Energy Harvesting

Battery demand for stationary energy storage is set to grow in line with an increasing number of renewable energy resources being added to electricity grids globally, alongside pressure from governments and states to reach targets pertaining to renewable energy generation and energy storage.

Thin film photovoltaics (PV) have historically played second fiddle, dwarfed by the multi-billion US dollar silicon PV industry. This may be about to change. Emerging PV applications, such as indoor energy harvesting and building integrated PV, have specific requirements that will enable thin film silicon alternatives to flourish.

Recognized as one of the key technologies essential to achieving net-zero emissions targets, the momentum behind carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) deployment is building up.

Tuesday 29 November 2022 - This webinar includes case studies showing successful commercialization examples from 2022 across multiple market sectors; Discussion of anticipated announcements in 2023; Brief assessment of the status and potential of printed/flexible electronics; and Identification and assessment of technological gaps likely to be an R&D focus in 2023

Despite strong incumbent materials for certain components, the technology landscape for proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells is set to change in many varied ways over the coming years. An increased materials demand in terms of both volume and units, reducing the cost of components, and the emergence of disruptive technologies are all expected, while supply chain agreements are being established and strengthened across the industry. Alongside the growth in demand, emerging trends, and player analysis, IDTechEx detail how the associated materials market for PEM fuel cells is expected to exceed a value of US$7bn by 2033.

Photovoltaics is the fastest-growing energy source. Of the thin film PV technologies, cadmium telluride (CdTe) dominates. It is largely concentrated within the US, where it accounts for 40 % of US utility-scale PV power. In recent years, the commercial efficiency of CdTe panels has been playing a catch-up game with conventional silicon and is currently trailing by ~3 %. Efficiency, however, is not the only deciding factor.

Wednesday 26 October 2022 - Natural and Engineered Solutions to Reverse Climate Change. What are the options for Carbon Dioxide Removal and how effective are they? What is the current state of the CDR market? What are the key drivers and hurdles for CDR market growth? What does the future hold for the CDR market?

The Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) sector has experienced growing corporate interest and swift development, with record investments over the past year in technologies that draw carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere.

Powering IoT devices in a cheap, sustainable fashion is crucial to achieve the promised vision of a connected world. Small, low-cost thin film solar cells, optimized to work with diffuse indoor light, offer a solution to this dilemma.

In the shadows of a silicon-dominated field, other photovoltaic (PV) technologies have been edging closer to the spotlight.