Renewable Energy Technologies
WindWind turbines are one of the most recognizable renewable energy technologies. They work by turning the kinetic energy of wind into electricity. Recent advances in wind turbine technology have greatly improved efficiency and faciliated the installation of wind farms in a new expanded range of environments. Current research focuses on topics such as low-wind speed turbines and site-specific optimization. (More Info) 
PhotovoltaicsPhotovoltaics are solar panels that produce electricity when exposed to light. Traditionally, these panels are made of large silicon wafers embedded with conducting elements to transfer the generated electricity. Novel technological advances have opened up new possibilities for solar panel production such as solar surface printing and integration of nano-scale materials. (More Info) 
Solar ThermalSolar thermal refers to technologies that harness the sun's thermal energy. These technologies often involve large parabolic shaped dishes which concentrate sunlight. A liquid, such as petroleum, is then super-heated with the thermal energy and used for a variety of things such as electricity generation and spatial heating. 
GeothermalGeothermal facilities use the earth's thermal energy to produce electricity. Steam used to turn the generators is obtained either directly from the ground or created by using geothermal energy to heat up liquids with much lower boiling points than water. Geothermal power accounts for less than 1% of the world's energy production-much of the geothermal's potential remains untapped. 
BiomassBiomass refers to burning biological mass to produce electricity in lieu of coal, a much dirtier burning fuel. The most commonly used biomass is plants such as hemp, corn, and sugarcane. However, animal mass and byproducts are used as well. Electricity production burning biomass is a less carbon intensive process than burning coal because the growth of biomass removes carbon through photosynthesis. 
Methane Capture to EnergyMethane capture to energy technology captures methane released from decomposing organic materials and uses it to power electrical generators. Landfills are commonly used to source methane due to their large, reliable annual outputs of this gas. Large landfills are capable of supporting facilities that produce in excess of 8 MW of electricity. These facilities use different technologies based on the amount of methane available for capture, with internal combustions engines used for low methane flow areas and traditional steam/boiler turbines used for the high volume potential areas.
"Technology is essential to make the transition to a low-carbon economy."
-Margaret Beckett  |
