Green Technology Trends in 2023.
What to Expect in the Year Ahead?
Green technology, also referred to as clean technology or environmental technology, includes products, processes, and services that are created to minimize the negative impact of human activities on the environment. This includes reducing pollution, conserving resources, and combating climate change. Some examples of green technology include:
- Renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydropower, generate electricity without harmful emissions.
- Energy efficiency technologies, such as smart appliances and LED lighting, help to lower energy consumption and costs.
- Recycling and waste technologies, such as composting and waste-to-energy systems, help to decrease the amount of waste sent to landfills and increase the recovery of valuable materials.
- Sustainable building technologies, such as green roofs and geothermal heating and cooling systems, improve buildings' energy efficiency and environmental performance.
- Green transportation options, such as electric cars, hybrid vehicles, and alternative fuel vehicles, have lower emissions than traditional gasoline-powered cars.
- Eco-friendly products, such as those made from sustainable and natural materials, like organic cotton clothing are biodegradable and have low environmental impact.
- Water conservation and management technologies, such as greywater systems and rainwater harvesting, which improve water efficiency and reduce human impact on water resources.
Green technology is a crucial field of research and development, as it assists in preserving natural resources, decreasing pollution, and counteracting the effects of climate change.
Over the past decade, advancements in technology have led to a significant decrease in the cost of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, making them more cost-effective than fossil fuels. Some estimates suggest that transitioning to renewable energy could save economies globally up to $12 trillion by 2050. In 2023, there will be a strong focus on scaling existing green technologies and developing new ones, as governments and industry leaders aim to address the pressing issue of climate change.
Green Technology Trends
Hydrogen
While battery-powered electric vehicles are becoming more common, fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) are another type of electric vehicle that runs on hydrogen rather than batteries. This makes them more efficient than traditional combustion-powered vehicles and they also don’t produce any harmful emissions.
Some experts predict that by 2050, hydrogen will power a significant portion of the transportation sector, including over 400 million cars, 20 million buses, and a significant percentage of passenger ships. While hydrogen fuel currently comes with a higher cost, FCEVs are already being adopted in various parts of the world, and they have the potential to play a crucial role in reducing emissions from fossil fuels in the transportation industry.
Low-carbon construction
As more people become aware of the impact of traditional buildings and construction on the environment, smart, sustainable buildings are becoming increasingly prevalent. These buildings are designed to minimize their carbon footprint throughout their lifespan, by using minimal heating and cooling, producing little waste and pollution, and utilizing eco-friendly materials such as bamboo and hemp.
Additionally, many of these buildings generate their own energy through the use of rooftop solar panels. With the need for new construction at an all-time high, low-carbon buildings are essential for a sustainable future as they play a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which account for 38% of global emissions.
Concentrated Solar Power
Concentrated solar power (CSP) is a less well-known technology in comparison to photovoltaics, despite its many benefits. However, this is starting to change in certain markets. For example, Spain held an auction for CSP in 2022, but the price ceiling was not economically feasible due to inflationary pressures. There are indications that CSP may also find a market in Australia. However, the most significant growth market for CSP is in China, where more than 4 GW of capacity is projected to come online between 2023 and 2024, according to industry information provider CSP Focus.
Bioplastics
Despite growing awareness of the negative impact of plastics on the environment and climate change, plastic demand continues to rise. It is projected that global consumption of plastics will double by 2050. The industry is shifting towards a circular economy model to address this issue. The bioplastics and biodegradable plastics market is predicted to experience significant growth between 2023 and 2028. In 2023, the market is growing steadily and with more companies adopting sustainable practices, it is expected to continue to rise in the foreseeable future.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 2023 will be a year of significant advancements in green technology. Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power will continue to expand, and there will be a focus on developing sustainable solutions for energy storage and distribution through smart grid technology. The transportation industry will see progress in the adoption of electric and autonomous vehicles, and an increased use of solar power in vehicles.
Sustainable building technology will continue to improve. Additionally, we can expect progress in carbon capture, storage, and bioplastics. Reducing emissions and preserving natural resources will be at the forefront of green technology trends in 2023.
