Electricity demand continues to grow, and the energy industry is exploring new ways to generate, store and deliver energy more efficiently.
Researchers are developing technologies that could expand renewable energy options and improve how the electric grid operates, including advances in battery storage, geothermal, solar and wind energy. Here’s a look at some of the innovations helping shape our energy future.
Battery storage
Large-scale batteries can store electricity and discharge it when needed, helping balance supply and demand on the electric grid.
Lithium-ion batteries are currently the most widely used option, but researchers are exploring new battery chemistries that could improve performance, reduce costs and rely on more abundant materials.
One example is sodium-ion batteries. Because sodium is widely available, these batteries could offer an alternative to lithium-ion technology for certain applications, including large-scale energy storage. While they currently store less energy than comparable lithium-ion batteries, researchers are working to improve their performance.
Another area of research is solid-state batteries, which use solid materials instead of liquid electrolytes to move energy within the battery. Researchers are investigating whether this design could improve safety and increase the amount of energy that can be stored in a given space.
Geothermal
Geothermal energy uses heat from beneath the earth’s surface to generate electricity. Traditionally, geothermal power plants have been limited to areas with naturally occurring underground reservoirs of hot water or steam.
Researchers are now developing enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), which could make geothermal energy possible in more locations. Demonstration projects across the U.S. are testing these technologies in different geological environments and helping researchers better understand their potential.
Unlike solar and wind resources, geothermal energy can operate around the clock because it relies on heat stored beneath the earth’s surface. If EGS technology proves successful, it could provide another source of consistent renewable electricity.
Solar
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems convert sunlight into electricity, but researchers continue to look for ways to make solar panels more efficient.
One area of research focuses on perovskites, materials that may improve how efficiently solar cells convert sunlight into electricity. Tandem solar cells combine perov-skites with traditional silicon cells to capture more of the sun’s energy.
Researchers are also exploring new panel designs, including vertically mounted systems that could produce electricity at different times of day while potentially reducing the amount of land needed for solar development.
Wind
Wind turbines generate electricity by using moving air to turn blades connected to a generator. Turbines have grown larger and more efficient over time, allowing them to produce more electricity from available wind resources.
Innovation is also expanding where wind energy can be deployed. Floating offshore wind turbines can operate in deeper waters where traditional fixed-bottom structures may not be practical. Airborne wind energy systems use tethered devices to access stronger winds at higher elevations.
Many of these technologies are still being researched and tested, but they demonstrate the range of innovation shaping our energy future. As Illinois’ electric cooperatives work to provide safe, reliable and affordable electricity, we’ll continue monitoring emerging technologies and considering how they may support the long-term energy needs of the communities we serve. 
Photo courtesy of NRECA
