Gadgets For A Brighter Future
7 Green Technologies of the Future
Image Sandia National Laboratory
A dramatic shift in the EU’s approach to energy consumption and generation has led to a more aggressive policy agreement in Europe. By 2020, the EU hopes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% while increasing the reliance on renewable energy sources by 20%. The policy also states that energy efficiency must be improved by 20%, also by 2020.
It will be a mammoth task to hit these targets as most EU countries are still largely dependent on imported fuels, and traditional energy technology and sources. The only conceivable way of achieving these goals is to invest considerable money and effort into existing renewable energy projects which are already proving to be sustainable. So far, several technologies in development are providing a glimmer of hope that might help the EU achieve its energy goals.
1. Enhanced Geothermal Systems
The overall objective of Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) is to harness the heat naturally generated by the Earth to produce electricity. In order to do so, wells are drilled into high temperature basement rock which is naturally fractured. The fracture network is enhanced to create a reservoir into which additional wells are drilled. Cold water is then pumped into the fracture network, via the wells, absorbing the heat of the rock as it passes through. As it surfaces in the connected wells, the heat is captured and converted into electricity via steam turbines and the water is released back into the fracture network to be reheated.
Successes at EGS projects like at Cooper Basin in Australia, where they achieved a third to a half flow capacity after drilling into 250°C rock four kilometres below ground, have been encouraging. EGS is a base-load resource, which gives it the ability to produce power 24 hours a day. It is also economically viable as it costs less to set up an EGS operation than to set up a new clean coal burning power plant.
Image: MatterNetwork
With zero carbon emissions, this technology will certainly help in the overall reduction of CO2 emissions. Identifying the potential of enhanced geothermal systems has led to more intensive research and test centres in countries around the world such as Germany, France, Switzerland and the US.
2. Nanosolar
Image St Stev
Solar energy has always been one of the best renewable energy sources as it doesn’t release noxious gasses into the atmosphere, and once installed requires little maintenance. However the manufacturing and operational costs have historically been quite high, especially in comparison with more traditional but carbon-intensive means of producing energy. This is soon set to change as Nanosolar Inc. leads the way having created the most cost efficient solar energy source to date.
Nanosolar managed to reduce production costs from $3 per watt to 30 cents per watt during the manufacturing of their PowerSheet cells. They managed this impressive cost reduction using an innovative technology which coats metal sheets, as thin as aluminium foil, with a microscopic layer of printer ink containing minuscule solar cells. As these panels do not require silicon they can also maximise the transfer of sunlight into power. The company has ambitious plans to mass produce cost efficient solar energy at their plant in San Jose, which is expected to produce 430 megawatts per year – or four times the combined production of all the existing US-based solar plants.
European companies have been lagging behind in developing cost effective solar energy but fortunately Nanosolar’s innovative solar panels will soon be making their way to the European market after EDF Energies Nouvelles invested $50 million in the company.
3. Orbiting Solar Arrays
Image tonibduguid
One technology still in the discovery stage is orbiting solar arrays. Scientists are currently investigating the feasibility of this potential renewable energy source. In theory an array of solar panels would be constructed outside of the Earth’s atmosphere and placed into orbit. These panels would then beam the solar power back down to a receptor where it could be converted into electricity.
The main attraction of this technology is the ability to tap into an unimaginably huge energy source several orders of magnitude beyond all other known sources combined. Building the array and positioning it to orbit the Earth means there would be no interruption of the flow of solar energy to the arrays due to adverse weather conditions or it being night.
Image National Space Society
Aside from the technical challenges in getting the energy back to Earth, the major concerns are the massive installation and operational costs. However those involved in the investigations are enthusiastic about the project as it has the potential to power not just cities, or a country, but the entire world.
4. Concentrated Solar Power
Image Tecnica Vertical
Another alternative solar energy technology is Concentrated Solar Power (CSP). Similar in concept to the ancient ‘burning mirrors’ used by the Chinese back in 700BC, this modern version takes the form of solar farms in which multiple rows of mirrors concentrate the sun’s rays onto a fluid-filled vessel, which in turn powers generators or steam turbines.
Building solar farms in many countries is not a viable option for obvious reasons; however the Spanish, Moroccan, Algerian and Egyptian governments are starting to invest in the development of CSP plants. It is said that each year the desert receives the solar energy equivalent of 1.5 million barrels of oil per square kilometre, making CSP a very feasible alternative energy source.
Once these plants are up and running, it would be possible to import the energy from Africa to Europe via a high voltage direct current (HVDC) super grid. These grids would be a great improvement on the existing grids as they only lose around 3% of the power per 1000km, compared with the approximate 50% loss on the current HVAC grids.
Concentrated Solar Power definitely seems the most likely way forward in producing cost effective and clean renewable energy. So far support, at least amongst European countries, is growing and it is quite possible that in the near future Europe will gain a more efficient electrical super grid, transporting solar power originating from North Africa.
5. Smart Grids
According to a report [PDF] from the International Energy Agency, between 2003 and 2030 more that $16 trillion will have been spent worldwide on designing, developing and installing smart grids. The primary objective of smart grids is to overcome the endemic problems common to current electrical grid systems. Smart grids will make the distribution and consumption of energy more efficient and cost-effective.
The design of these smart grids will take into consideration the integration of alternative energy sources, including wind and solar, as well employing an advanced metering infrastructure. This system will help energy companies to identify peaks and lags in consumption, limit electricity loss and enable them to distribute loads more efficiently.
Image Internet Revolution
Utility companies will be able to maximise the use of low cost energy sources while keeping the power flows optimised. The advanced meter technology will mean that these savings could be passed onto the consumer as the rates are constantly adjusted according to the energy source used. In addition to this, the implementation of smart grids will see CO2 emissions reduced quite substantially.
6. Carbon Capture & Storage
Carbon Capture & Storage (CCS), also known as Carbon Sequestration, could account for almost a third of the CO2 reductions needed by 2050, according to the International Energy Authority. Coal burning plants utilising this technology separate carbon dioxide during the electricity generation process and then bury it deep underground.
Leading the way in Europe is the Spremberg plant in Germany, which is producing affordable electricity without polluting the atmosphere. The carbon emissions from this plant are said to be 90% less than traditional facilities. The intention is to have twelve commercial scale demonstration plants in operation by 2015 throughout Europe, in accordance with EU legislation.
Image Cambridge University
It seems likely that the implementation of CCS plants is among the most viable options if Europe is to meet its 20% carbon reduction target, as we are still largely reliant on fossil fuels for our energy, and the demand is set to double by 2030.
7. Nuclear Fusion Power
Image Mark Lamerton
Nuclear fusion is a clean, safe technology which has the potential to create much larger volumes of energy than traditional or alternative renewable energy sources. It is quite possibly the best long term energy solution currently being explored.
One of the biggest nuclear fusion projects to date has been the Joint European Torus where they achieved a peak production of 16.1 megawatt fusion power in 1997. More recently two complimentary projects have been initiated.
The High Power Laser Energy Research (HiPER) project aims to use a high-powered laser pulse to compress the hydrogen isotopes, Deuterium and Tritium, to a very high density. Then to produce the actual energy from the compressed DT fuel, a second pulse is fired raising it to fusion temperatures of more than 100 million degrees Celsius. The hydrogen nuclei would then fuse to form Helium and a colossal volume of energy would be released.
Technology and Gadget Predictions for 2050!
However, we have pondered and paced the garden thinking of what possible catastrophes can be applauded in 42 years? This is what we came up with:
The Flying Car
Since Moller released its “SkyCar M400X,” in 2003, it has failed to succeed. But this has only opened the door to new technology! Currently, there exists various patented, “Flying Cars”, but, again have failed to “take off” (No pun intended). But on a serious note - we have unearthed and have estimated that by 2050 no current car will be drivable! Now this might be because of the “Carbon Emissions,” law, which might rule out every gas powered vehicle. So move over gas, and welcome “Electric” power. Okay its hardly new, but we have listed an electric car that will give the Dodge Spider a run for its money!
Stop drooling…It’s called the Mazda Kaan, (yes it’s a Mazda) and it is “electric,” but do you want to know the best bit? It can drive up to mega top speeds of 250mph and it is soon appearing in the E1 - the Formula One of electric cars. In case you were wondering what those orange rims are…yep…you’ve guessed it - they’re wheels! So innovation in the making, it won’t be long until this thing will be able to fly.
Holograms
“Introducing, the new (2050) iPhone, with integrated, hologram, voice call.” Can you imagine this by 2050, or perhaps sooner? For many of us who watched the “Obama/McCain,” US election on CNN, we might of noticed a hologram of a female reporter. However, this used a few cameras on a 360 degree axis, and one very large “green screen,” to create the illusion. Nevertheless, it has created some media in the process, and now questions remain…when will we see, and use holograms?
George Lucas might be smug as he created the same techniques on Star Wars!
Teleportation
Ever heard of Quantum Teleportation? Now this is in progress at present and consists of transporting one entity to another geographical location. This may seem impossible but scientific research has found this is quite conceivable indeed.
Okay, all you need to get started is a “Transporter!” This could be anything, from a mobile handset to a complete array of electronic plates and a lot of Duracell batteries. However, silly as it might sound it has surpassed notion and is soon to be in development. So let’s all hope in 2050 teleportation could be made public! On the failier of the big “Red Phone Box.” Blue phone boxes might take their place, in the form of a Dardis.
Eco-Villages
Houses are already failing to meet the needs to be energy efficient so all homes will be totally green by 2050.
A normal house in the city, suburb or country, will predominately look the same. It’ll have solar panel roofing, wind turbines in the yard, a “flying car” landing pad and a garage for your teleport.
However, you will have a house robot that will assist you on your daily errands - helping to take out the garbage, prepare the food, beam up the teleport - practically anything. All you have to do is sit back in your eco home without worrying about the sky high electric bills because you have already invested into solar power.
Toilets
Now that were living in the year 2050 why can’t we have a futuristic toilet…well one for it would be insanely boring! There is no point going into the complexities of the matter when when it comes to using the toilet it is more of a functional experience. Well move over practical as the future is set to put some fun into using the good old lav.
Hold! Aim! Fire! yes, that’s right, its the game that you can pee all over. Play games as you pee, with such classics as “bullseye.” Bare in mind, these games consist of skill, accuracy, and “PE-resistance.” If your stuck on a level be sure not to cheat and peak in another guys urinal it might reap bad consequences…do you think it will catch on in the future? Who knows?! I mean, they made Take That popular again so anything is possible!
Robots
Robots might already be here and especially if you have read my review on Gaj-it “Robots taking over the world.” But today a robot’s limits are only to its creator and whatever its master wants. So far, we have acting robots - I know, it won’t make much of a film - we also have robots which can mimic facial expressions. But when, where, and why, will we get to see and use, a robot that can go to the fridge, pull out a Bud so you can sit back and amuse yourself on the latest release of the PlayStation 27.
However, Robots are picking up pace, and seem to grow immensely superior. So expect Robots to be already here by 2050, and themselves, picking their artificial brains, trying to uncover new technology, before 2050?
007?
Now James Bond has gave such a large contribution, that it deserves a category on its own. But where to start as the list of gadgets and gizmo’s is so vast. When we say that the pen is mightier than the sword, we really mean it!
A watch with a laser on it? not Practical, but I’m sure you’ll find it in everyday use. Rings that can shatter bullet proof glass at a twist. A jet pack, for the business man, to get to work on time. Even X-ray glasses for the shop keeper to keep an eye on those youths exiting his shop. Can we see James Bonds’ array of gadgets in 2050, I think yes!
Computers
Comp…What? That’s right, by 2050, computers will no longer be called “computers”, it will have a new name, which would have already served its purpose. We predict that by 2050, computers will evolved enough that they will be monitoring themselves to find a new product, and we will be sitting back, relaxing and waiting until it does. However, Windows will no longer be call “Windows,” instead it will be called, “force field” because let’s face it, we have all this new technology, that we don’t need glass, Upvc windows any more. We can just deactivate a force field, whenever we want to let a little air in.
We predict that, keyboards will be a thing of the past, and we would use “touch screen,” and with many of us with larger roles in IT, will be using Minority Report style gloves to control programmes.
Fountain of Youth
The secret to eternal youth is out folks. Apparently according to boffins, they have found “growth” cells, which all help us age. What they have done is not remove, but reduced its length in order to help us grow old slowly. Now with that being said, I am currently writing a list called “Technology and Gadgets in 2150,” it might just be possible, that we’re all round then.
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