The 3 Biggest Future Trends (And Challenges) In The Energy Sector

The Internet of Energy
The area of the internet of things (IoT) is concerned with the generation and distribution of power. IoE is closely tied to the idea of energy decentralization – the move towards a more sustainable power infrastructure where energy is used as closely as possible to the time and place where it is created.
This new paradigm in energy infrastructure involves a significant level of automation in order to manage the new technology platforms as well as the financial framework required by markets to facilitate energy trading and distribution. Artificial intelligence (see above) will play a big role here, as will other emergent technology trends such as blockchain, which will enable transparent and secure records of trades and payments. As with IoT, IoE involves edge and cloud architecture, with sensors and scanners both processing information close to the source (at the point where power is generated or used) and via remote data centers. This technology layer will make it possible for utility companies to conduct real-time, data-driven decision-making and predictive maintenance in order to drive efficiency while also improving customer experience and satisfaction.

Advanced engineering in renewables
The technology used to generate renewable energy is constantly being improved, thanks to the enormous pressure to generate power more economically, efficiently, and safely. In 2022 we will see further advances in engineering, bringing us more powerful and adaptable photovoltaic panels used for solar power generation and turbine blades used in hydro and wind power generation. The blades created by US startup Helicoid, for example, use novel arrangements of structural fibers to create turbines that are stronger, more resistant to damage by environmental erosion, and impacted less by structural fatigue. This improves their efficiency by making them less affected by downtime and in need of less frequent replacement and repair.
In solar, companies including Dutch startup Lusoco are finding new ways to engineer photovoltaic panels using different reflecting and refracting materials – including fluorescent ink - to concentrate light onto the solar cells, leading to more efficient harvesting of energy. This results in panels that are lighter as well as cheaper, and less energy-intensive to produce and install. New materials are also being developed that convert energy more effectively. These include the monocrystalline silicon ingots created by Norwegian Crystals, which are produced via a super low-carbon hydropower process. Improvement to engineering processes will be a strong trend driving increased efficiency and reliability throughout the renewable energy sector in 2022.