Climate change presents both challenges and opportunities for innovation. Low carbon technologies are developing sustainable solutions that aim to benefit the planet and its inhabitants. At NETO Innovation, we're committed to facilitating the development of robust proposals and supporting our partners in securing grants aimed at pioneering low-carbon, green, and sustainable technologies.
Latest trends in low carbon technologies
The dynamic field of green and low carbon technologies continuously evolves, presenting new solutions to environmental challenges. We can cite the following as areas where recent advancements have been particularly transformative.
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.
Biodegradable materials.
Energy storage solutions.
These advancements mitigate environmental impact and drive economic growth by creating new industries and job opportunities. By enabling innovation in these areas, we can move towards a more sustainable and resilient future.
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems
The solar energy sector is full of innovation, far beyond what a single article can cover. Here, we highlight a selection of groundbreaking technologies and applications that are pushing the boundaries of what's possible with solar power:
Bifacial solar panels: Bifacial solar panels capture sunlight from both sides, significantly increasing energy production compared to traditional single-faced panels. This technology is ideal for maximizing efficiency in limited spaces, making it suitable for both ground-mounted solar farms and urban installations.
Floating solar farms: Also known as "floatovoltaics”, these systems are installed on bodies of water, conserving land and benefiting from the cooling effects of water to enhance efficiency. They represent a promising solution for energy production in densely populated areas or regions with limited unused land.
Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV): BIPV systems produce power and replace conventional building materials. This integration of photovoltaics into windows, facades, and roofs helps in creating aesthetically pleasing and energy-efficient buildings.
Photovoltaic integration in vehicles: The incorporation of photovoltaic cells into vehicle surfaces presents a significant advancement. This method provides dual advantages: decreasing dependence on fossil fuels and enhancing the range of electric vehicles, through the efficient use of solar energy.
Low power PV systems: Low power photovoltaic systems are particularly suited to functioning effectively under less-than-ideal light conditions, making them perfect for powering small devices and for use in areas where traditional solar panels might not be as effective.
Organic photovoltaics (OPV): OPV technology uses organic compounds to convert solar energy into electricity, offering advantages in terms of lightweight and flexible applications. These solar cells are particularly effective for integrating into consumer goods and unconventional surfaces, expanding the utility of solar power.
Perovskite solar cells: With excellent light absorption due to their crystal structure, perovskites solar modules are achieving new efficiency standards in solar cells. Their lower production costs and compatibility with existing manufacturing processes make them a hot topic in solar research and development.
At NETO Innovation, we're actively involved in developing proposals and supporting partnerships to explore and expand their applications. Our commitment ensures that the most innovative and practical solutions in solar energy can find the support they need to move from concept to reality.
Biodegradable materials
Biodegradable materials are increasingly essential in the transition towards a sustainable future, as outlined in the European Union's green policies. NETO Innovation supports the development of proposals and partnerships that use these materials across various applications.
Packaging solutions: Innovations in biodegradable polymers, such as polylactic acid (PLA) from cornstarch and cellulose-based films, are revolutionizing the packaging industry by offering compostable alternatives that reduce landfill waste.
Flexible electronics: Sustainable biodegradable materials are also making a significant impact in the field of flexible electronics. Materials such as biodegradable conductive polymers are being developed to create flexible electronic components that can degrade harmlessly, reducing electronic waste and enabling greener electronic devices.
Agricultural applications: Bio-based materials like chitosan from crustacean shells are enhancing agricultural practices, contributing to more sustainable crop protection methods that leave minimal residues.
Medical industry: The development of biodegradable materials in medical applications, such as sutures and implants that safely decompose in the body, reduces long-term risk and environmental impact.
Construction materials: Natural-based materials, including hemp and flax, are being integrated into construction products, offering sustainable alternatives that promote energy efficiency and lower carbon footprints.
At NETO Innovation, we develop proposals and offer grant support to assist partners in writing grant proposals for topics covering biodegradable materials. This strategic approach accelerates the adoption of sustainable materials and aligns with broader EU initiatives like the Innovative Advanced Materials for EU (IAM4EU), Circular Economy Action Plan and the Farm to Fork Strategy, aimed at reducing environmental impacts across the lifecycle of products.
Energy storage solutions
Energy storage is a critical component of modern energy systems, facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources and enhancing grid stability. NETO Innovation supports the development of proposals and collaborations aiming to develop and implement innovative energy storage solutions.
Sodium-ion batteries: As an alternative to lithium-ion systems, sodium-ion batteries offer promising avenues for energy storage. Based on abundant materials, these batteries provide an environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution, particularly suitable for grid storage and renewable integration where high-energy density and low cost are critical.
Lithium-sulfur batteries: Offering higher energy density than lithium-ion, lithium-sulfur batteries are a promising technology for both electric vehicles and long-term energy storage.
Solid-state batteries: Solid-state batteries replace the liquid electrolyte with a solid, enhancing safety and potentially increasing energy density, which could lead to longer-lasting energy storage solutions.
Flow batteries: Unlike conventional batteries, flow batteries store energy in liquid electrolytes, which can be scaled easily and are ideal for stationary energy storage applications over several hours.
Graphene supercapacitors: Graphene supercapacitors devices use graphene's exceptional electrical conductivity and surface area, providing rapid charging and discharging rates ideal for applications requiring quick bursts of power.
Metal-air batteries: With the potential for a higher energy density, metal-air batteries generate electricity from the oxidation of metals such as zinc, iron, or aluminum, making them suitable for longer-term energy storage solutions.
At NETO Innovation, we focus on developing proposals and creating partnerships that explore and exploit these advanced energy storage technologies. By supporting research and deployment in these areas, we help pave the way for more resilient and efficient energy systems.
Future directions in EU's low carbon and green solutions
The European Union is set to enhance its commitment to sustainability, concentrating on multiple critical areas of innovation that will facilitate its transition towards a low-carbon and environmentally sustainable future. These forward-looking initiatives, grounded in recent policy directions, include:
Advanced materials for clean energy: Development of innovative materials such as next-generation batteries and solar panels will continue to be a priority. This includes batteries with enhanced energy density and sustainability, as well as photovoltaic materials that offer greater efficiency and integration capabilities, such as perovskite solar cells.
Energy systems and storage solutions: The integration of renewable energy sources into the grid will be supported by advancements in energy storage technologies. This includes mechanical, electric, chemical, and thermal storage solutions, offering flexible and scalable options to manage energy loads and improve grid stability.
Carbon capture and usage: There will be an increased focus on technologies that capture carbon and convert it into products, creating an approach that adds economic value while reducing environmental impact.
Smart and efficient buildings and infrastructure: Innovations will aim at reducing the carbon footprint of buildings and other infrastructure through smart technologies and materials that improve energy efficiency. These innovations will also extend to the development of green public infrastructure that supports sustainable urban development.
Sustainable transportation solutions: Efforts will be intensified to develop and deploy zero-emission transportation options across various modes, including road, air, and maritime transport. This will involve electrification and the use of hydrogen and other renewable fuels.
Sustainable electronics: Emphasis will be placed on developing sustainable electronics that use new materials and designs for conformable, flexible, or stretchable electronic devices. This initiative focuses on materials that minimize environmental impact and improve the reparability and recyclability of electronic devices, targeting both high performance and reliability in next-generation electronics.
These strategic directions reflect a holistic approach, where technological innovation is aligned with policy measures and economic incentives to promote a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable growth trajectory for Europe.
At NETO Innovation, we are firmly committed to green and low-carbon technologies by providing strategic proposal writing and partnership support. We invite industry leaders, researchers, and innovators to partner with us in advancing and shaping the green technology sector. Contact us to explore how we can transform these opportunities into tangible solutions together.
We invite you to follow NETO Innovation on LinkedIn for the latest updates and discussions. Explore more about our projects and insights by visiting our website. If you have any questions or would like to reach out directly, feel free to contact us via email (info@neto-innovation.com).
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