Over the past decade renewable energy sources have grown from occupying a niche corner in the European energy market to becoming a cornerstone of the power sector. Between 2007 to 2017, the European Union increased its volume of renewable energy produced by 64 percent and last year alone, European investment into clean energy capacity totaled $54.6 billion.
Undoubtedly, 2020 has already been a significant year for the renewable energy market. In the first few months the power generated by renewable energy sources overtook fossil fuels for the first time ever in the UK.
With renewables now on an exponential growth path, we take a look at four of the most innovative companies that are working to revolutionize how we generate, store and distribute clean energy.
ITM Power
ITM Power is a clean energy company based in Yorkshire that has set up the world’s largest carbon free renewable hydrogen production facility. Whilst hydrogen is already an established renewable energy source ITM Power creates ‘green hydrogen’ by using electricity produced by solar or wind power in its hydrogen production facilities.
In a joint venture with Cadent, ITM Power is already driving the first live pilot project that injects zero-carbon hydrogen into a gas network, working to help heat British homes and businesses.
The future potential for ‘green hydrogen’ is vast and hydrogen blending could significantly help to meet climate change targets as there is no need to change any of the existing pipework, or domestic appliances. This means that customers can easily embrace the clean energy solution within their homes at no extra cost or disruption.
Ryse
Ryse is another UK based clean energy company spearheading the rise of ‘green hydrogen’. Tackling the same issue, Ryse uses excess power from wind farms to run a network of electrolysers to make ‘green hydrogen’ for vehicles in the UK.
The potential for hydrogen as a zero-carbon alternative to fossil fuels is growing rapidly and Ryse has focused on its application to power transport systems. For example, Ryse has recently been awarded a contract to supply hydrogen to 20 buses in London operated by TFL the world’s first hydrogen powered double decker buses. Ryse also intend to supply hydrogen for other modes of transport including taxis and trains.
VoltStorage
VoltStorage is a German based smart battery company that is facilitating a boom in solar energy storage for private households.
The potential for solar power is vast. However, whilst many solar panels generate energy during the day, if you don’t use it, you will lost it. To tackle this issue, VoltStorage have developed a cost-effective solar storage system based on the eco-friendly Redox Flow Technology, enabling you to store extra solar energy to use as and when you need it.
By putting control back in the hands of the customer, VoltStorage is enabling households to run efficiently on climate friendly solar power, independent of the weather and around the clock.
Kitemill AS
Earlier this year, the Norwegian airborne wind energy company, Kitemill AS, acquired the intellectual property assets of the Scottish based Kite Power Systems. Kitemill AS are now continuing development in Norway where they plan to set up the first kite energy demonstration farm by 2021.
Exploring a new method of ‘green energy’ generation, the principal idea is that two kites are attached to a turbine. When the wind blows, one kite rises in a figure of eight movement which pulls a tether that turns a winch at its base, generating power. When the kite reaches its maximum height, it falls and is replaced by the second kite, so energy can be produced constantly.
If you’d like to find out how we can support your energy, utilities or renewables company please get in touch with our team today.
