The impact of emerging technologies on climate change

The consequences of climate change are increasingly evident with meteorological phenomena such as floods, heatwaves, and droughts. According to the report prepared by the World Meteorological Organization, between 2014 and 2019 the period with the highest temperatures in history was recorded, increasing worldwide by 1.1ºC in the period between 1850 and 2019, averaging a rise in sea level to 3.2 mm per year since 1993, and only between 2014 and 2019, it grew to 5 mm per year.

To combat the threats of climate change, it is recommended to change the way of producing, consuming, and distributing energy, which must be 100% renewable, efficient, and intelligent. The integration of artificial intelligence in the production of renewable energy, especially solar and wind energy, is driving these sources to compete, at the investment level, with conventional energies, thanks in part to their level of reliability, more affordable prices, and their contribution to the planet. These green energies contribute to the reduction of emissions and pollution caused by the production of energy that is made by burning fossil fuels or by other polluting techniques.

Climate change is already a reality and it is interesting to know and publicize that thanks to new technologies we can contribute to generating a positive turn, despite discouraging figures. There are various approaches that could be taken forward:

Better self-control of production and consumption using intelligent systems in solar energy

The most innovative technologies for the production of clean solar energy include photovoltaic solar and thermal solar. The first uses one of the most inexhaustible sources to produce energy, sunlight. The second, meanwhile, takes advantage of the sun's heat.

Due to digitization, it is possible to develop it at home through smart solar panels that can be easily implemented on the roofs of our homes. There are also solar panels that are installed on smartphones to power their batteries with solar energy or flashlights with patches that are charged with this type of energy and can provide operation for up to a year with just 6 hours of charge. This can surely revolutionize several industries such as agriculture and farming.

More efficient wind energy production with the use of artificial intelligence

With the use of AI systems, it is now possible to accurately and reliably measure offshore wind or monitor, diagnose and control wind turbines using artificial intelligence software, to facilitate and make energy production more efficient and economical. AI can automate these mechanisms and enhance the production line based on large activity recordings and datasets, leading us toward the betterment of society.

Small-scale hydraulic power

The production of this energy is carried out in hydroelectric plants that use the flow of water from large waterfalls or reservoirs. However, the limitations and high costs of building the necessary infrastructure for a hydroelectric power station could limit the possibilities, for example, in rural areas. For this reason, some small-scale prototypes have been created that allow turbines to be installed in rivers, shallow basins or any height difference in water currents to obtain energy without the need for large installations.

Blockchain also revolutionizes the energy sector

It has been proven that the use of emerging technologies has impacted almost every sector. The active digitization of energy includes the application of technologies such as Blockchain in the production and consumption of electricity. Among the possible uses of this innovative strategy are:

• Certification of the origin of energy,
• Traceability of energy trading between companies,
• Transparency in the elimination of intermediaries and simplification of processes between the different parties.

If companies from different industries start to participate in this cause, installing more sustainable and resourceful energy sources and mechanisms, we might be able to create a long-term impact, benefiting the upcoming generations.

The article has been written by Dr. Raul V. Rodriguez,

He can be reached on LinkedIn.