles with LFP batteries solid-state batteries in its mass-produced
energy. wavelength of light—has shown promising by 2027. Among the larger companies, Ford EVs by 2027. The company has discovered a
potential for efficient production and control has chosen to license LFP battery technolo- new way to simplify the production of sol-
Experiments are being conducted across of thermal radiation. Scientists at the Law- gy from China-based CATL to provide more id-state batteries and enable shorter charge
the world to find storage alternatives that rence Berkeley National Lab and Scripps Re- cost-effective options for customers, while times with an extended driving range. Nio, an
are affordable, eco-friendly, and scalable. In search are also exploring new ways to handle General Motors is also exploring using LFPs EV company, in an update to its user manu-
Italy, Enel X and Magaldi Group are building high energy levels in extreme conditions. to cut costs. Delta has introduced an outdoor als, has introduced a new 150 kilowatt-hour
a 13-megawatt-hour thermal energy storage lithium-iron battery system meticulously semi-solid state battery pack alongside its
using patented fluidized sand bed technol- Iron Batteries tailored for megawatt-level energy storage existing battery lineup. The Nio ES6 model in
ogy. This stores heat that is then used to With its abundance, iron continues to be applications, addressing the pressing re- China will incorporate these solid-state bat-
release steam at 120-400 degrees Celsius. In a reliable source for energy storage, and quirements for grid ancillary services, solar teries. Factorial Energy, a solid-state battery
Spain, researchers created a battery that uses companies are devising new ways to use iron plus storage, and backup power assurance. developer, has forged collaborative partner-
renewable power to melt metals like silicon, batteries to do this on a large scale. Form En- ships with Hyundai, Kia, and Mercedes-Benz
storing latent heat that powers a thermopho- ergy, a startup, will supply iron-air batteries Solid State Batteries to implement its vision of scaling solid-state
tovoltaic generator to produce electricity. In to Xcel Energy’s 1-gigawatt-hour project that Introducing a groundbreaking leap in mak- technology by 2026. The company has expand-
the US, Antora Energy has innovated on TPV is slated for operation in 2025. Lithium-iron ing battery-powered flight a reality, NASA’s ed beyond the US to South Korea, Japan, and
(thermophotovoltaic) technology to convert batteries are also gaining popularity. While Solid-state Architecture Batteries for En- Germany. Furthermore, the realm of 3D-print-
carbon block light back into electricity, offer- their environmental and geopolitical signif- hanced Rechargeability and Safety (SABERS) ed solid-state batteries holds transformative
ing cost-effective and emissions-free heat icance has always been central to growth, team has unveiled a sulfur selenium pro- potential, promising enhanced energy storage
and power innovation. Using wind and solar solutions for various applications.

ENERGY STORAGE
Gravitational Energy Storage within laboratory settings, offering a sus- pled with an impressive life cycle of 50,000 to compress air into them, later releasing
In exploring innovative energy storage solu- tainable and environmentally friendly alter- cycles and higher safety standards. Addition- high-pressure air to generate power. Stan-
tions, gravitational energy is gaining trac- native to currently used materials. The US ally, a research group at Japan’s Osaka Met- ford University researchers have developed
tion as a way to create kinetic energy. Swiss Army collaborated with Lockheed Martin to ropolitan University has developed a highly a model to gauge the required compressed
company Energy Vault is nearing completion test a new flow battery that aims to store en- deformable solid electrolyte. Being touted air storage for deep decarbonization of power
of gravity battery installations in the US and ergy for a longer duration and at scale. Called as the world’s first bulk-type all-solid-state systems. Testing their model on California’s
China that are projected to produce 36 and GridStar Flow, this rechargeable flow battery capacitor, this capacitor can function at energy grid, the group has highlighted the
100 megawatts, respectively. Australian start- will use engineered electrolytes to charge high current densities and promises higher cost-effectiveness of compressed air storage
up Green Gravity has joined forces with min- itself. Energy Dome, an Italian startup, is us- efficiency and performance. on a dollars-per-kilowatt-hour basis as com-
ing contractor RUC to fast-track the adoption ing “CO2 Battery” to store energy. With fresh pared with other sources of energy.
funding secured, the tech company plans to Compressed Air Storage (CAES)
of its gravitational energy storage technology.
Their technology moves ultra-heavy weights operationalize two standard 20MW-200MWh These systems use high pressure air to spin
in mine shafts to turn turbines and create frames by the close of 2024. turbines and generate electricity. Current-
electricity. Meanwhile, UK-based Gravitricity ly, only two commercial CAES plants exist
Capacitors globally: the Huntorf plant in Germany and
is set to initiate pilot demonstrations of its
gravity energy storage systems in India, with Supercapacitors store and release electro- the McIntosh plant in Alabama. They utilize
plans for broader deployment in the future. chemical energy using a flow of electrons diabatic processes, where off-peak electrici-
between two conductive plates separated by ty compresses air for storage, later mixing it
Flow Batteries an electrolyte. Skeleton Technologies, an Es- with natural gas for combustion during peak
An emerging idea, flow batteries leverage the tonian company working on energy storage demand. Hydrostor, a Toronto-based develop-
flow of special liquids to generate electric technology, has introduced the SuperBattery, er, has devised an innovative plan scheduled
current. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory which combines the attributes of super- for completion in 2028; it involves drilling
is using β-cyclodextrin, a basic sugar extract- capacitors and batteries. This innovation three deep shafts that are about 100 yards
ed from starch, in a flow battery formulation. boasts an extraordinary charging speed 100 high and as long as two football fields. The
This innovative sugar can be synthesized times faster than lithium-ion batteries, cou- company will use excess renewable energy

ENERGY TRANSPORT
UHV Power Lines gen-doped lutetium hydride that was able to
Ultra high voltage (UHV) power lines can transmit electricity at low temperatures and
efficiently carry electricity over long distances pressure. However, the experiment couldn’t
with minimal loss, enabling energy optimi- be replicated. If successful, superconductors
zation across vast areas. While China leads could scale technologies such as levitating
UHV use, other countries and alliances across high-speed trains and make long-distance
the world are exploring projects to use this energy transport (including wind and solar
technology. One example is the North Sea energy) a feasible alternative. The SCARLET
Wind Power Hub, a collaboration from nine initiative, supported by the EU, unites 15
European countries to generate 120 gigawatts partners from seven countries to develop
of wind power by 2030 and 300GW by 2050. superconducting cables, enhancing cost-ef-
The project aims to support Europe’s transi- fective and efficient power transmission of
tion to a low-carbon energy system through renewable energy along with hydrogen in the
wind power and uses UHV transmission lines same pipeline. The project took off in Sep-
to interconnect the electricity grids of these tember 2022 at the Institute for Advanced
different countries. Beyond Europe, India, Bra- Sustainability Studies in Potsdam, Germany.
zil, and Russia are also exploring UHV imple- Focused on further improving long-distance
mentation. energy transmission through supercon-
ductors, SuperNode, an Irish renewables
Superconductors technology company, has partnered with
Superconductors can unlock high-speed en- CERN. CERN, a leader in superconductivity re-
ergy transportation without resistive loss. In search, will bring its cryogenic and vacuum
a feat first hailed as groundbreaking, scien- expertise to analyze sample materials and
tists at the University of Rochester seemed to subsystems.
have crafted a superconductor from nitro- Ultra high voltage power lines are needed to effectively distribute energy from renewable resources.

THE GRID
Dynamic Line Rating (DLR) Systems Balancing the Flow of Power Within the Grid ing based on this data. The project explicitly
With climate change, energy grids across the Balancing the flow of power within the highlights the importance of local and re-
globe are under more pressure, and grid oper- grid is important to ensure that electricity gional decision-making in decarbonization.
ators are increasingly using new technologies demand is met in real time with supply. The In Ireland, the transmission system operator
like dynamic line rating (DLR) systems to University of Applied Sciences of Western EirGrid has partnered with Smart Wires to
enhance the grid. Using sensors, the technol- Switzerland has pioneered an optimization implement advanced power flow control
ogy delivers real-time information on factors algorithm that can identify the coordinates devices that automate and optimize the
affecting grid performance, such as wind of electric current surges in power grids grid and increase the use of new renewable
speed and temperature. In the US, PPL Corp. without knowing the grid’s overall structure, energy.
has been sending hourly forecasts to PJM thus reducing outage costs. Another grid-en-
Interconnection, the regional transmission or- hancing technology is the Advanced Power
ganization, since 2022. UK’s National Grid has Flow Control, where devices can rapidly push
collaborated with LineVision, the only compa- or pull power from over or under-utilized
ny specializing in noncontact power line mon- lines within a transmission network. The Na-
itoring, to deploy sensors and a DLR platform. tional Grid Electricity Distribution, a project
This advancement aims to optimize grid aimed at decarbonization, has launched the
performance by accurately assessing power Planning Regional Infrastructure in a Digital
line conditions. In Australia, the Renewable Environment (PRIDE) project to bring togeth-
Energy Agency granted Infravision $732,000 er key stakeholders on a unified platform to
to support the development, testing, and trial analyze data and make decisions on energy
of the “Next Generation Line Monitoring Sys- systems. Collaborating with the West Mid-
tem,” thus enhancing electrical transmission lands Combined Authority and Advanced As the percentage of renewable energy in the grid
grid performance. Infrastructure, PRIDE explores the potential increases, we need smart technologies to ensure
of digital twins to understand the regional stable distribution and supply.
energy demands and enable decision-mak-

EMISSIONS
REMOVAL

CARBON CAPTURE & STORAGE

Natural CSS Direct Air Capture anese utility company Tokyo Gas is investing
One method of naturally removing carbon Directly capturing carbon dioxide from the in Global Thermostat in pursuit of its net-ze-
dioxide from the atmosphere is the mass atmosphere is expensive and requires a lot ro goal for decarbonization.
farming of seaweed, which sucks the gas of energy. But because the industry is so
CO2 Storage
from the air. However, a new study has re- visible and young, it’s attracting new innova-
vealed that the amount of seaweed needed to tors such as ex-Tesla Director Douglas Chan Denmark made history last March with
make an impact (a million square kilometers) who founded Climeworks with the goal of Project Greensand, which captured carbon
may be too much for turning this solution being able to remove carbon dioxide by the dioxide at a site in Belgium, transported
into a widespread strategy for combatting gigaton by 2050. Climeworks has announced the liquid gas to the Danish North Sea and
climate change. Mosses are showing sub- plans to scale up its US operations after suc- then injected it into the seabed at a depth
stantial promise after a new study revealed cessfully running several European plants. of about 1,800 meters. Project Greensand is
that moss-covered soil can store 6.43 billion California-based HolyGrail uses electrical- also working with Danish company Resen
metric tons more carbon in the soil beneath ly powered modular scrubbers to remove Waves, which created buoys that generate
it than soil can on its own. The total poten- carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and power through the ocean waves and can be
tial amount of carbon dioxide that could turn it into mineralized cubes, which can be used to monitor the seabed-injected carbon
be stored by mosses is about six times the stacked on top of each other above ground. dioxide, detect leaks, and also work as Wi-Fi
annual global emissions caused by activities Global Thermostat is at the forefront of car- hotspots at sea. The project 44.01, involving
such as deforestation, urbanization, and min- bon removal technology and has unveiled its partners Abu Dhabi National Oil Co., Fujairah
ing. A French startup is trying to grow geneti- new Direct Air Capture machine—one of their Natural Resources Corp., and Abu Dhabi Fu-
cally modified house plants to better filter the largest yet, the unit can remove 1,000 tons a ture Energy Co., eliminates carbon dioxide by
air around them. In Georgia, foresters have year. The company provides customers with turning it into a solid rock formation. It is the
begun planting acres of the first genetically the main components and associated de- first mineralization project to use seawater
Seaweed captures carbon, but it’s questionable if
engineered trees, which are designed to grow sign plans of the machine, so that the actual and the first carbon-negative project by a there is enough to make an impact.
faster and capture more carbon than their building and implementation can be done by Middle Eastern energy company.
traditional counterparts. a construction company of their choice. Jap-

CARBON CAPTURE & STORAGE

CCS-as-a-Service turns agricultural remnants into bio-oil, will
As the demand for carbon capture and be getting $53 million from carbon-removal
sequestration services increases, CCS-as-a- credits to turn its agricultural waste into oil
service business models continue to spread. that can lock up carbon dioxide for a million
EnQuest, a UK oil and gas company, secured years and be stored underground.
carbon storage licenses from North Sea Tran-
sition Authority in the UK’s first-ever carbon
sequestration licenses. The company plans
to ship carbon dioxide in liquid form to the
Sullom Voe Terminal in Shetland, a 1,000-acre
future carbon storage hub, before sending it
via an existing pipeline for injection and per-
manent offshore storage. Due to the flexibility
of shipping carbon dioxide in liquid form, this
should make it easier for EnQuest to service
more isolated carbon emitters that may not
otherwise have access to this type of stor-
age. Ørsted’s Asnæs biomass power station
and Northern Lights JV have signed a carbon
dioxide Transport and Services Agreement
to store 430,000 tons per year of biogenic
carbon dioxide from two Danish power plants.
This is a major milestone for both the Euro-
pean commercial CCS market and Northern
Lights JV. Charm Industrial, a company that First carbon storage licenses have been secured for the North Sea.

CARBON UTILIZATION
Carbon-Based Food dioxide from the atmosphere with a ther- Chemical Production
Traditional farming methods cause mass mochemical process, purifies it, adds green The research team at RWTH Aachen has
damage to our environment in the forms of hydrogen to create atmospheric methane, developed a new chemical reaction that uses
habitat loss and deforestation—using up and then puts it in specialized chambers carbon dioxide in the creation of a chemical
land, drying up water sources, and releasing where diamond material can begin to form. compound called aromatic carboxylic acids.
a third of all greenhouse gas emissions. Solar The diamond material is cut and polished This compound has a variety of uses from
Foods wants to change that by making food with traditional methods and can be placed herbicides to plastics—but most important-
directly from carbon dioxide. The company is in a variety of jewelry from engagement rings ly, it is used in medicine. In the pharmaceuti-
aiming to start production in 2024 in the first to earrings. The diamonds themselves are cal industry, a common type of aromatic car-
commercial-scale factory in Finland. Solar carbon-negative. boxylic acid is salicylic acid, which is used in
Foods’ technology involves bacteria that use aspirin. The RWTH Aachen team’s discovery
Hair Care, Soap, and Laundry Detergent
hydrogen as their energy source; it creates a not only opens the door to many new indus-
yellow powder that is 70% protein and can re- Theoretically, carbon can be sequestered tries but creates the opportunity to utilize
place animal sourced proteins, such as eggs in household products, and CleanCO2 has waste carbon dioxide and more sustainably
in noodles and pasta. The process will use found a way to do that. The company cap- turn it into a chemical compound that can
200 times less land, 600 times less water, tures carbon dioxide from building heating be used globally.
and emit up to 200 times less carbon dioxide systems using a device called CarbinX and
than traditional protein sources. processes it into potassium carbonate (a
non-toxic pearl ash). This pearl ash is used
Diamonds in the soap formula to create a sudsy lather
Diamonds come with a shady history that when used, and ends up in everyday products
can frequently involve corrupt governments such as hair care, soaps, and laundry deter-
US Company Aether is manufacturing
and exploitative working conditions. Aether is gents. Founded in Alberta, Canada, the com- carbon-negative diamonds.
providing a completely conflict-free option by pany has now expanded to the US and Japan
making diamonds out of atmospheric carbon and is deploying its CarbinX units globally.
dioxide. The US company captures carbon

CARBON TRACKING
Funding Influx partners in order to quickly reduce carbon sion to decarbonize federal buildings, and using the app, which is still in its beta phase.
The rapidly growing climate technology emissions in supply chains. EY has released nZero, a carbon management and account- While it is only in the UK, the company plans
industry is facing an overall mass increase the beta version of EY OpsChain ESG on its ing platform, is at the forefront. The company to scale the app to the EU and the US. Ameri-
in funding initiatives. Microsoft’s Climate EY Blockchain SaaS Platform; the product will track federal buildings’ electricity usage can Express and MasterCard have introduced
Innovation Fund has pledged to distribute $1 will provide verifiable and accurate carbon in real time in an effort to make them net-ze- an emissions tracker for consumers to see
billion by 2024, and Amazon’s Climate Pledge dioxide emissions information and allow ro. The agency, along with the US Department how their actions, habits, and spending be-
Fund has pledged $2 billion; these projects clearer tracking of an enterprise’s carbon of Energy, will invest $30 million toward this haviors impact their personal carbon footprint
vary from concrete that can trap atmospher- footprint, providing companies and regula- net-zero buildings goal. The EU enacted its based on purchases. Google Flights and Uber
ic carbon to portable batteries that could tors with a transparent, trusted platform for Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, have also rolled out emissions data tools for
replace diesel-burning generators. Venture carbon emission and credit traceability. Mi- which requires companies to report scope individual consumer tracking. Australian bank
capitalists are investing more than $140 mil- crosoft has introduced the Microsoft Cloud 3 (indirect emissions) and double materi- Westpac developed a tool with Cogo, a car-
lion in startups, resulting in unprecedented for Sustainability to help organizations ality—the implications on the company’s bon footprint management fintech, that will
funds for climate technology: Persefoni raised more easily track their emissions and is financial value as well as impact to the provide customers with personalized carbon
$114 million, Watershed raised $85 million, continuing to add capabilities and updates environment and world overall. This directive emissions trackers based on their spending.
SINAI raised $36 million, and Sphera raised to the platform, including a way to track also includes stricter rules on corporation’s The bank hopes the transparency will help
$21 million. indirect carbon emissions that frequently social and environmental disclosures. close the knowledge gaps that are preventing
go untracked. Amazon Web Services has individuals from making more sustainable
Tracking Platforms customizable solutions that use AI, machine Individual Consumer Tracking decisions. Consumers can also track their
Large, established companies are seeing the learning, data analytics, and the Internet of A variety of new tools are encouraging indi- waste using Bintracker, a software company,
value in carbon tracking software, and many Things to capture, analyze, and manage a vidual consumers to consider carbon foot- that uses QR codes to track waste streams
are creating their own or expanding their company’s sustainability data. print when making decisions. Reewild, a UK down to individual tenants and then analyzes
services to cover carbon data. SAP’s Sustain- company, has created an app for consumers, and reports on trends and data down to the
Government Investment and Regulation food brands, and retailers to see the carbon source, day, and composition.
ability Data Exchange will allow companies
to securely exchange sustainability data in The US General Services Administration’s footprint of a variety of food products. They
a standardized format with suppliers and Green Proving Ground program is on a mis- simply need to scan an item’s barcode while

SCENARIOS
SCENARIO YEAR 2050
What If CO2 Is the Foundation for Consumer Products?

In the year 2050, consumer goods conglomerates such as Walmart and Amazon have utilized the scaling of nan-
otechnology to not only effectively integrate carbon capture, utilization, and storage into their operations but also
to provide the delivery of personalized products at scale. A network of specialized nanobots, which the compa-
nies release into the atmosphere en masse, attract and bind carbon dioxide molecules from the atmosphere and
transport them to central processing units. Within these central processing units, the carbon dioxide is convert-
ed into versatile carbon-based raw materials that can be tailored to various applications. The processing units
receive customer orders within a 30-mile radius in real time and are equipped with hundreds of 3D printers, as
well as a wide range of other raw materials and chemical components. Based on the order of each customer, the
carbon dioxide raw materials are integrated into the appropriate material concoction and printed into everything
from highly specific building components to carbon-based foods and intricate consumer goods.

EMISSIONS
REDUCTIONS

GREEN PROCESSES
CONSTRUCTION struction, which can create housing for one- partnership between Eco Material Technolo-
Carbon Neutral or Negative Building tenth the cost and half the waste. gies—a cement alternatives company—and
Materials Hive 3D—an automated construction com-
3D Printed Houses pany. The result will be a building process
From plant-based building materials to more
sustainable concrete, companies are exper- The use of 3D printing methods to build which will emit 92% fewer emissions and
imenting with new ways to construct build- housing is expanding rapidly, and the use cost 30%-40% less than a traditional con-
ings. Plantd, a sustainable building materials of natural materials is expanding with it struction project of the same size.
company, creates strong, moisture resistant thanks to designers Ronald Rael and Virgin-
carbon-negative building materials from ia San Fratello. They created Potterware, a
fast-growing perennial grass. With $10 million browser-based application that allows for 3D
from recent funding, Plantd’s products will designing without the need to understand
provide a direct substitute for traditional 3D modeling software; it also allows the
home construction materials and lock in 80% use of natural materials such as clay, salt,
of the atmospheric carbon dioxide the plants mud, sawdust, or Chardonnay grape skins
captured in the field. Elsewhere, a new type of in designing and printing. In Europe, the
engineered wood that traps carbon dioxide, continent’s largest 3D printed building is
strengthens the material for use in construc- being built in Heidelberg, Germany, to house
tion—the natural material goes through a a data center. The construction is expected
process that makes it carbon dioxide-sorbent to take 140 working hours of robots apply-
and stronger than its more natural state. The ing layers of concrete, instead of dozens of
company MAA’VA is creating eco-concrete, human workers. In Round Top, Texas, the
a sustainable carbon negative construction seasonal tourist town is about to see five
Companies are increasingly using materials such
material, by transforming nonplastic and vacation rental homes that are being called as clay and sawdust for the 3D printing of houses.
plastic waste. This eco-concrete is adaptable the world’s first “near-zero-carbon, 3D-print-
to both conventional and 3D printing con- ed homes.” These homes are the result of a

GREEN PROCESSES
HEAVY INDUSTRIES (Steel, Chemicals) technology to the steel industry within the Physics Laboratory has applied “nanowhis-
Steel and Iron next two to three years. The US has a goal of kers,” aluminum-based membranes that
a net-zero steel sector and is on its way to attract PFAS contaminants and are designed
Steel production is responsible for 7%-9%
that, claiming to have the cleanest global with a cost-effective coating. Northwestern
of the world’s total carbon emissions, and
emissions footprint due to the steel it pro- University chemists have found a process
investments in green steel companies are
duces being roughly 70% made from recycled that uses low temperatures and common,
ramping up. While more resources are com-
scrap. inexpensive reagents can remove two major
ing into the industry than product rolling out,
types of PFAS chemicals and leave them as
that may soon change. Hydrogen is playing Chemicals benign products—this powerful solution
a role in advancing the steel refinement
As US regulators move to restrict two forever from a simple technique could be the key
process: The first large-scale green steel
chemicals in drinking water, companies are to removing the chemicals at a large scale.
production plant is being built by H2 Green
experimenting with the technology to do it. University of British Columbia has also dis-
Steel in Sweden, aiming to cut greenhouse
Also known by their proper name of perfluo- covered a scalable solution in the form of a
gas emissions by 95% during the production
roalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, PFAS filter that uses a unique absorbing material
process. Using hydrogen technology instead
are in everything from waterproof clothing to to trap and hold the chemicals.
of blast furnaces, the plant plans to start
dental floss and can cause cancer, liver dam-
shipping its first commercial batches of
age, fertility problems and more. While the
steel by 2025. Across Europe, companies like
removal of these chemicals with convention-
France’s GravitHy, Germany’s Thyssenkrupp,
al filtering techniques is nearly infeasible
and Spain’s ArcelorMittal are constructing hy-
and can be costly, researchers at Fraunhofer
drogen-based plants. Another advancement
Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Bio-
to soon enter the steel industry is the use of
technology IGB have found a way to use plas-
Molten Oxide Electrolysis, a process that uses A variety of research institutions have come up
ma-based technology to reduce the chemi- with promising filtering systems to remove forever
electricity to separate oxygen from iron ore,
cal’s molecular chains and remove them at a chemicals from our ecosystem.
leaving oxygen instead of carbon dioxide as a
low cost. Johns Hopkins University’s Applied
byproduct. Boston Metal hopes to bring this

GREEN PROCESSES
AGRICULTURE Fertilizer Innovation CRISPR Edited Crops Waste
Plants Without Plants New developments in fertilizer technology CRISPR is a technique that allows for the Organic waste used to be something to be
are helping ensure stronger, healthier editing (such as addition or deletion) of an disposed of, but now opportunities are arising
Novella is creating plants without the whole
plants—and experimenting with new uses organism’s DNA—it’s a different technology to utilize this material in new ways. Wasted,
plant by growing botanical ingredients with
for waste material. EnGeniousAg has re- from what’s used in genetically modified or- a Vermont-based company, created portable
necessary macronutrients through nutrient
ceived a grant of $1 million to create soil ganisms, or GMOs. While many international toilets that transport the human waste it
cultivation—no plant needed. This will help
nitrogen sensors that are low cost, provide governments have strict GMO regulations, captures to nutrient recovery facilities that
address the increasing demand for neces-
instant readouts, and can help farmers they’ve responded differently to crops that process the waste and turn it into fertilizer.
sary macronutrients, help overcome supply
measure nitrogen levels in their crops in a have genes edited with CRISPR. Under a new Mill Industries is doing something similar but
chain disruptions, expand plant’s life cycles,
matter of seconds. Along the same lines, law, the UK will allow for gene-edited crops with household waste. The company offers a
and reduce climate impact. While typically a
startup Phospholutions recently won the to be planted, Canada will not regulate crops food waste bin and service for $33 a month
majority of a plant could be discarded, just to
Africa AgTech Startup Showcase by show- that have gone through changes, and the where the bin will collect, grind, and dehy-
get to the specific bioactive compounds, this
ing fertilizer efficiency can be increased to European Commission is considering next drate the organic matter. The company then
avoids that waste. This process costs less,
maintain crop yield by reducing the phos- to no regulation for genetically modified notifies the owner when the material, in the
wastes less, and provides more safe, natural
phorus in it by 50%. Tracegrow Oy, a Finnish crops. This is a dramatic change from the consistency of coffee grounds, needs to be
botanicals without chemical additives than
cleantech startup set to expand operations, European Commission’s previous stance, shipped to a processing facility to be turned
current processes, rising to meet the global
is creating certified organic fertilizer from which put in place an intense and expensive into chicken feed.
demand.
alkaline batteries. Taking the used batteries, approval process for such crops. But regula-
extracting micronutrients needed by crops, tors see a lot of possibilities in gene-edited
and placing them in fertilizer has not only crops, including saving many from famine
enhanced crop productivity but also reduced due to climate change and high demand
carbon dioxide emissions compared to tra- for food. Already, gene editing is beginning
ditional fertilizers. to help expand the yield and temperature
resistance of staple foods like rice and cow-
peas to meet demand.

DIGITAL EMISSIONS
Reducing Carbon Emissions Measuring Emissions
The increased interest in machine learning With Google employing the “4Ms,” the rest of
has also raised questions about the carbon the tech giants are also stepping up to ad-
footprint of developing and using such tech- dress emissions from devices. Taken togeth-
nology. Google published the “4Ms”—Model, er, all devices globally linked via the internet
Machine, Mechanization, and Map Optimiza- have a similar electric consumption to that
tion—four practices the company believes can of the entire country of France. Amazon, Meta,
reduce emissions involved in machine learn- Microsoft, Samsung, and Sky have teamed
ing by 1,000 times and energy by 100 times. up with the Carbon Trust to set an industry
Model refers to selecting model archetypes standard for measuring and cutting carbon
for machine learning that can produce quality emissions from their devices while they are
while reducing computation by 3-10 times. being used by consumers. The group aims
Machine refers to using processors specifi- to find a baseline to report energy efficiency
cally for machine learning that can improve improvements, apply technology to reduce
energy efficiency by 2-5 times. Mechanization energy use of connected devices, and drive
refers to using cloud computing in data cen- toward its ultimate goal of industry-wide net
ters customized for that type of processing zero emissions. Researchers from the Lough-
which use higher efficiency servers resulting borough Business School have also created
in less emissions. Finally, Map Optimization a new tool that helps businesses determine
refers to allowing customers to select loca- the carbon footprint of their data and allows
tions with the cleanest energy, which will them to create data strategies that are envi-
increase demand and thus the growth of such ronmentally sustainable.
green data centers, reducing carbon footprint
by 5-10 times.
Google hopes to reduce emissions caused by machine learning by 1000 times through its 4M practice.

RECYCLING
AI Waste-Sorting Robots Food Plastic
AI’s accuracy is being used to improve the Organic waste in landfills eventually builds The startup Norbite uses the greater wax
sorting of recycling in order to cut costs. up, breaks down, and produces methane, moth (Galleria mellonella), which naturally
After a two year trial, Google’s AI-driven recy- a powerful greenhouse gas. The company digests plastic, to get rid of the material. It
cling-sorting robots have showcased a high Divert recently received $1 billion to increase also uses the moth’s larvae for a variety of
degree of accuracy. The reinforcement learn- the use of microbes to break down this or- products, such as protein for animal feed,
ing system used on the robots in the study ganic waste; this process is called anaerobic and the moth’s feces for biofertilizer. Re-
increased accuracy by providing feedback digestion, and it could help reduce the 40% searchers at Leipzig University have discov-
through rewards and penalties, and the AI of methane released from landfills by avoid- ered an enzyme that can degrade lightweight
improved the robots’ decisions to maximize ing sending the waste there in the first place. PET plastic packaging. The enzyme is able
the amount of rewards received. A UK start- Another method is biohydrogen production, to compost this plastic type at a higher
up, Recycleye, has developed an AI-based which turns waste into a renewable, clean efficiency than previously seen in other en-
waste-sorting robot, which recently won $17 energy source. Many processes can be used zymes, including those discovered in Japan
million in funding. The robot uses “vision” in this production but all use microorgan- in 2012 that were dubbed “plastic eaters.”
to sort waste into plastics, aluminum, card- isms to break down organic waste materials Enzyme PHL7 was discovered to be the
board, and paper with greater accuracy than and create hydrogen gas. Water is the only fastest enzyme to break down PET plastic by
humans. Recycleye also announced a part- byproduct. 90% in 16 hours, and the byproduct of this
nership with Il Solco, an Italian company enzyme can be rebuilt into new plastic.
that plans to use the AI-based waste-sorting
robots in that country.
The greater wax moth digests plastic, the feces can

be used for biofertilizer.

GREEN MATERIALS
Cross-Laminated Timber and carbon-storing capacity. Besides being Mushroom Plastic were originally believed to be an unfortunate
Cross-Laminated Timber is a minimum of strong, the cross-laminated timber panels New research has focused on the fungus byproduct. But reevaluations of the durability
three layers of timber glued together with provided such air sealing that heating or Fomes fomentarius and the way its multi- of Roman concrete structures have concluded
grains that cross. Typically, timber can be- cooling the interior space would only require ple layers could soon replace a multitude of that this was an intentional choice: As cracks
come structurally unsound if enough force is one-third of the typical amount of energy. plastic products. The mushroom has three formed in concrete, the liquid that reached
applied along its grain, but with cross-lam- layers: a hard outer layer, a soft middle layer, these lime clasts would reactivate calcium
Mycelium sources and create calcium carbonate to refill
inated timber this is far less of an issue. and an inner layer similar to the texture of
The material is lightweight, has increased Mycelium, a natural fiber from mushrooms, wood. These multiple layers can potentially the cracks and keep the structure sound. Now,
strength, and has even shown to have a can be used as a plastic alternative in items be used in many different products, from researchers are experimenting with engineer-
higher resilience to seismic forces than tra- such as textiles, building materials, pack- windshield impact-resistant coating using ing different materials to similarly heal them-
ditional timber. But the product is also a way aging, and health care products. Completely the hard outer layer to leather-like materials selves. While performing experiments on how
to use smaller trees, the types of trees that biodegradable, this material can be used to using the soft middle layer. Led by a scien- cracks form and spread, researchers at New
are usually removed from forests in order to replace plastics such as polyester, building tist from VTT Technical Research Centre of Mexico’s Sandia National Laboratories saw
make them less prone to fire. Mercer Mass polymers, concrete, packing materials, and Finland, a research team was able to create cracks in copper and platinum spontaneously
Timber, a company that specializes in CLT, is threaded wound covers. Mushroom Inc. is fo- prototype headphones using the mush- heal. The team believes this self-healing could
preparing for an increase in demand due to cused on finding new ways to use mycelium room’s structure. The applications for the be engineered into metals to react this way to
building codes in Oregon, Washington, and hyphae to reduce toxic plastics and waste different parts of this mushroom are vast, stress and cracks. At North Carolina State Uni-
California now classifying it as a new class of while creating more carbon-neutral prod- and the researchers’ hope is that this will versity, researchers have created self-healing
construction. OPAL Architecture has created ucts. Researchers at Newcastle University soon be the more sustainable alternative to composite material that allows its structures
a unique, all-electric home using cross-lam- have been able to grow construction mate- many plastics. to be repaired in place without having to be
inated timber and wood-fiberboard insula- rials using mycocrete, a composite paste of removed from service. There is also research
tion to achieve the goal of creating a home mycelium. Using a knitted framework, the Self-Healing Materials underway to create self-healing plastic at the
with the lowest-possible carbon output. The composite is fed and allowed to grow until There’s a lot of historical precedent in this University of Michigan, and scientists have
Maine-based company cited the new timbers it reaches the needed density, and then it is field—ancient Roman concrete structures successfully created self-healing solar pan-
as the only material that would work due to dried out and used as an eco-friendly alter- have long been known to be self-healing. els for use in outer space using the mineral
its structural capacity, dimensional stability, native to plastic, timber, or foam. The structures contain lime clasts, which perovskite.

GREEN MATERIALS
Lab Grown Leather leather “skin” in a lab without any need for
Vegan leather is becoming more popular as a animals. The company believes that lab-
sustainable alternative to traditional leather, grown leather technology could be mar-
but the material typically uses polyurethane ket-ready in five years.
which is toxic. The material innovation com-
pany Von Holzhausen has created Liquidplant,
a top coating for textiles that can help make
vegan leather more durable without using
harmful chemicals. Other companies are ex-
perimenting with using different materials for
vegan leather, including TômTex’s work with
shrimp shells. Using shrimp shells ground
into flakes and then turned into a liquid, the
company is creating vegan leather for wallets,
mimicking leather and its durability without
any petrochemicals. ProjectEx, a Singapore
lab-grown exotic leather producer, is aiming
to raise $1 million in order to create a sustain-
able, cruelty free exotic leather for the luxury
market. The first leathers are expected within
two years of completed funding with plans of
scaling afterwards. The project is a partner-
ship between designer Adrian Furstenburg
and deep-tech startup Cellivate Technologies.
And 3D Bio-Tissues has successfully grown A Singapore project aims to create cruelty free exotic leather.

GREEN TRANSPORT
Micromobility Cars Heavy Trucks Tesla’s purchase of Wiferion, a German-based
Micromobility refers to compact personal Until now, charging electric vehicles (EV) has Truck platooning, where one driver and truck wireless charging company, further signals
transportation, like bicycles, skates, and been the primary way of keeping them on the are connected to a convoy of autonomous that the technology is prone to enter passen-
scooters, and companies are making it easier road. But startup Ample has a battery-swap trucks via a network and drive close behind ger driving sooner rather than later.
for people to use these devices for greener system that can swap out an empty EV each other, could ease passenger traffic on
Trains
daily commutes. French-based startup At- battery for a fresh one in 5 minutes, far less motorways. This use of autonomous vehicles
mosGear has created the first set of electric than batteries take to charge. With many would increase fuel efficiency through lesser Sun-Ways is making trains green by going be-
inline skates; they have a range of 20 miles other companies pursuing the idea, battery air resistance and would save costs for long- yond the locomotives themselves. The compa-
on a fully charged battery that is stored in a swapping could bring the ease of a gas sta- haul trucking. This technology is in the trial ny is using the spaces between railway tracks
fanny pack, bringing back the Rollerblading tion to EVs on the road. For combustion cars, phase in several countries and could soon to lay out solar panels “like carpet.” Sun-Ways
aesthetic. The skates connect to the battery there may be a new alternative that can keep see the road, with an expected cost savings estimates that a terawatt-hour of solar energy
via a wire that travels down the back of the them on the road in the EU despite the 2035 of up to 45% compared to today’s trucks per year could be produced from the national
leg and allows the wearer to go up to 20 mph. deadline to phase out polluting vehicles— and drivers. Wireless charging is another rail network in Switzerland, equivalent to 2%
Another startup increasing micromobility running on e-fuels. E-fuels are synthetic fu- technology that so far has been mainly ex- of the country’s total energy consumption.
options is electric bike and scooter company els made from hydrogen and carbon dioxide, plored within freight transport. Electreon, a Meanwhile, Polish company Nevomo is ex-
Yulu. Its app shows rentable scooters’ avail- and can be processed in today’s combustion company specializing in charging electrical ploring hyperloop-inspired technology for the
ability in real time. Lime is doing something engines. While e-fuels do still emit carbon vehicles in motion, has an agreement with potential future of rail freight. Nevomo uses
similar by focusing on electric scooters and dioxide when they are burned, the amount France to equip a portion of a southwest MagRail technology, magnetic propulsion that
bike-sharing. The California startup is a lead- taken out of the atmosphere to produce Paris motorway with its Wireless Electric could be a traction enhancer. While capacity,
er in the space, and is operating in 250 cities the fuel offsets the amount that is created Road System. Currently pursuing similar reliability, and frequency are more important
across 30 countries. It has backing from Uber when the fuel is burnt. Luxury car company projects in Sweden, Germany, Italy, and factors than speed for rail freight, this tech-
and other investors that could help this start- Porsche has also created its own synthetic the US, the company says its product will nology could have a revolutionary impact on
up expand even more. fuel made of carbon dioxide and water that increase power transfer capacity and include the industry—especially considering it would
can be used in its current cars. The Porsche real-time monitoring software for all types allow trains to work on both the company’s
e-fuel is among the many seeing the poten- and classes of vehicles. However, for now MagRail system and traditional tracks. Nev-
tial in the fuel market. the focus remains on commercial EV fleets. omo also signed a deal with the French rail

GREEN TRANSPORT
operator SNCF to evaluate if its technology Ocean

can increase train efficiency and capacity. With shipping being such a large part of
global trade, many ships are looking to
Air
reduce their carbon footprint due to new car-
When it comes to air travel, any part, no bon efficiency regulations. To do this, many
matter how small, can make a big difference. are looking to wind and developing wind pro-
SWING has its focus on the front flaps of pulsion technologies to decrease fuel usage.
planes, creating them out of thermoplas- US food company Cargill announced it will
tic polymers and decreasing their weight install two folding sails in its bulk carrier’s
by about 20%. While this is just a first step deck, and container shipping group Maersk
with this type of material, SWING hopes that installed two 30 meter-high rotor sails on
eventually the polymers could be used to one of its tanker ships. In an effort to make
craft entire aircrafts, reducing emissions by fuel cleaner, a viscosity meter has been de-
up to 20%. Autonomous aircrafts could first veloped to test the oil used in ship engines,
see their application with unmanned cargo which is typically full of impurities. The ultra-
planes. Dronamics, a UK-based company, sound device is meant to improve shipboard
released of one of the first unmanned car- monitoring and lower the cost.
go aircrafts at the end of 2023. The aircraft
takes less time to operate, saves money, and
emits less carbon dioxide than traditional
cargo freight, catering to underserved areas
and multiple industries. Startup ZeroAvia has
completed a record test flight in a 19-seat air-
craft half powered by hydrogen fuel cells. With
investment from commercial airlines, it’s now Tankers might soon be equipped with sails to make them more fuel efficient.
looking to move into commercial tests.

ENVIRONMENTAL
MANIPULATION

EARTH
Rewilding: Animals/Nature 1,000 hectares in a decade. Citizen-driven immense financial prospects. At the Nation-
Countries across the world are initiating initiatives are also growing. Designer Kiki al Black-Footed Ferret Conservation Center
rewilding efforts, an ecological restoration Grammatopoulos has introduced “Rewild the in Colorado, Dr. Della Garelle of the US Fish
approach that involves restoring natural Run,” featuring bristly running shoe out- and Wildlife Service is spearheading the
ecosystems and habitats by reintroducing soles that aid plant and seed dispersion in revival of America’s endangered ferrets. Over
native plant and animal species. A NASA-sup- cities. Agricultural rewilding has also grown, 4,000 genetically similar ferrets have been
ported initiative in Idaho uses remote sens- combining rewilding with agriculture to released into the wild since 1991; this helps
ing data to forecast the streams that could maintain food self-sufficiency and promote ecosystem restoration, but the limited gene
support beavers and monitor the biodiversity sustainable and ethical high-quality meat pool makes them vulnerable to disease. To
shift once beaver populations are introduced. production. maximize breeding success, biologist Robyn
In the Netherlands, Marker Wadden is a Bortner picks and matches ferrets based on
Bioengineering their genes. In this context, the San Diego
1,300-hectare archipelago built with the mud
and sand of the lake that now houses diverse Scientists predict that almost a quarter of Frozen Zoo is essential, as it leads the de-ex-
plants, fish, insects, and breeding birds. all species on Earth are at risk of being lost tinction field with the world’s largest living
Meanwhile, Scotland, aiming to be the world’s within the next few decades. De-extinction animal cell bank, enabling DNA collection
first rewilded nation, has created countrywide is a scientific method to bring back and and storage for future restoration efforts.
wild lands and natural corridors. This re- resurrect extinct or close to extinct spe-
For more on rewilding in cities and municipal-
building of ecosystems in Scotland has been cies. Organizations like nonprofit Revive &
ities, please see our the Rewilding trend in our
enabled by land ownership laws that allow a Restore and for-profit Colossal Bioscience,
Built Environment book.
few to own most of the land. (In contrast, in are pioneering these efforts. For instance,
Ireland, where land ownership is limited to Colossal is using gene editing to revive
several acres, natural woodlands make up the dodo bird, while Revive is focused on
The black footed ferret is one of the species that is
only 1% of the island, compared to 80% long the passenger pigeon. In both cases, the being rewilded in the US.
ago.) In Mexico, tequila company Tromba newly created animal will be a hybrid and
strives to rewild and reforest land damaged not a replica of the predecessor, qualifying
by blue agave over-cultivation, targeting for patent protection and thus producing

SKY
Geoengineering Solar Geoengineering ing up with innovation, MIT scientists have chemical powder to stimulate rain in clouds.
Geoengineering refers to environmental Still in a nascent stage, solar geoengineer- proposed a unique approach to use a fleet Experimentation continues in other countries
manipulation—manipulation of Earth’s ing is very controversial. It theorizes that by of “space bubbles” to reflect sunlight from as well with diverse seeding materials. The
resources including oceans, rivers, soil, and reflecting more sunlight into space, global space instead of injecting particles into the United Arab Emirates, at the forefront of inno-
atmosphere. Although it’s in an early stage of warming can be controlled, but countries atmosphere, potentially reducing harmful vation, has been using cloud seeding for more
development, geoengineering technology is and international institutions are grap- effects. Meanwhile, startups are considering than two decades, leading to a 25% annual
already being commercialized, leading to crit- pling with how to regulate the space. The iron particle spraying above the ocean to increase in optimal precipitation. Researchers
icism from scientists across the world. The US government, recognizing the need for combat climate change by breaking down are now employing nanotechnology and har-
regulation around it is also mired in conflict, further research, has proposed a study of methane, a natural phenomenon that may nessing algorithms to optimize cloud seeding
with different countries adopting contrasting risks associated with deploying solar geoen- have influenced ice ages. However, scientists conditions, and they are exploring the use of
approaches. In Mexico, the company Make gineering techniques. The EU, while formally stress that more fundamental research is drones to amplify the efforts. In Texas, Dan
Sunsets is sending gas-filled balloons into disqualifying solar geoengineering as a needed before considering large-scale imple- Martin from the Department of Agriculture’s
the atmosphere and selling “cooling credits” climate solution, also recognizes the need to mentations. Agricultural Research Service is investigating
without much scientific validation. The lack deepen understanding of the implications the use of electrically charged particles to trig-
Cloud Seeding ger cloud condensation. In an experiment, an
of regulation is allowing such companies to associated with the technology. More recent-
function despite low credibility. On the other ly, the United Nations convened a panel of Cloud seeding is a decades-old weather aircraft with tanks of water released a spray
hand, the European Union is grappling with climate experts to deliberate international modification technique that enhances pre- of electrically-charged water particles into the
the complexities of this issue and consid- regulation of the stratosphere, stressing cipitation by dispersing specialized particles cloud to see its effect on precipitation. The
ering potential regulations. Meanwhile, in the need to manage risks associated with into the atmosphere. With increased focus United Kingdom, meanwhile, is pioneering the
China, geoengineering is being considered as spraying aerosols to reflect sunlight. In the on climate change, new and improved cloud use of electrical pulses as a potential seeding
a tool for hybrid warfare strategy. Especially in UK, a first-of-its-kind solar geoengineering seeding techniques are being developed and technique.
the realm of regional geopolitics, China could test flight has been conducted, showcasing embraced across the world, including in the
amplify its gray zone capabilities and use ongoing exploration of the concept. As a part US, China, Russia, and parts of the Middle
weather modification for military purposes, of it, scientists launched a high-altitude East. India recently made strides in this
obstructing river water flow, and even creat- weather balloon into the stratosphere that is field by embarking on its first cloud-seed-
ing artificial islands. low-cost, controllable and recoverable. Keep- ing initiative where an aircraft released

OCEAN
Microplastics the Port of Rotterdam, where 17 Reefy Reef- water. Researchers at University of California, proper oversight and safeguarding against
Innovative ideas are surfacing in the battle Blocks have been successfully installed in Santa Barbara have recently been exploring ecological consequences.
against microplastic pollution, offering hope the river Meuse. The project experiments a proposal to enhance ocean alkalinity for
with innovative nature-based wave barriers accelerated carbon sequestration. By enrich- Gene Editing
for a cleaner ocean. One such initiative, GoJel-
ly, harnesses the mucus produced by jellyfish to safeguard the shores from the impact of ing the ocean with minerals and increasing Gene editing coral refers to the scientific
species to craft filters that effectively trap large ship waves while preserving and re- alkalinity, they aim to stimulate geologic practice of using advanced genetic engineer-
plastic particles from wastewater, preventing storing regional biodiversity. By reviving the processes that efficiently remove carbon ing techniques to modify the DNA of corals.
their entry into the ocean. The project is inno- intertidal environment, the living breakwater dioxide from the atmosphere. Promisingly, The goal is to introduce specific changes to its
vatively using the growing jellyfish population provides a vital sanctuary for migratory fish their study reveals that crucial plankton genetic code, which can enhance its resilience
to curb microplastics. Another breakthrough species like sturgeons and European eels, groups in the marine food chain respond to environmental stressors, such as rising sea
comes in the form of sound wave technology. facilitating their journey between the Atlan- positively to this treatment, encouraging temperatures, ocean acidification, and dis-
Recent research reveals that pulsing sound tic Ocean and major European rivers. In New further research in this climate change inter- ease. Scientists, including Carnegie Science’s
waves can efficiently dislodge microplastics York, the “Living Breakwaters” project off the vention. Despite the positive outlook, con- Amanda Tinoco, have employed genome
from the ocean’s depth including tiny small south shore of Staten Island aims to protect cerns have increased about using minerals editing tools to unlock a pivotal discovery in
specks that may otherwise be easy to miss. coastal communities and promote ecologi- such as basalt to increase the alkalinity of coral development. Their research highlights
The team experimented with a prototype cal restoration by creating habitats for ma- seawater: These methods may disrupt nu- the significance of a specific gene known as
comprising sturdy 8 millimeter steel tubes rine life and fostering biodiversity. Encom- trient cycles and affect marine ecosystems. SLC4γ, which is essential for the growth of
and a powerful transducer. With the sound passing a series of eight in-water structures Acknowledging the significance of marine skeletons in young coral colonies. This gene,
waves, even the small particles vibrated and stretching 2,400 linear feet, the project was geoengineering in climate change mitiga- exclusive to stony corals, encodes a protein re-
accumulated. initially slated for completion by the end of tion, the Australian Labor government has sponsible for transporting bicarbonate across
2024 but is currently ahead of schedule. taken a proactive step by introducing a bill cellular membranes, a crucial process in coral
Living Breakwater to regulate “marine geoengineering” activi- skeleton formation. This breakthrough offers
Ocean Chemistry ties. The proposed legislation seeks to gov- opportunities for further research into coral
Living Breakwater is an innovative approach
to coastal protection and ecological resto- Ocean chemistry is a multidisciplinary field ern and control interventions in the ocean resilience and conservation strategies.
ration that utilizes nature-based solutions. A that delves into the chemical processes and environment. Listed marine geoengineering
remarkable milestone has been achieved in composition of Earth’s biggest bodies of activities would require permits, ensuring

SCENARIOS
SCENARIO YEAR 2045
What If a Sunshield Leads to a New World Order?

As the effects of climate change became more dire and governing bodies noticed that conventional climate mit-
igation efforts would not be sufficient to prevent catastrophic impacts to their populations, the most impacted
nations launched “Project Celestial Shield.” The core of this initiative involved launching an array of solar reflec-
tors into space, positioned to intercept a portion of the sun’s energy and redirect it away from Earth to counter
rising global temperatures. Initially celebrated as a revolutionary solution, Project Celestial Shield successfully
attenuated the planet’s temperature rise. However, with the reduced influx of solar energy, regions that once relied
on specific temperature patterns faced abrupt shifts in climate. Agricultural cycles even in thriving regions have
been disrupted, leading to decreased crop yields and global food shortages. Ecosystems accustomed to specific
temperature ranges experienced upheaval, resulting in mass migration of species and a ripple effect throughout
food chains.
As atmospheric dynamics adjusted to the altered energy balance, unforeseen weather patterns have emerged.
Rainfall distribution has dramatically shifted, causing both unexpected droughts and deluges in areas previously
not affected by these extreme weather events. Diplomatic tensions are high as the geopolitical power dynamics
fundamentally shifted in response to the newly defined ecological realities, resetting the political stage for the
coming decades.

EFFECTS OF
CLIMATE CHANGE

MONITORING CLIMATE CHANGE

Emissions isting aerial and ground-based methods. The and Huawei have introduced machine-learn- enhance infrastructure resilience to flooding.
With increasing recognition of greenhouse core instrument of MethaneSAT is a spec- ing methods capable of predicting weath- Additionally, real-time flood sensors devel-
gases (GHGs) as a significant driver of trometer, a sophisticated device capable of er patterns as accurately as conventional oped by the FloodSense project at NYU and the
climate change, there is a pressing need to precisely detecting methane concentrations. methods and with much greater speed. How- CUNY Advanced Science Research Center aim
reduce these emissions. The United Nations’ By monitoring methane emissions at a ever, given the unpredictability associated to provide hyperlocal street-level flood event
World Meteorological Organization (WMO) global scale with higher speed and efficien- with future weather events, it remains to be information to stakeholders, including policy-
is taking the lead in ensuring standard- cy, MethaneSAT can shed light on emissions’ seen if these AI-powered forecasting models makers, government agencies, emergency re-
ized, real-time tracking of GHGs that can be sources, pinpointing areas for targeted cli- trained on historical weather data can make sponse teams, and citizens. In the face of hur-
used to influence policy making. WMO uses mate mitigation strategies. proficient predictions. For extreme heat, Goo- ricanes, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
weather prediction and climate analysis to gle is taking a proactive approach by part- Administration is equipping forecasters with
Extreme Weather nering with the Global Heat Health Informa- a new model called the Hurricane Analysis
monitor greenhouse gases in an integrated
framework. Another initiative is the Global The increasing frequency and severity of ex- tion Network to push notifications to users and Forecast System. The model offers ear-
Greenhouse Gas Watch, where WMO is collab- treme weather events is causing significant in affected locations. Addressing flooding lier warnings of rapid intensification and
orating with the global greenhouse gas mon- challenges for insurers and communities risks, companies like C2S are leveraging improved predictions of impacts like rainfall
itoring community to ensure sustained and worldwide. In states like Florida and Califor- technology to help insurers better under- and storm surge, empowering communities to
regular monitoring of GHGs. In this context, nia, insurance companies are withdrawing stand and underwrite flood risk and monitor better prepare for and respond to hurricanes.
methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is import- from offering homeowner insurance due to flood events in real time. Using machine
the growing risks associated with extreme learning, the company analyzes data from Crops
ant. Scientists posit that 60% of atmospheric
methane results from human actions. To weather events like hurricanes and wildfires. satellites, historical flood maps, and on-the- In Africa, scientists are using artificial in-
better monitor methane emissions, Harvard In Germany, insurers are demanding that ground intelligence to provide insights into telligence to predict the yields of vital crops
researchers, private space companies, activ- house-building cease in flood-prone areas flood extent and impact. by harnessing satellite remote sensing and
ists, and philanthropists are launching the to mitigate potential damages. More accu- machine learning. The tool can analyze vast
In another initiative to decrease flooding
MethaneSAT project. Scheduled for 2024, the rate weather prediction could be helpful in agricultural landscapes, providing real-time
risks, the National Digital Twin program is
satellite will revolutionize methane moni- such cases. Recent advancements in artifi- predictions of crop yields and offering farmers
creating an interactive demonstrator tool to
toring by providing a comprehensive view of cial intelligence have shown promise so far: and policymakers valuable insights into crop
showcase how connected digital twins can
emissions across vast areas, surpassing ex- Researchers from Nvidia, Google DeepMind, productivity.

MONITORING CLIMATE CHANGE

Community-based Efforts coast a day in advance, safeguarding lives egy, furthering the goals of green and digital
With climate change becoming a global and livelihoods. transitions and contributing to a sustain-
phenomenon, community movements have able future.
Digital Twins of Earth
grown. In an attempt to make climate mod-
eling easy, researchers from Northwestern To tackle climate change, researchers are
University and Argonne National Laboratory experimenting with digital twins of Earth as
have deployed Nvidia’s Jetson-driven Wag- part of a strategy to combat warming. The
gle devices worldwide. Waggle is an open- Nvidia Earth-2 initiative’s digital twins could
source platform, empowering scientists and revolutionize weather predictions, climate
researchers globally to join climate studies projections, and the development of effec-
using edge computing and sensors. The tive mitigation and adaptation strategies
platform collects hyperlocal climate data, en- using data-driven analysis at the global
abling communities to access crucial infor- scale. Powered by machine learning and
mation for climate resilience. Parallely, a new accelerated computing, this groundbreaking
collaborative, is blending indigenous knowl- project uses the largest supercomputing
edge with earth science to bolster climate re- systems to make unprecedented advance-
silience in vulnerable coastal communities by ments in weather information and climate
bringing indigenous knowledge-holders and emulation. The European Commission’s flag-
university-trained scientists together. In In- ship initiative, DestinE, is equally ambitious.
dia, a crowdsourced initiative brought togeth- Using technology to ensure high accuracy,
er community scientists and professional local detail, access-to-information speed,
researchers to develop a meteorology-based and interactivity, this digital model of the
A digital twin of the earth is aiding with strategies
landslide prediction system called “Satark” Earth will monitor, simulate, and predict in- against global warming.
for India’s Western Ghats mountain range. teractions between natural phenomena and
With an impressive 76.5% accuracy, Satark human activities. It aligns with the European
predicts landslides along the southwestern Commission’s Green Deal and Digital Strat-

LIVING IN A NEW REALITY

Floating Cities the amount of green areas and building contract, and crack. Recently, scientists from adigm for a sustainable and forward-looking
The Institute for Economics and Peace pre- footprint.” Equitism is the idea of an eco- Northwestern University have verified this urban lifestyle.
dicts that by 2050, more than 1 billion people nomic model empowering citizens with land phenomenon based on data from sensors
ownership. Inspired by this idea, billionaire in urban basements, subway tunnels, and Domed Cities
may have to deal with inadequate infrastruc-
ture due to sea-level rise. Floating cities will Marc Lore aims to establish a new American underground parking garages. The study Cities with sealed bio-domes that control air
thus become a part of our new living reality. city called Telosa to “set a global standard for predicts that underground climate change in temperature, air composition, and air quality
Projects like Oceanix City in Busan, South urban living, expand human potential, and cities poses long-term challenges for urban are also being explored as a potential solution
Korea, Baltic Sea islands developed by Blue21, become a blueprint for future generations.” structures, and researchers anticipate these for cities affected by climate change. Saudi
and Maldives Floating City are great early ex- While the exact location is yet to be deter- issues will persist for years. Arabia’s Prince Mohammed bin Salman has a
amples of this. Oceanix, in fact, is built from mined, the city’s design by Bjarke Ingels new vision for the country’s capital in line with
Group places pedestrians and bikers at the Indonesia’s New Capital this idea: it will include a redesigned down-
biorock with the ability to self-sustain and
self-repair. Another example is Waterbuurt, forefront, supplemented by a few “slow-mov- Acknowledging climate change as an essen- town with a 400-meter-high cube or “Mukaab.”
or the Water District, in Amsterdam, where ing autonomous vehicles.” Sustainability tial issue, Indonesia is building a new cap- The cube will offer its residents immersive
100 floating houses have been built by Dutch is at the city’s core, with renewable energy, ital—Nusantara—that aims to transcend typi- experiences, including changing landscapes
architect Marlies Rohmer on Lake Eimer. protected green spaces, and on-site water cal planned cities. The intent is to fulfill the and holographic technology. The project is
recycling. Targeting a population of 5 million Indonesian president’s vision of “a new work called “New Murabba” and is scheduled to be
Other Concepts for Cities by 2050, Telosa is poised to redefine the par- ethic, new mind-set, new green economy.” It ready by 2030. The city Riyadh will expand by
Smart Forest City, an ambitious project by adigm of urban development. will stand as a green metropolis powered by 19 square kilometers as a part of the project.
Italian architect Stefano Boeri, was revealed in renewable energy, free from suffocating traf- The country also has other futuristic projects
Underground Climate Change fic jams, offering serene paths for strolling underway, including Neom City, which plans to
2019 near Cancún. This visionary metropolis,
deeply rooted in the region’s Mayan heritage Underground climate change is a silent and biking amid lush greenery. Embodying include robot maids, flying taxis, and a giant
and culture’s reverence for nature, is designed hazard. In general, cities and urban areas adaptation to a warming planet, the high- artificial moon and The Line, a huge project
to house 7.5 million plants, creating a harmo- release and hold heat more than rural areas. tech city, also known as I.K.N., intends to that will house 9 million people.
nious blend of urban living and green spaces. As cities heat up, the ground also traps more attract digital nomads and millennials, who
The company behind the project says the heat, affecting building foundations and, in will embrace cryptocurrency to invest in chic
goal is to create a “perfect balance between some cases, leading the ground to expand, apartments. Nusantara seeks to set a par-

CLIMATE
ECONOMY

CARBON CREDITS
Investment From Traditional Banks on data provided by new companies, namely one that is simply greenwashing. Sylvera, a Measuring Carbon Sequestration
Interest in carbon credits and green investing startups, that enter the industry. The Integ- UK-based startup, is on a mission to provide The New Acre Project, which recently partnered
has increased as companies strive toward rity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market transparency and trust to carbon offset proj- with Albo Climate and ALUS, is an investment
their net-zero emissions goals. Nine global and the Voluntary Carbon Markets Integri- ects by using data and assigning ratings to platform for corporations that is identifying
banks have invested $45 million toward scal- ty Initiative are joining together to craft a the projects. Its goal is to ensure the projects carbon stocks and sequestration for trees
ing a new platform called Carbonplace that market integrity framework. This framework with the best credibility receive investments using a remote sensing-based platform. This
will be able to handle more transactions of is built to instill confidence in investors in order to make a real climate impact. The AI-powered product will be directed at four
voluntary credits and make it easier for bank using the Voluntary Carbon Market for their company’s recently closed Series B funding Canadian provinces: Alberta, Ontario, Quebec,
customers to participate. Carbonplace will carbon credits and ensure top quality of all of $57 million will be used for US expansion. and Saskatchewan. The participating sites are
connect credit buyers and sellers through the companies on the market. Governments are private lands managed by ranchers and farm-
beginning to create their own frameworks as Blockchain Integration
banks. The investors, UBS, National Australia ers in the ALUS program. The credits will be
Bank, BNP Paribas, and Itaú Unibanco among well, with the EU creating a Carbon Removal CarbonKerma is a platform that is embrac- “ecosystem credits” and will allow investment
them, have invested $5 million each in the Certification Framework, which will influ- ing blockchain technology and combining it in any project that involves carbon removal,
interest of accelerating corporate climate ence the rules set in the Voluntary Carbon with a carbon capture marketplace in order biodiversity, and other environmental benefits
change through visible and secure means. Market. Xilva, a Swiss company, is pursuing to provide companies with trackable, quality, to the provinces.
a similar verification but specifically for measurable carbon credits. The platform’s
Verification Methodology forest projects. The company provides an listed credits are highly regulated and vetted
With increased interest in carbon credits, evidence-based assessment of a project’s through a stringent process. CarbonKerma
it’s necessary to make sure the methods are impact by considering multiple criteria such offers a deeply needed value to the market:
sound to avoid greenwashing. One compa- as economic viability, ecological integrity, transparency. Each credit can be tracked,
ny, Isometric, is planning to do just that by and social equity in order to provide a holis- traded and, once removed from circulation,
launching a platform that can vet carbon tic assessment on their platform. retired to never be used again. The visibility
removal companies and review new ones. and auditability of this platform provides full
Focus on Asset Management transparency along with reputable carbon
It will include a list of fully verified carbon
removal companies and the ability for scien- Investors are frequently unsure if their removal companies to ensure the quality of
tists and researchers to view and comment credits are going to a verified company or carbon removal.

BLUE ECONOMY
Blue Economy after venture launcher Triggering Exponen- used. In a space that is used by so many, so sensors and cameras, and relay it instantly to
The term “blue economy,” originally champi- tial Climate Action awarded $55,000 to frequently, and is home to so much wildlife, researchers. The company’s robot vehicles can
oned by developing small-island countries seven startups to make an economic impact conflicts of interest are bound to arise when travel on the surface of the ocean for months
including Fiji, Palau, and the Bahamas, was at a local level. it comes to ocean activities. MSP serves without stopping, producing carbon dioxide,
coined to describe the benefits of ocean as a clearly defined line for any disputes to making noise, or risking oil spills.
Blue Carbon Offsets ensure that all activities remain sustainable.
industries. This includes establishing and
Blue Carbon Offsets are the management of It is frequently used to detect marine life or Data Platforms
supporting socially equitable ocean spaces
and industries, ensuring they are environ- marshes, mangroves, kelp, and seagrasses habitats and restrict building to the oceans’ Cognizant, a technology services and con-
mentally sustainable, and that they can have in ocean ecosystems for carbon offsetting. least impactful locations. MSP is frequent- sulting company, has partnered with Tidal
an economic profit. The US highlighted a Indonesia and the World Economic Forum ly used by Manna Farms, a fish farming to make the company’s ocean information
newly launched global initiative at the Our have signed an agreement aimed at im- company, to ensure their practices remain platform available to the wider aquaculture
Ocean Conference, which would total more proving the country’s efforts by supporting sustainable. market to allow companies to make more
than $800 million to protect its ocean and a blue carbon roadmap. The blue carbon informed decisions. Tidal uses machine learn-
credit financing will help ocean conserva- Foundational Data US ing, artificial intelligence, underwater percep-
support developing countries. The initiative
focuses on securing and protecting marine tion and restoration efforts. Researchers in The National Oceanic and Atmospheric tion, and automation innovations to gather
areas and improving the resilience of coast- China called the “Blue Carbon Catchers” are Administration is providing free and open- and analyze data sets. True Ocean, a German
al areas that could be impacted by climate a collaboration between Tencent’s Carbon source ocean and coastal data that pro- company, is also looking to provide compa-
change. European ports have received fund- Neutrality Lab and Xiamen University. The vides a perfect foundation for the future nies with more maritime information and has
ing from the European Maritime and Fisheries group is dedicated to understanding the blue economy. This data is used by a broad already become a prominent maritime data
Fund through the Atlantic Smart Ports Blue ocean’s capacity to act as a carbon sink and variety of organizations, from federal, state, platform. The platform offers solutions for
Acceleration Network to support the growth of the future of its capacity. and local governments, to academia and data processing and management, empower-
new and sustainable business at more than business and especially offshore aquacul- ing organizations to see the value of the data
Ocean Land Mapping ture and wind farms. Open Ocean Robotics, a they hold by providing a suite of services with
40 ports to grow the blue economy. The goal is
to reduce the current carbon footprint of the Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) is the ocean Canadian company, received $1.75 million to the goal of increasing efficiency and sustain-
port and increase the diversity of activities. equivalent of land zoning planning and is create an uncrewed, solar-powered surface able practices, and facilitating more educated
Africa’s blue economy is receiving attention helping to ensure the ocean is sustainably vehicle that can capture information via decision-making.

BLUE ECONOMY
Fishing Desalination
GAIN (Green Aquaculture Intensification in Ocean Oasis, a Norwegian company, has
Europe) is an EU project that has monitors found a way to use the oceans’ natural wave
and sensors located around fish farms and power to produce fresh water. The company
placed into fish to help track and under- uses waves off Norway’s coast to power their
stand the activities in the farms. Paired with desalinator units and then fresh water is
machine learning and IBM analytics, this sent to shore through pipes along the ocean
real-time information will help farmers make floor. This method of producing fresh water
more informed decisions when it comes is sustainable and creates no emissions.
to protecting fish, as well as detecting and EVOVE in the UK has developed technology
preventing problems such as fish escapes, to make the desalination process of water
environmental issues, and excess feed. There easier. Its Direct Lithium Extraction system
is also an increase in transparency in the life removes the lithium from highly salinated
journey of fish, from the farm to the table. water which increases the ease of the desali-
Atea, with the partnership of the Norwegian nation process. The company is aiming to
Seafood Association and IBM, is bringing this scale its technology to provide more efficient
transparency by using the blockchain to track desalination processes on a global scale.
Norwegian salmon’s journey including buyers
and trips through customs. They believe that
transparency is the key to sustainability and
engaging society’s awareness.
North Sea waves are aiding Nowergian company Ocean Oasis to desalinate water without causing emissions.

AUTHORS &
CONTRIBUTORS

AUTHORS & CONTRIBUTORS
Co-authors
EMMA MILLER
CHRISTINA VON MESSLING
Senior Manager NICHOLAS IMBRIGLIA
MAHAK CHHAJER
Christina von Messling leads our European client portfolio and our
Life Sciences practice area at Future Today Institute. She is re-
Chief Executive Officer
nowned for her expertise in strategic foresight and an unparalleled
AMY WEBB
ability to navigate complex industry landscapes. With a career
spanning over two decades, she has guided multinational corpora-
Managing Director
tions through transformative strategies, leveraging his deep understanding of market dynamics and
MELANIE SUBIN
future trends.
Creative Director
Christina’s diverse experience across sectors enables her to craft visionary scenarios and strate-
EMILY CAUFIELD
gies, driving sustainable growth and innovation for clients worldwide. Having split her time between
Europe, the UK, Brazil, and the US, she combines a global perspective with in-depth, holistic expertise
Editor
of the main drivers of change: technology, geopolitical, economic, and societal developments. She ERICA PETERSON
has advised leading pharmaceutical and healthcare companies, as well as beauty, entertainment,
media, and retail brands. Copy Editor
SARAH JOHNSON
Christina is a coach in the strategic foresight MBA course at the NYU Stern School of Business. She
holds a Masters in Law from the Freie Universität Berlin, where she graduated within the top 10% of Director of Operations
the nation. She works from offices in New York City, Berlin, and London. CHERYL COONEY

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2024 TECH TRENDS REPORT • 17 TH EDITION

FUTURE TODAY INSTITUTE’S 2024 TECH TREND REPORT

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THE YEAR AHEAD: TECH SUPERCYCLE

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40 CCS-as-a-Service 45 3D Printed Houses 50 Self-Healing Materials 57 Ocean Chemistry 64 Verification Methodology

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TOP HEADLINES 01 Investment is shifting from clean energy to enabling technologies

the light of the most

04 Polluters being held accountable

05 Governments are considering a broader set of tools

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MARCH 8, 2023 J U N E 2 9, 2 0 2 3 DECEMBER 3, 2023

MARCH 14, 2023 J U LY 5 , 2 0 2 3

Forever chemicals ban Looser GMO rules in EU

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LIKELY NEAR TERM DEVELOPMENTS

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WHY ENERGY & CLIMATE TRENDS MATTER TO YOUR ORGANIZATION

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WHEN WILL ENERGY & CLIMATE TRENDS DISRUPT YOUR ORGANIZATION?

Forecasted Time of Impact

Agriculture Pharma Space exploration All trends will be relevant

Energy generation Financial services

Transportation Consumer goods

Construction Health care

Insurance Information technology

Real estate Water management

Hospitality Infrastructure development

Retail Waste management

0-4 YEARS 5-9 YEARS 10-14 YEARS 15+ YEARS

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OPPORTUNITIES & THREATS

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INVESTMENTS AND ACTIONS TO CONSIDER

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Flexible, transparent solar cells might soon be

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FOSSIL FUEL INNOVATION

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ects, especially as a complementary solution

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EMERGING FORMS OF ENERGY PRODUCTION

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ALTERNATIVES TO MINERALS AND RARE EARTHS

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SCENARIO YEAR 2035

What If the World Runs on Thermal Energy?