The race to solve the energy crisis is one of the most pressing issues of our time, reflected by the great deal of work and money that goes into researching new alternatives. The 21st century has already seen substantial progress in revolutionizing the way we look at energy, but the three critical areas to watch remain the same — renewable energy, digital technologies, and gas power.
Renewable Energy
Renewable energy has become more and more common around the world, but it’s mostly been utilized in the form of solar power. This is particularly true in the Middle East, where concentrated deposits of fossil fuels have created fairly little need for renewable energy. This is expected to change; Saudi Arabia, in particular, is pursuing options involving wind farms placed on off-shore rigs.
There are a variety of reasons that off-shore wind is considered a viable energy source for the foreseeable future – these range from higher average wind speeds on the open ocean to the jobs created to maintain the rigs.
Digital Technologies
This is the most fluid and ever-changing pillar of global energy. New developments in artificial intelligence and computer technology emerge daily, allowing for continuous evolution to the benefit of governments across the world. AI is even expected to reach levels where it can maintain full control over the operations of a power plant.
One key use for these technologies comes from the versatility and safety of drones – these drones can be placed on standby to monitor a location’s upkeep and report back in case of emergency.
Gas Power
In contrast to the other two pillars supporting the future of global energy, gas power is nothing new. The crucial thing that makes gas power important is that the United States’ massive reserves and advanced technology give them the potential to become net exporters of liquefied natural gas – that means that the United States could achieve energy independence through gas power by 2022.
This would mark the first time the United States has been fully energy independent since 1953.
A critical understanding of these developing technologies is crucial to the effort to create a world free from energy crises. If we all work together, that world is only a few decades away.