Powering Tomorrow: Innovations in Sustainable Energy
Christopher Marquis
Professor at Cambridge. Author of “THE PROFITEERS: How Business Privatizes Profit and Socializes Cost”; "MAO AND MARKETS” (a FT Best Book of 2022); "BETTER BUSINESS: How the B Corp Movement is Remaking Capitalism"
This week’s Regenerative Insights dives into the theme of Sustainable Energy, showcasing the latest advancements driving a cleaner, more resilient future. My Forbes article highlights VAXA’s combining geothermal energy with algae cultivation showing how sustainable, omega-3-rich supplements can be generated using clean energy while addressing overfishing and reducing environmental impact. Similarly, the solar-wind synergy and hydrogen advancements reflect a growing momentum toward cleaner, more reliable energy solutions.
From artificial leaves enhancing hydrogen production to solar-powered devices converting waste into fuel, the articles below demonstrate the creative ways researchers are tackling the climate crisis. The British Library’s solar heat initiative and Aspen Distillers’ carbon-negative distillery illustrate how large institutions and industries are integrating regenerative principles into their operations to reduce emissions and boost energy efficiency.
In this week’s Research Corner, a study of peer-to-peer energy markets uncovers valuable insights into how consumers interact with local solar power, offering a glimpse into future decentralized energy systems.
Let’s dive into these innovations and explore how they contribute to a regenerative future!
Featured Article:
Geothermal Algae
VAXA has pioneered an innovative approach to energy and food that merges geothermal energy production with algae cultivation. Addressing the challenges of climate change impacting our food chain and oceans, VAXA offers a sustainable alternative by producing omega-3 supplements directly from algae instead of relying on fish or krill oil. This innovative approach helps prevent overfishing and ensures a direct source of essential nutrients. Located in Iceland, VAXA’s facility utilizes clean geothermal energy and water to cultivate microalgae year-round, providing a consistent and reliable supply without environmental disruptions. Their circular, carbon-negative process uses 99% less land and water compared to traditional methods, reduces production costs by 80%, and boosts yields tenfold. By integrating advanced biotechnology and artificial intelligence, VAXA optimizes growing conditions to enhance the nutritional value of their algae, contributing to both global cooling and sustainable food production. Additionally, VAXA’s commitment to eco-friendly packaging and logistics underscores their dedication to environmental responsibility.
Essential Reads:
Solar-Wind Synergy
Combining solar panels with AirTurb wind turbines offers continuous renewable energy for residential and commercial use. The sleek, flicker-free design makes these turbines ideal for rooftops and ground applications, enabling round-the-clock clean energy production and supporting sustainable living. Read more: Solar Power and Storage: Is Momentum Building for Cleaner Energy?
Pressure-Enhanced Hydrogen Production
Researchers improve green hydrogen production using an artificial leaf that performs better under pressure. This advancement in clean energy technology promises to increase the efficiency and scalability of hydrogen production, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional energy sources. Read more: Green Hydrogen: Artificial Leaf Becomes Better Under Pressure
Clean Hydrogen from Seawater
Researchers at MIT are developing a method to produce clean hydrogen from seawater using soda cans and caffeine. This innovative approach to hydrogen production could provide a sustainable energy solution by utilizing readily available materials, reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Read more: MIT Clean Hydrogen Seawater Soda Cans Caffeine
Carbon-Negative Distillery
Aspen Distillers creates the world’s first LEED Platinum-certified, carbon-negative distillery. The facility features net-positive energy use, innovative water treatment, and regenerative agriculture on-site, setting a new standard for sustainability in the spirits industry and aiming for further certifications. Read more: Aspen Distillers Spirits Sustainability to a New Level
Tidal Energy Potential
Tidal energy offers promising renewable power, especially for island communities. Despite setbacks, projects like the MeyGen in Scotland showcase the technology’s potential. However, challenges like high costs, environmental risks, and technological hurdles remain. While tidal energy may never dominate, it could play a crucial role in a balanced global energy grid.
Offshore Energy Partnership
Ocean Power Technologies (OPT) has partnered with Kuwait's 3B General Trading & Contracting to advance offshore energy and maritime projects. This collaboration aims to deploy OPT’s wave-powered PowerBuoys, autonomous WAM-V surface vehicles, and AI-driven Merrows technology, expanding renewable energy capabilities and ocean intelligence in the Middle East.
Turning Waste into Fuel
Professor Erwin Reisner and his team at the University of Cambridge are developing solar-powered devices that convert waste, water, and air into sustainable fuels. Inspired by photosynthesis, these devices could help eliminate fossil fuels and tackle plastic waste. Their long-term mission aims to reshape the chemical industry and support a circular, sustainable economy.
British Library's Solar Heat Initiative
The British Library has installed the UK’s largest solar heating system, featuring 950 solar collectors. This project, funded by the UK’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, will reduce carbon emissions by 55 tonnes annually and generate 216 MWh of energy. The innovative solar technology supports the library’s sustainability goals while preserving its historic collections.
Research Corner:
Wörner et al. (2022) explore peer-to-peer (P2P) energy markets in a real-world field study, where participants bid on solar energy. Over a year, residential users showed active engagement and quickly learned market dynamics. However, their bids didn’t align with intentions to pay a premium for local solar power. Despite this, the study provides promising evidence that P2P energy trading can effectively balance renewable energy supply and demand, contributing to more sustainable energy systems.
Quick Takeaways:
Max-Migold Ltd | Facilities and Workplace Management | Energy and Sustainability Solutions | IFMA Qualified Instructor
1moChristopher Marquis, it's inspiring to see sustainability gaining traction. how are stakeholders influencing these changes in energy systems?✨