What are the renewable energy trends to watch in 2022

Reducing carbon dioxide emissions is at the core of the world’s accelerating shift from climate-damaging fossil fuels towards sustainable, renewable forms of energy. The need for a rapid transition to clean energy is enabling new developments and encouraging further investment in the renewable sector.

Although renewable energies have been used in communities for decades, recent rapid innovations have increased the spotlight on renewable technologies. Businesses and industries are moving towards renewable energy to reduce emissions, lower energy costs, and improve their carbon footprint. For this reason, 2022 is set to see a record acceleration in the use of renewable energy sources.

Here, we take a look at the renewable energy trends to watch in 2022.

Photovoltaic integration

The steady rise of solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation is a vital cog in the world’s transformation to a more sustainable energy model. Photovoltaic solar energy is a clean, renewable source of energy that uses solar radiation to produce electricity. Global solar photovoltaic installations will see over 20% growth in 2022 as a result of the growing need to address climate change.

Solar energy companies are now incorporating PV systems into more of our surroundings and large-scale businesses are transitioning to using solar panels for energy. In addition, innovative start-up companies are developing thin-film cells to make solar panels flexible, cost-effective, and lightweight which is set to increase its appeal globally. As investments continue to roll in for photovoltaic technology, we can expect to see an increase in its popularity throughout the next year.

Artificial intelligence helping to decarbonise grids

Artificial intelligence has been a key to the transformation of the renewable energy sector. By leveraging the power of AI, power companies have the ability to obtain better forecasts, manage their schedule and streamline their operations. However, a relatively new trend that is set to grow in 2022 is decarbonising grids using AI and machine learning.

Powering a decarbonised grid involves replacing fossil-fuelled plants with clean renewables. This is a monumental task that requires the help of in-depth data analysis. By analysing a large set of data built up over years, AI can generate forecasts for key factors including weather, renewable energy generation, customer demand and market prices. These forecasts will then allow AI to optimise each resource on the grid for every moment of the day, down to the sub-second level.

In 2022 and beyond, we will see more of the grid being controlled and operated by artificial intelligence and machine-to-machine learning. Larger data sets and more processing speed will provide the capabilities needed to create the sustainable grid of the future.

Bioenergy

Bioenergy is a form of renewable energy that is extracted from organic matter known as biomass. This can then be used to produce electricity, heat, vehicle fuel and more.

The bioenergy market is on the rise and is expected to register a CAGR of 5.82% during the period of 2020-2025. The growth in the bioenergy market can be attributed to the increasing shift towards renewables and other clean energy sources, such as solid biomass. Factors, such as increasing demand for energy and enhanced investment in bioenergy technology are expected to drive the market during the forecast period.

Bioenergy is expected to play a substantial part in our lives throughout 2022 as the fight against climate change continues.

Green Hydrogen

Green hydrogen is a fantastic source of renewable energy that can be used in liquid or gas form, and provides clean energy for a range of industries. It is 100% sustainable and doesn’t emit polluting gases during combustion or during production, making it an ideal replacement for fossil fuels.

Green hydrogen is an important factor in the fight to reduce global carbon dioxide emissions, with firms now being pressured into being more accountable for their sustainability issues. With renewable energy sources becoming increasingly affordable, green hydrogen is now a viable option for communities and businesses, which has contributed to its popularity in recent years.

Green hydrogen is predicted to play in the energy industry, with major investments already planned for 2022 and beyond.

Find your next renewable energy job with Quanta

As it is widely acknowledged, climate change is sparking devastating effects all over the world and firms are now beginning to take action to reduce the impact on the globe. As a result, we’re seeing a rise in green energy jobs and at Quanta, we’re experts in supplying skills to both traditional and renewable energy sectors around the world for almost twenty years.

The renewable energy market is flourishing, and the opportunities are endless. Find your new career and browse our available renewable energy jobs today.