Today’s graphic covers recent advances in renewable energy such as organic solar cells and concentrated solar. It also briefly highlights the history of renewables in the US.
When it comes to renewable energy, something has got to give.
Green energy has a somewhat dated reputation for not being feasible from an economic perspective. However, it seems with green tech that the inputs slowly, yet incrementally, get better. Every additional percent of efficiency and each reduction in costs takes us a small step further towards a greener future.
As the infographic shows, there are many interesting developments in the green sector that are piquing the interest of investors. Advancements in organic solar cells, energy storage, concentrated solar energy, and wind turbine materials are just some of those worth noting.
The sector is all about cost and more specifically, capital costs. Although much of the time the fuel is free, the short to medium term investment case continues to be the biggest hurdle with payback periods being far too long. People watching the renewable sector are still waiting for one of these game changing technologies to be commercialized to make the investment case that much more certain.
Original graphic from: NJIT
Jeff Desjardins
Comments
klgmac
Right now alternative energy is expensive energy. The world does not have the luxury of expensive energy without trading off prosperity. An honest price discovery and free market will tell us when the switch needs to take place.