Energy & Decarbonization

There has been a continuous increase in the cost of platinum since 1970. In this article, IDTechEx introduces the role of Pt as a catalyst in PEM fuel cells and outlines several ways in which the industry is striving to reduce its dependence on the ever increasingly expensive precious metal.

Green hydrogen has been promised as the clean energy carrier of the future, but recent project delays and cancellations have raised questions about whether it will truly become a cornerstone of the energy transition or turn out to be an overhyped technology that fails to scale. In this article, IDTechEx explores key market trends and regional developments that could shape the future of the green hydrogen market.

Join IDTechEx Senior Technology Analyst Eve Pope on Thursday 22nd January for the expert-led webinar "Sustainable Fuels: Technology Innovations and Market Developments for Biofuels and E-Fuels", offering independent, research-backed insights.

A complimentary collection of insights written by IDTechEx industry experts, covering key technology innovation trends shaping the next decade.

Decarbonization of the aviation and maritime sectors will require large amounts of low-carbon fuels to reach global net-zero targets. IDTechEx forecasts that the global sustainable aviation fuel market may reach US$50 billion in 2036.

In this article, IDTechEx Technology Analyst Noah El Alami discusses the potential of the new generation of nuclear technologies - fission small modular reactors (SMRs) and fusion energy - in powering the ever-increasing capacity of AI data centers.

BESS developers are adopting various passive and active thermal management materials and technologies to improve the safety of their Li-ion BESS technologies. By understanding the root causes and impacts of BESS failure, battery storage players and regulators can target Li-ion BESS technology development with a greater targeted purpose, putting an emphasis on safety to reduce fire and explosion risk. A key pathway to address Li-ion BESS failures could also be with large-scale fire testing (LSFT).

Bipolar plates are a key component of PEM fuel cells, providing structural support and carrying out a major role in the power generating electrochemical reaction. This article discusses the materials consideration for plates, which can be made from metal or graphite/graphitic composite.

Supercapacitors are energy storage devices that offer distinct properties when compared to batteries. Supercapacitors have higher power density and lower energy density than batteries. They also have a significantly larger cycle lifetime, in the tens of thousands, which enables them to undergo frequent charge-discharge cycles without degradation. This allows them to perform in applications where batteries are not appropriate. IDTechEx covers supercapacitors in detail in its recent report: "Supercapacitors 2026-2036: Technologies, Applications and Forecasts".

The climate crisis demands diversity in decarbonization solutions. From CCUS (carbon capture, utilization, and storage) to renewable electricity from wind and solar power, many green technologies must grow in tandem. In this article, IDTechEx explores how electrochemical technologies could redefine carbon capture as an energy asset.