Scientists achieve major breakthrough that could make solar panels more efficient: ‘Promising’ – Yahoo

Advancements in Concentrated Solar Power Technology and Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction to Nanotechnology in Solar Energy

Researchers at the University of the Basque Country in Spain are pioneering nanoscale innovations to enhance the efficiency of concentrated solar power (CSP) stations. Their focus is on developing ultrablack copper cobaltate nanoneedles, which have demonstrated superior light absorption capabilities compared to traditional carbon nanotubes. This advancement aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Key Findings on Nanoneedle Efficiency

• Nanoneedles achieved a light absorption efficiency increase from 99% to 99.5%.
• They exhibit excellent properties as stable radiators and mid-infrared absorbers.
• Research findings were published in Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, highlighting their potential to improve CSP performance.

Concentrated Solar Power Systems Overview

CSP systems utilize mirrors to concentrate sunlight onto a central receiver, often a tower, where specialized materials absorb and store thermal energy for later use. This technology supports SDG 7 by providing renewable energy solutions that reduce reliance on fossil fuels and contribute to SDG 13 by mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.

1. CSP plants require approximately 10 acres per megawatt of capacity.
2. Thermal storage typically involves molten salt devices.
3. A single CSP plant can power up to 70,000 homes without generating heat-trapping air pollution.

Global Implementation and Challenges

• CSP accounts for only 5% of the global energy mix, indicating room for growth.
• China operates a large-scale CSP system since 2019, featuring thousands of mirrors arranged in a circular array.
• Despite its potential, CSP development is limited by cost and complexity compared to photovoltaic solar panels.

Research and Development in Spain

Spanish experts are leveraging advanced laboratory facilities to conduct in-depth analyses of nanoneedles, confirming their capacity to significantly boost CSP output. This research contributes to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by fostering technological innovation in renewable energy.

Environmental and Societal Impact

• Scaling CSP with nanoneedle technology could reduce air pollution from fossil fuels, addressing SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
• NASA links greenhouse gas emissions to increased severe weather events, adversely affecting agriculture and communities worldwide.
• Renewable energy adoption supports SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by promoting resilient infrastructure.

Residential Solar Energy Solutions

Consumers can contribute to sustainable energy goals by installing solar panels and upgrading to efficient appliances. Tools such as The Cool Down’s Solar Explorer and HVAC Explorer facilitate access to trusted installers and incentives, supporting SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 7.

• Solar Explorer connects users with programs like Palmetto’s LightReach leasing option, offering $0 down and no maintenance costs.
• Efficient appliances, such as heat pumps, can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 50%.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The development of ultrablack nanoneedle materials represents a significant step toward enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of solar energy technologies. This progress supports a global transition to clean energy, aligning with multiple SDGs including:

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

By advancing research and promoting adoption of renewable energy solutions, society moves closer to a sustainable and resilient energy future.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The article discusses advancements in concentrated solar power (CSP) technology using nanoneedles to improve solar energy absorption efficiency.
   • Promotion of solar panels and efficient appliances for household energy savings.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Reducing heat-trapping air pollution by replacing dirty fuels with solar power.
   • Linking greenhouse gases to severe weather events and climate risks.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Research and development of ultrablack nanoneedle materials for enhanced energy absorption.
   • Innovation in solar power technology to improve efficiency and scalability.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Encouraging adoption of solar panels and efficient appliances in homes to reduce energy costs and emissions.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • Target 7.3: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal waste management.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 7 Indicators
   • Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption — implied by the article’s mention that CSP accounts for 5% of the energy mix and efforts to increase solar power adoption.
   • Indicator 7.3.1: Energy intensity measured in terms of primary energy and GDP — implied by improvements in solar absorption efficiency (from 99% to 99.5%) and use of efficient appliances reducing household energy consumption.
2. SDG 13 Indicators
   • Indicator 13.1.1: Number of deaths, missing persons and directly affected persons attributed to disasters — implied by linking greenhouse gases to severe weather events impacting agriculture.
   • Indicator 13.2.2: Total greenhouse gas emissions per year — implied by the reduction of heat-trapping air pollution through solar power adoption.
3. SDG 9 Indicators
   • Indicator 9.5.1: Research and development expenditure as a proportion of GDP and number of researchers per million inhabitants — implied by the research efforts in Spain on nanoneedle materials.
4. SDG 11 Indicators
   • Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g., PM2.5 and PM10) in cities — implied by the article’s focus on reducing air pollution through clean energy adoption.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: yahoo.com