How we produce and use energy today is far different from even a few decades ago. We’re no longer entirely reliant on big-player energy companies, nor are we bound by just one or two energy types. An entirely new world of energy production and use has opened, and the following trends are beginning to dominate in 2024:
Shopping Around for Energy Providers
Energy consumers are no longer happy to accept that the electricity price they’re being charged is the best they can expect. They’re now willing to shop around to look for the best provider. The internet age has certainly made that possible.
You can type an energy provider and your location into a search engine and review each option. For example, typing ‘Ambit Energy Texas’ into a search engine would reveal various rates and plans through Ambit Energy in Texas. Shopping around for a new energy provider may see the average energy consumer enjoying significant monetary savings.
Preferring Renewable Energy
Renewable energy is now more prevalent in the United States than electricity from nuclear power. While 79% of our energy still comes from fossil fuels, we’re obtaining 13.1% from renewable sources and 8% from nuclear energy.
Many consumers are now seeking out energy providers with a commitment to the environment. When companies use sustainable energy practices, they can reduce their carbon footprint to help produce a greener future. Fortunately, we have many renewable energy options at our disposal, such as:
- Solar
- Wind
- Hydropower
- Geothermal
- Biomass
Energy as a Service (EaaS)
Energy as a service (EaaS) is all about giving industries, businesses, and consumers more energy solutions, flexibility, and convenience. Essentially, it involves a modern approach to energy management. Through EaaS, we can outsource energy management, enjoy pay-as-you-go energy use models, and energy solutions like supply, storage, and renewable energy.
Learning About Blockchain
While blockchain technology is not the easiest to understand, that doesn’t mean it hasn’t proved valuable across many industries. The energy sector is one area that is enjoying great value from it.
Blockchain technology has helped make it easier to consume, manage, and trade energy in a secure and transparent way. We can enjoy P2P energy trading for people and businesses to buy and sell excess energy. We’re also enjoying better grid optimization and management with real-time data on how energy is produced, used, and distributed.
Trying Geoengineering
Geoengineering describes solar radiation management and carbon dioxide removal to counteract the effects of global warming. With a goal to see the world not heating up by more than 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2100, we may start to rely on geoengineering as we move toward that period.
This would involve researching and using geoengineering techniques to absorb more carbon and reflect sunlight into space to keep the Earth cool. For example, we can explore ocean fertilization to combat ocean acidification.
Ocean acidification is where CO2 dissolves into the ocean, making carbonic acid and killing hard-shelled ocean animals. With ocean fertilization, we can support phytoplankton growth to convert CO2 into oxygen with photosynthesis.
The modern age has been a treasure trove of advancements, especially regarding the energy sector. These energy trends are just a few of the many we may expect to be more of in 2024 and beyond.
