Predicating the future is always a tricky business, as highlighted in our previous article detailing predictions of the 2000s from 1967. We can rarely make specific predictions, but only make general observation of trends and technologies that may become prominent in the future. With that in mind, here are what we think are the most realistic and interesting future predictions for industry in the year 2030.
Additive manufacturing
We all know about 3D printing. Right now it is a cool service which lets us render 3D objects. What we might not know however is that it is the start of a whole manufacturing revolution and is one of our most reliable future predictions. Additive manufacturing describes technologies which build 3D objects. These could include consumer products, phones or machines, by systematically adding layer upon layer of material. The material could be anything, from plastic to metal and concrete. This type of manufacturing means even production of the most geometrically complex objects can be done at the industrial scale. The applications of the technology can be limitless.
Additive manufacturing can completely transform the manufacturing landscape. As 3D printers become cheaper and more widespread, the more they can move permanently into use as industrial technologies. Instead of some of the massive manufacturing sites we have today, larger numbers of small micro-factories could be adopted. The output of these factories would be the same as the larger ones, but the smaller facilities mean they could be located closer to cities and retailers, shortening and simplifying supply chains. Additive manufacturing could also benefit less industrially developed countries and organisations as it would require much less infrastructure than current manufacturing practices.
3D printing horizons do not end there. An automotive start-up, Local Motors, is already attempting to produce the first entirely 3D printed car within the next few years. The civil engineering sector may need a rework as 3D printed buildings and structures, including 3D printed houses, become normal. 3D printers could even print human tissue, meaning we could see transplants of 3D printed organs in the near future. Although the technology is still in its infancy, it is growing more and more every year.
Future predictions of energy
We could be forgiven for believing in fairly bleak future predictions of renewable energy right now. A Trump presidency promising investment in apparently ‘clean-burning’ coal and climate change figures as they are does not paint a pretty picture for the future of sustainable development. Dig a little deeper though and you may find positive news for the future of renewable energy. Surprisingly, China is at the forefront of renewable energy production. The country’s renewable energy sector is growing much faster than its fossil fuel and nuclear business. It is now the world’s leading investor in renewable energy. China is also launching a national carbon market. This will seek to cap carbon emissions, leading to financial incentives for reducing carbon dioxide emission rates.
Another energy industry game changer which could become prominent in the future is the microgrid. A microgrid is a localised energy generation, storage and distribution system. It operates much the same way as the national grid, but is a fraction of the size. This means they could be located locally in residential communities. They can achieve goals of reliability, reduction in carbon emissions, diversification of energy sources and cost reduction.
Desalinisation will become prominent
Access to clean water is a big problem of modern times. Population growth, droughts, depletion of underground aquifers is adding to a water crisis which is endangering millions around the globe. Future predictions suggest water resources are only going to get lower. We are very limited to what water sources we use, and currently only use around 1% of the worlds water. That’s because the other 99% of water is seawater. Treating this water to remove salt and make it drinkable is very expensive, so much that it is not commercial. However, as the world population increases and industry requires more and more water, we will eventually need to look to the sea to service our water needs.
We have taken strides over the last few decades with making desalinisation technologies more affordable, particularly reverse osmosis. However nanotechnology offers a breakthrough to making reverse osmosis desalinisation commercial. In 2010 the use of graphene in water filtration allowed water treatment to occur at much lower pressures and using much less energy than is currently required. The technology is still in its infancy but could provide hope as fresh water sources become depleted in years to come.
Originally published at ilmm.co.uk on January 4, 2017.
