Smart grids

Super grids

Microgrids and off-the-grid

• Researchers describe a way for "inherently robust, scalable method of integration using multiple energy storage systems and distributed energy resources, which does not require any means of dedicated communication improvised controls", which could make microgrids easy and low cost "where they are needed most" such as during a power outage or after a disaster.^[5][6]

2020

• Solar cell efficiency of perovskite solar cells have increased from 3.8% in 2009^[7] to 25.2% in 2020 in single-junction architectures,^[8] and, in silicon-based tandem cells, to 29.1%,^[8] exceeding the maximum efficiency achieved in single-junction silicon solar cells.^{[additional citation(s) needed]}

• 6 March – Scientists show that adding a layer of perovskite crystals on top of textured or planar silicon to create a tandem solar cell enhances its performance up to a power conversion efficiency of 26%. This could be a low cost way to increase efficiency of solar cells.^[9][10]

• 13 July – The first global assessment into promising approaches of solar photovoltaic modules recycling is published. Scientists recommend "research and development to reduce recycling costs and environmental impacts compared to disposal while maximizing material recovery" as well as facilitation and use of techno–economic analyses.^[11][12]

• 3 July – Scientists show that adding an organic-based ionic solid into perovskites can result in substantial improvement in solar cell performance and stability. The study also reveals a complex degradation route that is responsible for failures in aged perovskite solar cells. The understanding could help the future development of photovoltaic technologies with industrially relevant longevity.^{[13][14][importance?]}

2021

• 12 April – Scientists develop a prototype and design rules for both-sides-contacted silicon solar cells with conversion efficiencies of 26% and above, Earth's highest for this type of solar cell.^{[15][16][importance?]}

• 7 May – Researchers address a key problem of perovskite solar cells by increasing their stability and long-term reliability with a form of "molecular glue".^{[17][18][importance?]}

• 21 May – The first industrial commercial production line of perovskite solar panels, using an inkjet printing procedure, is launched in Poland.^[19]

• 13 December – Researchers report the development of a database and analysis tool about perovskite solar cells which systematically integrates over 15,000 publications, in particular device-data about over 42,400 of such photovoltaic devices.^[20][21]

• 16 December – ML System from Jasionka, Poland, opens first quantum glass production line. The factory started the production of windows integrating a transparent quantum-dots layer that can produce electricity while also capable of cooling buildings.^{[22][importance?]}

2022

• 30 May - A team at Fraunhofer ISE led by Frank Dimroth developed a 4-junction solar cell with an efficiency of 47.6% - a new world record for solar energy conversion.^{[23][importance?]}

• 13 July – Researchers report the development of semitransparent solar cells that are as large as windows,^[24] after team members achieved record efficiency with high transparency in 2020.^[25][26] On 4 July, researchers report the fabrication of solar cells with a record average visible transparency of 79%, being nearly invisible.^[27][28]

• 9 December – Researchers report the development of 3D-printed flexible paper-thin organic photovoltaics.^{[29][30][importance?]}
• 19 December – A new world record solar cell efficiency for a silicon-perovskite tandem solar cell is achieved, with scientists in Germany converting 32.5% of sunlight into electrical energy.^{[31][importance?]}

2024

• 12 March – Scientists demonstrate the first monolithically integrated tandem solar cell using selenium as the photoabsorbing layer in the top cell, and silicon as the photoabsorbing layer in the bottom cell.^[32]

High-altitude and space-based solar power

Ongoing research and development projects include SSPS-OMEGA,^[33][34] SPS-ALPHA,^[35][36] and the Solaris program.^[37][38][39]

Floating solar

Agrivoltaics

• 2021 – An improved agrivoltaic system with a grooved glass plate is demonstrated.^[52][53]
• 2021 – A report reviews several studies^[54][55] about the potential of agrivoltaics, which partly suggest "high potential of agrivoltaics as a viable and efficient technology" and outline concerns for refinements to the technology.^[56]
• 2022 – Researchers report the development of greenhouses (or solar modules) by a startup that generate electricity from a portion of the spectrum of sunlight, allowing spectra that interior plants use to pass through.^[57][58]
• 2023 – Demonstration of another agrivoltaic greenhouse which outperforms a conventional glass-roof greenhouse.^[59][60]

Solar-powered production

2021

• A study using simulations finds that large scale vertical-axis wind turbines could outcompete conventional HAWTs (horizontal axis) wind farm turbines.^[71][72]
• Scientists report that due to decreases in power generation efficiency of wind farms downwind of offshore wind farms, cross-national limits and potentials for optimization need to be considered in strategic decision-making.^[73][74]
• Researchers report, based on simulations, how large wind-farm performance can be significantly improved using windbreaks.^[75][76]
• The world's first fully autonomous commercial "airborne wind energy" system (an airborne wind turbine) is launched by a company.^[77]
• An U.S. congressionally directed report concludes that "the resource potential of wind energy available to AWE systems is likely similar to that available to traditional wind energy systems" but that "AWE would need significant further development before it could deploy at meaningful scales at the national level".^[77]

2023

• First kWh by a TLP floating airborne wind turbine system (X30) possibly as part of a "new wave of startups"^[78] in this area.^[79]
• Completion of the first functional 105 meters tall more-modular Modvion wooden wind turbine is reported.^[80]

2022

• Researchers increase water electrolysis performance of renewable hydrogen via capillary-fed electrolysis cells.^[81][82]
• A novel energy-efficient strategy for hydrogen release from liquid hydrogen carriers with the potential to reduce costs of storage and transportation is reported.^[83][84]
• Researchers report the development of a potential efficient, secure and convenient method to separate, purify, store and transport large amounts of hydrogen for energy storage in renewables-based energy systems as powder using ball milling.^[85][86]
• A way method for hydrogen production from the air, useful for off-the-grid settings, is demonstrated.^[87][88]
• A novel type of effective hydrogen storage using readily available salts is reported.^[89][90]
• An electrolysis system for viable hydrogen production from seawater without requiring a pre-desalination process is reported, which could allow for more flexible and less costly hydrogen production.^[91][92]
• Chemical engineers report a method to substantially increase conversion efficiency and reduce material costs of green hydrogen production by using sound waves during electrolysis.^[93][94]

2023

• Separate teams of researchers report substantial improvements to green hydrogen production methods, enabling higher efficiencies and durable use of untreated seawater.^{[95][96][97][98][99][100][101]}
• A DVGW report suggests gas pipeline infrastructures (in Germany) are suitable to be repurposed to transport hydrogen, showing limited corrosion.^[102][103]
• A concentrated solar-to-hydrogen device approaching viability is demonstrated.^[104][105]
• Record solar-to-hydrogen efficiencies, using photoelectrochemical cells, are reported.^[106][107]

2021

• Engineers report the development of a prototype wave energy converter that is twice as efficient as similar existing experimental technologies, which could be a major step towards practical viability of tapping into the sustainable energy source.^[108][109]
• A study investigates how tidal energy could be best integrated into the Orkney energy system.^[110] A few days earlier, a review assesses the potential of tidal energy in the UK's energy systems, finding that it could, according to their considerations that include an economic cost-benefit analysis, deliver 34 TWh/y or 11% of its energy demand.^[111][112]

Electric batteries

This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (November 2021)

2022

• In a paywalled article, scientists provide 3D imaging and model analysis to reveal main causes, mechanics, and potential mitigations of the prevalent lithium-ion battery degradation over charge cycles.^{[113][114][additional citation(s) needed]}

2023

• In two studies, researchers report that substitution of PET adhesive tapes could nearly prevent^{[clarification needed]} self-discharge in the widely used lithium-ion batteries, extending battery life.^{[115][116][117]}

Thermal energy storage

• 2022 – Researchers report the development of a system that combines the MOST solar thermal energy storage system that can store energy for 18 years with a chip-sized thermoelectric generator to generate electricity from it.^[118][119]

Novel and emerging types

• 2021 – A company generates its first power from a gravity battery at a site in Edinburgh.^[120] Other gravity batteries are also under construction by other companies.^[121]
• 2022 – A study describes using lifts and empty apartments in tall buildings to store energy, estimating global potential around 30 to 300 GWh.^[122][123]

2022

• A study describes a way by which geothermal power plants could store their energy within their reservoirs for dispatch to (better) help manage intermittency of solar and wind.^[141][142]

2020

• Reviews about WHR in the aluminium industry^[143] and cement industry^[144] are published.

2023

• A report by the company Danfoss estimates EU's excess heat recovery potential, suggesting there is "huge, unharnessed potential" and that action could involve initial mapping of existing waste heat sources.^[145]

2020

• Scientists report the development of micro-droplets for algal cells or synergistic algal-bacterial multicellular spheroid microbial reactors capable of producing oxygen as well as hydrogen via photosynthesis in daylight under air.^[146][147]

2022

• Researchers report the development of 3D-printed nano-"skyscraper" electrodes that house cyanobacteria for extracting substantially more sustainable bioenergy from their photosynthesis than before.^[148][149]
• News outlets report about the development of algae biopanels by a company for sustainable energy generation with unclear viability^[150][151] after other researchers built the self-powered BIQ house prototype in 2013.^[152][153]

Other energy-need reductions

Research and development of (technical) means to substantially or systematically reduce need for energy beyond smart grids, education / educational technology (such as about differential environmental impacts of diets), transportation infrastructure (bicycles and rail transport) and conventional improvements of energy efficiency on the level of the energy system.

Materials and recycling

Maintenance

This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (November 2021)

Maintenance of sustainable energy systems could be automated, standardized and simplified and the required resources and efforts for such get reduced via research relevant for their design and processes like waste management.

Economics

Feasibility studies and energy system models