Tech Trends: Energy metaverse, flexible PV, edible batteries
Tech Trends: Energy metaverse, flexible PV, edible batteries Smart Energy International
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Energy Metaverse – The Building Blocks Securely in Place
The concept of the metaverse may still seem abstract to many, but it is rapidly emerging in the energy sector. According to a report from Guidehouse Insights, global investment in core technologies for the energy metaverse is projected to grow from just over $6 billion in 2022 to nearly $80 billion in 2031, representing a compound annual growth rate of 33%. Core technologies include digital twins, AI and machine learning, unmanned aerial systems and drones, extended reality, and blockchain-based applications. The full realization of the energy metaverse is still more than a decade away, but it has the potential to revolutionize employee training, customer interactions, and asset management in the energy industry.
Flexible Solar Panels Coming to Market
Belgian startup EnFoil is set to introduce solar panels that are only a few millimeters thick and can be integrated onto various surfaces. Developed by Hasselt University and microelectronics research organization imec within the Energyville collaboration, these panels are based on copper-indium-gallium-selenium technology. Unlike traditional flat and predetermined size formats, EnFoil’s solar panels are flexible and can be manufactured in different shapes and sizes. This innovation opens up a wide range of applications, from buildings to tents and swimming pool covers. EnFoil is currently in talks with industry partners to bring their solar films to market, with a focus on integrating them into the roofs and sidewalls of trucks in the logistics sector.
An Edible Rechargeable Battery
Researchers at the Italian Institute of Technology have developed the world’s first totally edible and rechargeable battery. This breakthrough has potential applications in children’s toys, gastrointestinal tract disease diagnosis and treatment, and food quality monitoring. The battery utilizes riboflavin (vitamin B2) as the anode and the plant pigment quercetin as the cathode, along with activated charcoal and a water-based electrolyte. The separator is made from nori seaweed, commonly used in sushi. The battery operates at a low voltage of 0.65V, making it safe for ingestion, and can provide power to small electronic devices for a limited time. This edible battery showcases the possibility of building safer batteries using non-toxic materials, inspiring scientists to develop more sustainable energy storage solutions.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
- SDG 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable.
- SDG 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Investment in core technologies in the energy sector (indicator for SDG 7.2)
- Integration of flexible solar panels in various applications (indicator for SDG 9.4)
- Development of edible and rechargeable batteries (indicator for SDG 12.2)
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. | Investment in core technologies in the energy sector |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable. | Integration of flexible solar panels in various applications |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources. | Development of edible and rechargeable batteries |
Explanation:
– The article discusses the progress and prospects of the energy metaverse, which relates to the development of core technologies in the energy sector. This aligns with SDG 7.2, which aims to increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. The investment in core technologies serves as an indicator for measuring progress towards this target.
– The article also highlights the introduction of flexible solar panels that can be integrated into various applications. This aligns with SDG 9.4, which focuses on upgrading infrastructure and retrofitting industries to make them sustainable. The integration of flexible solar panels serves as an indicator for measuring progress towards this target.
– Additionally, the article mentions the development of an edible and rechargeable battery, which relates to achieving sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources (SDG 12.2). The development of edible batteries serves as an indicator for measuring progress towards this target.
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: smart-energy.com
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