
Trend 06
Energy conversion
Energy conversion
A boom in alternatives to fossil fuels.
Trend axes
- Net zero
- Clean energy
- Climate change
- Post fossil future
Some figures
40%
Share of international shipping that consists of transporting fossil fuels around the world.
80%
Share of the world's energy produced by non-renewable fossil fuels, including natural gas, oil and coal.
1.5
Degrees above pre-industrial levels to which the 2015 Paris Agreement set out to limit global warming.
48.4%
Share of electricity produced by renewables (water, wind, sun and biomass) in Spain in 2021. The highest figure on record.
A dangerous dependence
One of the worst energy winters in memory is approaching. The constant rise in gas prices, up by as much as 700% in just one year, squeezes pockets, switches off boilers and puts governments' supply plans in serious trouble.
The energy crisis widens the energy poverty gap, and many people have already decided to leave their cars parked and not turn on the heating to stop their bills from multiplying.
In response, governments are reorganising their budgets and launching regulated tariffs and vouchers to help people cope with the coldest months.
A context that, although worsened by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, is not new to Europe.
Coal mining and power generation are no longer profitable because of market price pressure, and continued energy dependence is leading to new energy models.
Scientists and researchers agree that it is key to find new supply routes centred on renewables, both to stop depending on countries such as Russia and to resume the commitment to meeting climate change targets, now pushed into the background.
Lowering prices, guaranteeing supply and contributing to the development and roll-out of renewables. Three goals that will force a change in energy consumption habits among governments and consumers.
Cases
01 / 03Zorraquino spotlights
- 01
Any place or element can be used as a laboratory to test new battery charging systems and electricity generators.
- 02
Solar panels are starting to blend into the environment and consumer routines, seeking functionality beyond aesthetics.
- 03
Rising prices sharpen people's ingenuity as they explore new ways to stay warm.
Zorraquino playlist
- Moscú Está HeladoEsplendor Geométrico · 2012
- Cambio ClimáticoLos Summers · 2013
- Que Calor ! - EditThe Limiñanas / Laurent Garnier · 2021
More on the trend
References
- Fabrication of near-invisible solar cell with monolayer WS2
- Shine Turbine
- Sea Wave Energy Ltd
- RWE and SolarDuck accelerate technology development and commercialisation of offshore floating solar at scale
- QUAISE
- Transparent solar technology represents 'wave of the future'
- Khurram Afridi, Cornell University – Wireless Charging of Electric Vehicles
- The world’s first mobile class of renewable energy
- On the History and Future of 100% Renewable Energy Systems Research
- España, segunda potencia europea en electricidad eólica y solar
- Explicación de qué son los combustibles fósiles
- Coors Light
- Esta biobatería bacteriana produce electricidad durante semanas
- Climate change: 'Sand battery' could solve green energy's big problem
- Heineken billboard uses solar energy to cool down your beer
- Heineken instala una valla con paneles solares para enfriar sus cervezas
- Vecinos que han aprobado en junta no encender este invierno la calefacción: ¿cambiarán de opinión tras las medidas del Gobierno?
- El Gobierno anuncia ayudas de 3.000 millones para rebajar el impacto de la crisis energética en el 40% de los hogares
- Ahorro energético y seguridad
- Buenas razones para ahorrar
- Algae-powered computing: scientists create reliable and renewable biological photovoltaic cell
Pages 123–139 of the report

