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RNS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

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(NAAC ‘A+ Grade’ Accredited, NBA Accredited (UG - CSE, ECE, ISE, EIE and EEE)
Channasandra, Dr. Vishnuvardhan Road, Bengaluru - 560 098 Ph:
(080)28611880,28611881 URL: www.rnsit.ac.in
DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE & ENGINEERING

Subject Activity
Report 2023 -
2024

VIth Semester B.E

SUBJECT – RENEWABLE ENERGY POWER
PLANTS SUBJECT CODE – 21ME652
GREEN ENERGY INNOVATION

NAME : ABHIMANYU SINGH KUSHWAH

USN : 1RN21CS185

SECTION : CSE -6A

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

SL. NO PARTICULARS PAGE NO

1 Introduction 3
2 Renewable Energy Technologies 4-7
3 Recent Trend in Green Energy 8
Innovation
4 Conclusion 9
INTRODUCTION

Green energy innovation has emerged as a pivotal response to the growing

concerns of climate change, environmental degradation, and the depletion of
finite natural resources. As the world grapples with the adverse effects of
conventional energy sources, such as fossil fuels, green energy solutions offer a
sustainable alternative that promises to meet the energy needs of the present
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
This report delves into the various facets of green energy innovation, exploring
its significance, technological advancements, and the role it plays in shaping a
sustainable future.

The significance of green energy lies in its potential to address multiple global
challenges simultaneously.

Firstly, it offers a cleaner alternative to traditional energy sources, significantly

reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change. According to
the International Energy Agency (IEA), renewable energy sources like wind,
solar, and hydro accounted for nearly 28% of global electricity generation in
2021, a figure expected to rise in the coming decades. This transition is crucial
for achieving international climate goals, such as those outlined in the Paris
Agreement.

Secondly, green energy contributes to energy security by diversifying the energy

mix and reducing dependence on imported fuels. Countries can harness their
natural resources, such as sunlight, wind, and water, to generate electricity
locally, thus enhancing energy independence and resilience.

Renewable Energy Technologies

1.1 Solar Power

Solar power captures sunlight and converts it into electricity or heat using two
main technologies:
Photovoltaic (PV) Cells:
 Function: PV cells convert sunlight directly into electricity through the
photovoltaic effect.
 Innovations: Recent advancements include multi-junction cells, which
layer different materials to capture a broader spectrum of sunlight, and
perovskite solar cells, which are cost-effective and highly efficient.
 Cost Reduction: Manufacturing improvements and economies of scale
have significantly lowered the cost of solar panels. Thin-film technologies
and automated production contribute to this trend.
 Storage Solutions: Improved battery storage solutions, such as lithium-ion
and solid-state batteries, address the intermittent nature of solar energy by
storing excess energy for use during night or cloudy periods.
Solar Thermal Systems:
 Function: These systems use mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight and
convert it into heat, which can then be used to produce electricity
(Concentrated Solar Power - CSP) or for direct heating.
 Innovations: Enhanced CSP technologies include better heat transfer fluids
and advanced thermal storage systems, allowing for higher efficiency and
extended operation times.
1.2 Wind Energy

Wind energy generates electricity using wind turbines.

 Efficiency and Size: Technological advancements have led to more
efficient and larger wind turbines that capture wind at lower speeds and
have higher capacity factors.
 Offshore Wind Farms: Offshore wind farms, where turbines are installed
in bodies of water, take advantage of stronger and more consistent winds.
Floating turbine technology enables installation in deeper waters.
 Grid Integration: Innovations in grid integration include advanced power
electronics, better wind forecasting methods, and improved grid
management software to balance the variable nature of wind energy.
1.3 Hydroelectric Power

Hydroelectric power generates electricity by using the energy from flowing or

falling water.
 Small-Scale Hydro Systems: Small-scale hydro systems, including micro
and pico hydro setups, are gaining popularity for their minimal
environmental impact and ability to provide power to remote areas.
  Improved Turbine Designs: Modern turbines are more efficient and
fish- friendly, reducing their environmental impact. Innovations like the
Pelton wheel, Kaplan turbine, and cross-flow turbines are tailored for
different water flow conditions.
 Environmental Impact: Efforts to minimize the environmental impact
include better site selection, maintaining water quality, and protecting
ecosystems. Run-of-the-river projects, which divert part of the river flow
through a turbine, have less environmental impact compared to large
reservoirs.
1.4 Biomass Energy

Biomass energy is derived from organic materials like plant and animal waste.
 Biomass Conversion Processes: Biomass can be converted into energy
through direct combustion, anaerobic digestion, and gasification.
Innovations have improved efficiency and reduced emissions.
 Biofuels: Biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, are produced from
biomass and can replace conventional fossil fuels. Second-generation
biofuels use non-food crops and agricultural residues, addressing food
security and land use concerns.
 Sustainability: Sustainable biomass energy focuses on using waste
materials, sustainable farming practices, and achieving a neutral or negative
carbon footprint. Advances in algae-based biofuels offer a high-yield and
sustainable alternative.
1.5 Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy utilizes heat from the Earth’s interior to generate electricity
or provide direct heating.
 Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS): EGS technology involves
creating or enhancing geothermal reservoirs, allowing for the extraction of
heat from hot dry rocks at greater depths and in more locations than
traditional systems.
 Improved Drilling Techniques: Advances in drilling technology,
including directional drilling and improved drill bits, have reduced costs
and increased the efficiency of accessing geothermal resources.
 Direct Use Applications: Geothermal energy can be used directly for
heating buildings, greenhouses, and industrial processes. Innovations in
heat exchangers and distribution systems have made direct use more
efficient.
These renewable energy technologies represent significant strides toward a more
sustainable and environmentally friendly future. Continuous improvement and
innovation can help reduce dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate climate
change impacts.
RECENT TRENDS
1. Increased Efficiency in Solar Technology: Innovations in solar panel
materials, such as perovskite solar cells, are driving significant
improvements in efficiency and cost reductions. Bifacial solar panels,
which capture sunlight on both sides, are also becoming more common,
offering higher energy yields.
2. Advancements in Wind Energy: The development of larger and more
efficient wind turbines, including offshore wind farms, is expanding the
potential of wind energy. Floating wind turbines, which can be deployed in
deeper waters, are opening new opportunities for harnessing wind power.
3. Energy Storage Solutions: Breakthroughs in battery technology,
particularly in lithium-ion and emerging alternatives like solid-state
batteries, are enhancing the capacity and reliability of energy storage
systems. These advancements are crucial for managing the intermittent
nature of renewable energy sources.
4. Smart Grid Integration: The integration of smart grid technologies is
optimizing the distribution and consumption of renewable energy.
Advanced metering infrastructure, demand response systems, and grid
automation are improving the efficiency and stability of energy networks.
5. Hydrogen Energy: Green hydrogen, produced using renewable energy, is
gaining momentum as a versatile and clean energy carrier. It has potential
applications in various sectors, including transportation, industry, and
energy storage, contributing to decarbonization efforts.
6. Decentralized Energy Systems: There is a growing trend towards
decentralized and community-based energy systems. Microgrids and local
renewable energy installations are providing reliable and sustainable power
to remote and underserved areas, enhancing energy access and resilience.
7. Sustainable Bioenergy: Innovations in bioenergy are focusing on
sustainable feedstocks and advanced biofuels. Second-generation biofuels,
derived from non-food biomass, and biogas from organic waste are
reducing the environmental impact of bioenergy production.
8. Energy Policy and Investment: Governments and private sectors are
increasingly committing to ambitious renewable energy targets and
substantial investments. Policies such as carbon pricing, renewable energy
mandates, and subsidies are driving the accelerated deployment of green
technologies.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, green energy innovation is paramount for addressing climate
change, enhancing energy security, and fostering sustainable development.
Advancements in renewable technologies like solar, wind, hydro, and bioenergy
have made significant strides in efficiency and cost-effectiveness, supported by
robust government policies and international agreements. The economic benefits,
including job creation and new industries, along with the environmental
advantages of reduced greenhouse gas emissions and cleaner ecosystems,
underscore the critical importance of continued investment in this sector. As we
advance, the collaboration among governments, businesses, researchers, and
communities will be essential to accelerate the transition to a sustainable,
resilient, and inclusive green energy future.