The energy sector in 2024 has witnessed significant breakthroughs that pave the way for sustainable development, environmental safety, and economic efficiency. Innovations in renewable energy, solar technologies, wind power, and nuclear reactors are rapidly shaping a new energy landscape. Here is an overview of key achievements and projects defining the future contours of the energy industry.

Franc Smidt, Technical Journalist
November 26, 2024, Germany

The Power of Oceans: Wave Energy as an Untapped Giant

Oceans have long been considered an inexhaustible source of energy, but only in recent years have technologies allowed for the efficient conversion of wave energy into electricity. In 2024, wave energy has firmly established itself as one of the most stable and environmentally friendly energy sources, with several landmark projects leading the way.

The Israeli company Eco Wave Power has become a pioneer in wave energy. Their installations, operating in Israel, Portugal, and the United States, have already proven their efficiency. Each platform occupies minimal space, with floating modules that convert wave energy into electricity, generating up to 100 kW on just 20 square meters. This is dozens of times more efficient than solar panels of similar size.

The Australian UniWave 200 platform and Ireland’s OE35 station also demonstrate the potential of wave energy. These installations operate in extreme conditions, generating stable electricity for coastal communities and industrial facilities.

Wave energy is becoming critically important not only for energy security but also for combating climate change. Its predictability and minimal impact on ecosystems make this energy source particularly attractive for countries with long coastlines.

Wind Energy: The Path to Global Dominance

Wind energy continues to solidify its position by providing clean energy to millions of households and businesses. In 2024, wind energy’s share in the global energy balance reached a record 20%, with countries like Germany and Denmark setting even more ambitious goals.

Particularly noteworthy are the innovations that make wind turbines more versatile. For example, the American company Altaeros introduced the Buoyant Airborne Turbine (BAT), which operates at altitudes of up to 600 meters where winds are stronger and more stable. This turbine generates eight times more energy than its ground-based counterparts and is ideally suited for remote regions.

The Dutch company The Archimedes developed the Liam F1 Mini Urban, a spiral turbine specifically designed for urban use. It operates almost silently, and its compact design makes it suitable for residential areas.

These innovations open new horizons for wind energy, offering solutions that minimize carbon footprints and make this energy source more accessible.

Solar Energy: Accessibility, Innovation, and Efficiency

Solar energy continues to lead among renewable energy sources, demonstrating rapid growth and innovation. In 2024, global investments in solar projects exceeded $300 billion, underscoring not only investor confidence but also the tremendous potential of this sector. The reduction in technology costs and improvements in efficiency are further strengthening the role of solar energy in the global energy balance.

One of the most promising achievements of the year was the Soleolico hybrid system, which combines solar panels with wind turbine blades. This technology integrates two powerful energy sources, making it particularly relevant in regions with variable climates. The installation can generate electricity even at night or during low solar activity, thanks to its wind component. Such an approach makes hybrid systems an ideal solution for remote communities and industrial sites where energy supply stability is critical.

Transparent solar panels, branded as SolReina, marked another technological milestone in 2024. These panels can be integrated into building windows, enabling effective use of solar energy in urban environments. They generate electricity while preserving natural light inside buildings. These panels are already being utilized in the construction of “smart homes” and office buildings, where energy efficiency and environmental sustainability are priorities.

A 15% decrease in the cost of solar panels in 2024 has been a significant factor in making solar energy more accessible, even for developing countries. This is especially crucial for rural regions where access to traditional energy sources remains limited. Small solar installations can fully meet the needs of households and small businesses, providing them with a reliable and clean energy source.

Additionally, the popularity of bifacial solar panels has been growing. These panels can generate energy from both sides by capturing reflected light, increasing the overall efficiency of the installation by 10-20% without a significant cost increase. Such solutions are widely used in solar farms worldwide, including major projects in China, India, and the United States.

Among large-scale infrastructure projects, the construction of the Al Dhafra solar farm in the UAE stands out. This facility will become the largest solar installation in the world, capable of producing over 2 gigawatts of energy—equivalent to the needs of one million households. In China, which remains the global leader in solar panel manufacturing, the “solar highway” project was launched. Roads covered with solar panels generate energy while simultaneously charging electric vehicles.

Another critical area of focus has been the development of solar energy storage technologies. In 2024, next-generation battery systems capable of storing energy for 24 hours were actively implemented. This significantly enhances the efficiency of solar energy use, especially in regions with unstable weather conditions.

Thus, solar energy not only continues to demonstrate impressive growth but also actively integrates innovations that make it more accessible and efficient. From hybrid systems to architectural integration and the creation of large-scale solar farms, this energy source is becoming a cornerstone of the global transition to renewable resources. The future of the sector looks incredibly optimistic, as evidenced by declining costs and the growing interest from investors and governments alike.

Energy Storage: The Key to Stable Energy Supply

The advancement of renewable energy is impossible without energy storage technologies, which ensure stability and reliability in power supply. Energy storage systems mitigate the intermittency of solar and wind power generation, storing surplus energy for use during peak demand. In 2024, energy storage technologies reached a new level, significantly expanding their applications in both industrial and residential sectors.

One of the year’s major achievements was the development of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, which offer improved safety, durability, and efficiency. These batteries have become the preferred choice for home solar systems and large-scale infrastructure projects. For example, they are utilized in Tesla’s Powerwall and Megapack projects, which expanded their capacity in 2024 to provide stable power supply in high-demand regions.

Additionally, solid-state battery technology is advancing rapidly, offering higher energy density and longer lifespan compared to traditional lithium-ion counterparts. These devices significantly reduce the risk of overheating, making them ideal for large industrial installations. Companies like QuantumScape and Solid Power have already unveiled prototypes that promise to revolutionize energy storage.

In the field of large-scale electricity storage, gravity-based energy storage systems play a pivotal role. These systems use surplus energy to lift heavy loads or water to a height, later converting potential energy into electricity as the load descends. Projects like Energy Vault have been successfully implemented in European and Asian countries, where population density demands compact and efficient solutions.

For regions with limited water resources, thermal batteries have been developed to use surplus energy to heat salts or other heat-retaining materials. This technology enables energy storage for several days and its subsequent use for electricity generation or heating during nighttime or cloudy periods.

Another breakthrough has been hydrogen storage systems, which convert surplus energy into hydrogen through electrolysis. The resulting hydrogen can be stored for long periods and used as fuel for electricity generation or transportation. These systems are actively being developed in Germany and Japan, where hydrogen is becoming a key component of national energy strategies.

Among other innovations, kinetic energy storage systems based on flywheels stand out. These devices provide instant energy output and are ideal for stabilizing power grids. For instance, the Beacon Power system has already been successfully deployed to regulate frequency in U.S. energy networks.

Investments in energy storage surpassed $100 billion in 2024, emphasizing their importance in achieving sustainable development goals. These technologies enable the efficient use of renewable energy potential, minimizing losses and ensuring reliable energy supply even in the most remote regions.

In the future, energy storage systems will become an integral part of the global energy infrastructure, ensuring resilience and independence from external factors. Their development unlocks new opportunities for optimizing the use of renewable sources, making the future of energy even more promising and innovative.

Compact Nuclear Energy Solutions

Nuclear energy, despite prevailing stereotypes and mixed opinions, continues to demonstrate steady progress. Recent advancements in micro and mobile reactors are creating safe, environmentally friendly, and compact energy solutions, particularly for remote regions and extreme conditions. These technologies promise to revolutionize the approach to powering industrial sites, isolated communities, and infrastructure projects.

One of the most striking examples in 2024 is the Oklo Aurora microreactor. This innovative reactor can operate autonomously for up to 20 years without refueling. Its compact design, resembling a small house, provides not only high energy efficiency but also minimal environmental impact. The Oklo Aurora is ideal for remote areas such as polar settlements or industrial facilities where traditional energy sources are economically unviable.

Another significant development is the eVinci reactor by Westinghouse. This reactor utilizes a unique heat pipe system, enabling it to operate without water for cooling. This makes the eVinci reactor perfect for regions with limited water resources or arid territories. The reactor’s modularity allows for rapid assembly and deployment on-site, which is especially relevant for temporary or emergency installations.

The NuScale SMR (Small Modular Reactor) has also emerged as a breakthrough project, having received regulatory approval in the United States. Built on modular architecture, multiple units can be combined to increase power capacity. The NuScale SMR boasts a high level of safety, with a design that eliminates the risk of overheating even in the absence of active cooling systems. These reactors are being considered for municipal networks, where they can deliver energy efficiency without excessive costs.

Mobile nuclear solutions have also found applications in military and emergency situations. The Pele Project, developed by the U.S. Department of Defense, is the first mobile reactor designed for rapid deployment in the field. Its goal is to provide energy to remote military bases or disaster-stricken areas where traditional infrastructure is absent or destroyed.

In Europe, particular attention has been drawn to the Flexblue project, a submerged nuclear reactor. Initiated by the French energy company DCNS, this project was specifically designed for coastal regions and islands. Flexblue can be deployed on the ocean floor, providing stable power supply with minimal impact on the landscape. Such reactors have the potential to address critical challenges, including water desalination and infrastructure development, which are otherwise impossible without electricity.

All these projects underscore the importance of nuclear energy as part of the global energy mix. The new generation of reactors, which are becoming increasingly compact, safe, and accessible, offer solutions to many contemporary challenges—from combating climate change to ensuring energy supply for islands and remote communities. In the coming years, their role in the world’s energy transformation is set to grow.

Energy of the Future: Challenges and Opportunities

Wave power stations, wind turbines, solar panels, and micro nuclear reactors — all these technologies showcase how humanity can not only adapt to changing conditions but also create opportunities to enhance the quality of life.

The year 2024 has become a milestone for the energy sector, marking not just new technologies but a fundamental shift in how we power our world. From wave stations that transform the power of oceans into an inexhaustible source of electricity to compact nuclear reactors providing reliability and autonomy in the most remote corners of the planet, these achievements prove that the energy of the future is not just possible—it is already here.

However, the significance of these innovations goes far beyond technology. They are reshaping our paradigm of dependency on hydrocarbons, directing us toward a path where economic growth is no longer tied to environmental degradation. These projects do not just reduce the carbon footprint — they open doors for sustainable development, reduce inequality in access to resources, and offer a chance to solve global energy challenges.

Perhaps the most important lesson of 2024 is that the energy of the future is not only about technology but also about conscious choices. The choice to invest in innovations that benefit not just specific regions but the entire world. The choice to build energy systems that prioritize ecosystem preservation and improve the quality of life.

This trend demonstrates that humanity possesses not only the technological potential but also the capacity for long-term thinking. And it is this mindset that will determine what the energy landscape of the future will look like: harmonious, inclusive, and truly sustainable.

Nevertheless, many challenges lie ahead. Investment in research and development, legislative adaptation, and active participation from the private sector are essential. The success of the energy future depends on how quickly the world can unite efforts to address environmental and economic issues.