Trends and Advances in Renewable Energy

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