Welcome to 5 Milestones Towards a Greener Future!
Welcome to 5 Milestones Towards a Greener Future, the blog where we explore exciting and inspiring global events shaping a more sustainable future. In this space, we dive into fascinating facts and surprising trends in sustainability and waste management.
At Waste Experts, we’re passionate about green practices and creating a cleaner, renewable world for future generations. Join us as we share innovative insights, celebrate eco-friendly achievements, and uncover how simple changes can make a big impact on our planet’s health.
New Milestone for Clean Energy
Information source: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2024/09/global-renewables-generation-top-energy-stories/
A groundbreaking milestone: for the first time ever, over 40% of the world’s electricity came from zero-carbon sources, according to new research.
The reports, released by BloombergNEF, reveal that wind and solar contributed 14% of this power, while an impressive 91% of new global power capacity came from these renewable sources—leaving just 6% for fossil fuels.
And the momentum isn’t slowing down. In the first half of 2024 alone, renewable energy saw a remarkable $313 billion in new investments, mirroring the same strong figures from 2023.
“We’ve witnessed a fundamental shift in renewable energy compared to just a few years ago,” said Sofia Maia, lead author of the BloombergNEF report. “There’s no longer any doubt—renewables are now the dominant force in new power generation worldwide.”
Still, the journey is far from over. The World Economic Forum’s Fostering Effective Energy Transition 2024 report acknowledges the rapid rise in clean energy adoption but notes that many nations continue to face challenges in the energy transition. To overcome these hurdles, greater collaboration between public and private sectors is essential to drive innovation, mobilise investment, and reform policies for a greener future.
Motionless Turbines Could Reduce Wind Energy’s Noise and Wildlife Impact
Image and information source: https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/groundbreaking-motionless-wind-turbine
A groundbreaking “motionless” wind energy system, designed to be quieter and safer for birds, has been installed on the roof of BMW’s MINI plant in Oxford, offering a scalable and renewable energy solution.
According to Euronews, this innovative system could represent a new chapter in renewable energy.
A U.S. company, Aeromine, has developed a “motionless” wind turbine system that minimises noise and reduces risks to wildlife. The system works alongside rooftop solar panels to maximise energy output, especially in low-solar conditions like evenings or winter months. The project is funded by BMW’s Startup Garage, which acts as a key customer to drive innovation in renewable energy.
“Our ‘motionless’ wind energy technology is designed to work seamlessly alongside solar systems, maximising the renewable energy output from rooftops.”
— Claus Lønborg, Managing Director at Aeromine
So why does this matter? With Europe already leading the charge in renewable energy adoption, if these prototypes prove effective, we could soon see them appearing on rooftops across the continent—particularly in places where traditional turbines may not be feasible.
South Korea’s food waste recycling model turns leftovers into energy
Information source: South Korea’s food waste recycling model turns leftovers into energy – The Daily Climate
South Korea has revolutionised its approach to food waste, recycling 98% of its scraps into compost, animal feed, and renewable energy. This innovative system serves as a global model for sustainable waste management.
At the heart of this effort is the Daejeon Bioenergy Centre, which processes 400 tons of food waste daily, converting it into biogas that powers 20,000 homes. Over 20 years ago, South Korea introduced strict regulations banning food waste from landfills and implemented a “pay-as-you-throw” system. These policies have significantly reduced waste and reshaped public behaviour.
Faced with limited landfill space and a dense population, South Korea had no choice but to embrace sustainable alternatives. This model’s success shows that food waste can be turned into valuable resources, reducing emissions and generating renewable energy.
Jonathan Foley, Executive Director of Project Drawdown, calls food waste “one of the biggest — and dumbest — environmental problems.” As a major contributor to global emissions, food waste management is essential in combating climate change.
Why this matters:
South Korea’s approach demonstrates how comprehensive recycling systems can not only tackle waste but also create energy, offering valuable lessons for other countries looking to reduce their environmental impact. It’s a model of turning waste into a resource for the future.
Scania Solar Powered Truck
Information source: https://www.scania.com/group/en/home/newsroom/news/2023/scanias-solar-powered-truck.html
Eric Falkgrim, the project manager for Scania’s solar-powered truck development, shares his insights into the future of transport and why solar technology holds so much promise. Scania has long been a leader in electrified transport solutions, and their latest innovation involves a hybrid-electric truck powered by solar cells fitted to a trailer. This cutting-edge project has been developed in an agile environment, combining Scania’s modular system with new technologies. The prototype is now being tested by Ernst Express, a long-term Scania partner, on real Swedish roads.
The journey began more than three years ago when Falkgrim and his team reflected on the progress made with lithium-ion batteries. As these batteries became lighter, cheaper, and more energy-dense, they wondered if solar cells might follow a similar trend. “We wanted to find out if there’s a point where it makes sense to develop this technology,” Falkgrim explains. After a promising pre-study and securing funding from Vinnova, Scania launched the full-scale project in early 2021, in collaboration with Uppsala University.
Although Sweden isn’t known for abundant sunshine, the team chose to test the technology there to assess its viability in less ideal conditions. If it works in Sweden, Falkgrim believes the concept could thrive in sunnier regions, demonstrating the broader potential of solar-powered trucks.
The First Solar Canal in the US
Image information source: https://www.euronews.com/green/2023/11/27/arizona-is-building-the-first-solar-canal-in-the-us-what-are-they-and-how-do-they-work
Solar-covered canals are set to transform renewable energy production and water conservation in Arizona, a region known for its dry climate. The state is preparing to complete the first solar-covered canal in the US, following a historic agreement between the Gila River Indian Community and the US Army Corps of Engineers. This innovative project aims to generate clean energy while reducing water evaporation, a critical need as Arizona faces ongoing drought conditions.
“This is the kind of creative thinking that can help move us toward a more sustainable future,” said Tom Buschatzke, Director of Arizona’s Department of Water Resources. The solar panels, installed over the Level Top Canal, will not only provide renewable energy but also help conserve water, making it a win-win for both energy and water management.
With a budget of $6.74 million (£6.165 million), Arizona’s solar canal project is set to be a US-first, ahead of similar plans in California. Inspired by India’s Canal Solar Power Project, experts believe this model has huge potential. For example, covering all of California’s canals could save over 65 billion gallons of water annually by reducing evaporation.
In Arizona, solar panels will be installed along a 305-metre stretch of the Level Top Canal, capturing sunlight while limiting water loss. The water below the panels also helps keep them cool, boosting efficiency. Phase one is expected to generate 1 MW of renewable energy, benefiting local tribal farmers, and could become a blueprint for sustainable infrastructure in other dry regions.
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