As nations and organizations worldwide work toward a net-zero future, certain technologies consistently emerge as promising solutions for decarbonizing the planet. These innovations are increasingly recognized for their potential in significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and driving the transition to a low-carbon economy. Let’s dive into them and see its potential as a sustainable solution for carbon-intensive industries:

1.    Hydropower

Hydropower is the oldest and is expected to become the largest source of renewable electricity into the 2030s. Hydropower is basically energy that is produced from fresh, moving water. The Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario projects that hydropower will sustain an average generation growth rate of nearly 4% between 2023 and 2030, reaching around 5,500 TWh of electricity annually. Those that are making remarkable progress to advance hydropower are large nations China, India, Europe and the US but there are also a few developments in emerging and developing economies particularly in Africa. The challenge lies in sustaining supply of water given the erratic rainfall and drought brought by climate change. Innovations have been implemented in hydropower operations such as turbine design and operational patterns, but stakeholders may need to take into consideration the adaptability of powerplants to the ever-changing climate change impacts.

2.    Lithium-ion Battery Recycling

As the world starts shifting to electric vehicles, batteries will be a critical resource to implement carbon-free transportation.  Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in smartphones, serve as the backbone for the majority of electric vehicles. Lithium’s ability to hold high voltage and exceptional charge makes for an efficient and dense form of energy storage (MIT Technology Review, 2023). These batteries are expected to continue playing a crucial role in EV production in the future due to their decreasing costs and enhancements in performance. However, the problem lies in the possibility that a lithium shortage may arrive as soon as 2025 as some analysts predict. Deutsche Bank Director of Lithium and Clean Tech Equity Research forecasts a “modest deficit” of around 40,000 to 60,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent and will balloon to 768,000 tonnes by the end of 2030 (CNBC, 2023). The top 3 producers of lithium-ion batteries are Australia, Chile, and China but there are other several countries that produce at a fairly small amount including Canada. The good news is that about 95% of a lithium-ion battery can be recycled into new batteries. There are companies that cater to recycling these lithium-ion batteries from electronic waste into new batteries for electric vehicles. Rather than letting your old phones collect dust in your closet, consider donating them to a nearby e-waste recycling program.

3.    Green Concrete

Concrete is projected to account for 12% of global greenhouse gas emissions by 2060. Cement, a key ingredient in concrete, is responsible for 8% of carbon emissions on its own, as noted in a previous post. There is currently an initiative to make concrete greener through carbon footprint reduction. The Global Cement and Concrete Association is leading the way towards carbon-neutral concrete by 2050. First of all, how does concrete release carbon? Carbon emissions from concrete are due to the combustion of fossil fuel (typically used to hit the kiln) and the chemical reaction that release carbon stored in limestone. Currently in Canada, cement producers are incorporating lower-carbon fuels, such as waste biomass, to reduce emissions. In addition, the industry is exploring alternatives to cement's composition, as well as supplementary materials, to make it less carbon-intensive. Examples of these alternatives include fly ash, a byproduct of coal combustion, and slag, a byproduct of steelmaking. Another way to reduce the carbon footprint of concrete is by capturing carbon at the point of production, a method currently being explored in Western Canada (CBC, 2021).  

4.    Regenerative Agriculture

Regenerative farming could save around 600 million tons of emissions if implemented on 40% of the world’s cropland. Regenerative agriculture involves restoring degraded soils through practices grounded in ecological principles. Its focus is on reversing soil degradation and enhancing its health, ultimately leaving it in a better condition than before. A few common practices to regenerative agriculture include cultivating crops using no-till minimizing disturbance to the soil, decreasing use of fertilizer and pesticides, and adaptive grazing (Noble Research Institute, n.d.). Aside from cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions, regenerative agriculture can enhance farmers' livelihoods, improve water quality, increase biodiversity, and adapt to the impacts of climate change. While companies like Cargill have begun supporting regenerative agriculture, as highlighted in a previous post, farmers will need greater access to financial instruments to fully adopt and scale these sustainable practices.

5.    Carbon Capture Use and Storage

We’ve frequently discussed carbon capture use and storage (CCUS) due to its promising potential to significantly reduce existing carbon emissions in the atmosphere. Types of CCUS are further explained in a previous post. CCUS facilities are able to capture more than 50 Mt CO₂ annually with its 45 commercial capture facilities operating worldwide. With their great potential to remove carbon, scaling CCUS centers would help accelerate the transition to net-zero. There are several projects underway but accelerating lead times from development to operation is critical considering climate targets and the worsening global temperature.

In conclusion, the five key technologies discussed are not just incremental improvements but transformative solutions that will drive a sustainable future. As we face the urgent need to mitigate climate change, these technologies offer a clear pathway to reducing emissions, conserving resources, and fostering a resilient global economy. However, their full potential can only be realized through collaborative efforts from governments, industries, and communities to accelerate adoption, invest in development and innovation, and create supportive policies. Together, these advancements will shape a greener, more sustainable world for future generations.

Is your business leveraging these key technologies? Let’s explore scalable solutions together—reach out to GreenEco Investments today.