The Unexpected Solutions.
Renewable energy solutions such as solar power, hydroelectric dams, wind turbines, geothermal plants, and nuclear power generation are all widely known to be effective ways to produce clean electricity. But what other solutions are emerging that will be part of our clean energy future?
Microgrids.
We saw the effects of an unproperly managed energy grid this February in Texas, where power was cut off to millions. This was caused in part due to the ‘energy-only' market (EOM) in Texas, which means that energy providers only get paid for the electricity they put into the grid. That means there is no backup electricity, so when huge storms ravage power plants, no backup energy is available to 4.8 million homes, causing at least 200 deaths.
The current “macro” grids, like the one in Texas, connect utilities, energy generators, storage, and 24-7 control centers have several major flaws. It hinders the transition from dirty energy from a few places to clean energy generated everywhere.
Replacing these huge, centralized grids with microgrids localizes the grouping of distributed energy sources such as wind, solar, in-stream hydro, and biomass. These grids are very adaptable and flexible, being able to operate as a stand-alone grid or connect into the ‘macro ’grid. With the widespread adoption of this, it would largely eliminate the loss of electricity through transmission in distribution that occurs with centralized power.
In low-income, developing countries, the implementation of microgrids would be especially useful, because they are more resilient and more responsive to local demand. That would significantly decrease the number of power blackouts and outages and mitigate severe economic losses. With 1.1 billion people not having access to the grid, microgrids would provide an inexpensive alternative to the high cost of extending the grid.
 Image by Sean Lee |  Image by Matthias Mullie |  Grand Canyon |
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 Beautiful Lake |  Image by Aleesha Wood |  Image by Thomas Fields |
 Image by Luca Bravo |  Image by Trent Erwin |  Snowy Mountain |
 Snowy Mountain Landscapejpg |  Mountain River |  Starry Sky |
 Beautiful Nature |
Micro-wind turbines
Have you ever thought huge wind farms disturb the scenery because it causes noise pollution or is unpleasant to look at? Many people think so. Luckily, there’s a solution coming to fruition that would solve that problem. Enter Micro-wind turbines. They’re just what they sound like, small versions of huge wind turbines!
Just like with micro girds, micro-wind generation is most useful in rural areas that don’t have access to the macro grid. In developing countries around the world, they can replace wasteful kerosene lamps with renewable energy for lighting and heat. It can also be used in developed countries, by plugging into the grid, making it more stable and flexible.
Although the capacity factor of small-scale wind turbines is lower than larger turbines, 25% compared to 35%, the technology is still being developed and the location of them is going to be crucial for max output. When these turbines are used for off-grid use, they have to be used with diesel generators when the wind doesn’t blow. But now there are combinations of micro-wind turbines and solar photovoltaic panels coming into the market that promise to fix that problem.
Currently, there are around 1 million micro-wind turbines whirling around the world, representing 0.2% of the global electricity generation market. There are many ways to increase that share. Public support schemes, such as feed-in tariffs, tax credits, and capital subsidies can solve part of the puzzle. Additionally, producers reaching economies of scale along with the continuation of technological development and improvement both help increase the use of these turbines.
Integrating these systems into tall structures such as skyscrapers provides a steady supply of wind. That’s why you can see vertical axis turbines on the Eiffel Tower, providing energy for the restaurants, shops, and exhibits inside it.
Methane Digesters.
Every living thing on this planet produces organic waste which releases potent methane. Without prudent management of that waste, much of the methane molecules can seep into the atmosphere and cause a warming effect 34x stronger than carbon dioxide.
Scientists are using an ancient tank technology to solve this pressing issue, these tanks aren't used in the military, they're used to store organic waste and control decomposition. It's called the anaerobic digester, they're vast, sealed tanks. In them are microorganisms that slowly break down organic waste.
The outcome is amazing, scraps and sludge are transformed into biogas, which float to the top of the tank, and also digestate, which falls to the bottom. The amazing part of this whole process is the cycle continues as long as there is a sustained supply of organic waste supplied to the microorganisms.
Areas that lack power from the grid can use biogas to electrify their homes in order to reduce the burning of wood, charcoal, and kerosene for electricity. Digestate, the other product of methane digesters, can be used in gardens to improve soil health and also replace fossil-fuel-based fertilizers.
The idea of a methane digester has been around for a very long time. During England’s industrial revolution, gas lamps powered by sewage lit the streets at night. In the ancient Assyrian Empire, people used biogas to heat their bathwater. And Venetian explorer Marco Polo discovered that the ancient Chinese used covered sewage tanks to produce cooking oil.
In the modern age, Germany leads in the usage of methane digesters, with nearly nine thousand of them in 2016. They use that to produce around four thousand megawatts of installed capacity. The solution is catching on around the world, as adoption in the US and China steadily grows. And with the demand for electricity expected to grow as our planet’s population expands, methane digesters are becoming increasingly compelling.