The Momentum logo
All Sustainability, All The Time
Location icon
San Diego, CA 75.0 °F
Bell icon
Get Daily Inspiration
Support Journalism
Location icon
San Diego, CA 75.0 °F
Advertise
Membership
Search icon
Menu icon
Search icon
News
ALL Now
Right arrow icon
Business
Right arrow icon
Climate
Right arrow icon
Farming
Right arrow icon
Fashion
Right arrow icon
Food
Right arrow icon
Innovation
Right arrow icon
International
Right arrow icon
Lifestyle
Right arrow icon
Policy
Right arrow icon
Technology
Right arrow icon
Transportation
Right arrow icon
Wellness
Right arrow icon
Mar 5
Business
Celebrating Women's Day
Down right arrow
Circle
Read more
Oct 16
Innovation
The First Plastic-Free Technical Sportswear Is Officially Here
Down right arrow
Circle
Read more
Oct 11
Transportation
From Green Lights To Blue Skies, Google’s Making Moves In The Sustainability Space
Down right arrow
Circle
Read more
NowGuidesStoriesTrends
Experiences
This is some text inside of a div block.
Coast Film & Music Festival
Down right arrow
Circle
Read more
This is some text inside of a div block.
OHANA Festival
Down right arrow
Circle
Read more
StudioThink
Bookhouse

How Innovations In Fuel, Food, Water, And Power Are Leading Us To A Sustainable Future

HomeDown arrowArticlesDown arrowArticles: PeopleDown arrow
How Innovations In Fuel, Food, Water, And Power Are Leading Us To A Sustainable Future
By
Momentum Contributing Writer
Jonathan D. Bourdeau
The Momentum Contributing Writer

Click here for audio version

Sustainable technologies are slowly but surely on the rise. Unfortunately, efficiency, space, and energy consumption limitations have made it challenging for them to replace older, less sustainable systems. However, recent innovations in fuel development, sustainable agriculture, water purification, and power generation show great promise. This article explores some of the emerging technologies that will lead to a more sustainable future.

‍

More Efficient Biofuel Production Is On The Horizon

Plants release much of their carbon into the atmosphere as they die and decompose. One way to prevent some of this is to stop deforestation. However, our diet requires an enormous amount of plant matter. So scientists are developing new ways to utilize food production waste and other types of biomass, including grasses and animal byproducts. One of the most promising of these techniques is pyrolysis.

Pyrolysis converts biomass into a combustible liquid fuel by heating it to 500 degrees Celsius in a low-oxygen environment. The lack of oxygen prevents the biomass from combusting. Instead, it thermally decomposes into three primary compounds: liquid bio-oil, bio-char, and syngas, each of which can burn to create a self-sustaining reaction.

Bio-oils have an energy density between 50-70% of traditional oil, making them good fuel for boilers. Improvements in the complex refining process will increase bio-oils' quality to the point where they can power vehicles. In addition, their density makes them easier to transport than biomass, leading scientists to develop a portable pyrolysis system that farmers could use to convert biomass to bio-oil on their farms.

‍

Vertical Farms May Hold The Key To The Urban Food Supply

Vertical farming layers crops on top of each other instead of horizontally to conserve space. Facilities are climate-controlled buildings where operators have full control over light, temperature, water, and sometimes CO2 to provide optimal growing conditions. Newer technology, such as root misting, reduces water consumption.  

Since the world's population will grow to 9.8 billion by 2050 and most people will live in cities, vertical farming may be a way to provide food to them from a local source. This proximity will require shorter transportation distances, reducing emissions. Moreover, since vertical farms are controlled environments, they can produce healthier, more nutrient-dense foods than many traditional farms, further increasing their utility.  

The main limitation of adopting vertical farming practices is energy consumption. Controlling light, heat, humidity, etc., requires a lot of electricity. In an ideal configuration, vertical farms would draw their power from a sustainable source like wind, solar, or geothermal. Still, many facilities are attached to traditional fossil-fuel-powered energy grids.  

‍

Nanotechnology Can Help Purify Water

According to the CDC, 2 billion people do not have access to safe drinking water at home, most of them in rural areas of developing nations. Moreover, 80% of wastewater directly returns to the environment without purification or treatment. Scientists are currently working on sustainable purification systems to purify and desalinate water. These projects aim to increase safe drinking water reserves and reduce contamination of natural waterscapes.

The Nanotechnology Enabled Water Treatment Center (NEWT) at Rice University is leading the way in developing high-tech water purification systems. Their membrane distillation method draws fresh water out of salt water without using chemicals. The technology relies on maintaining a temperature difference between salt water on one side of a porous membrane and fresh water on the other.  

The process of maintaining a temperature difference is energy intensive. Therefore, NEWT has developed "nanophotonics enabled solar membrane distillation” (NESMD) technology, adding non-chemical compounds to the membrane that absorb heat from sunlight.

NEWT is also researching new ways to deactivate microbes and remove other contaminants from water using nanotechnology. For example, they have killed over 99% of the bacteria in a water supply using UV light delivered through optical fibers coated with silica nanoparticles. In addition, they have begun to develop the capacity to remove nitrates and sulfates (compounds dangerous to human health) using special electrodes. 

‍

Solar Power Generation Can Become Ubiquitous

All of our energy ultimately derives from the sun. Unfortunately, the sun's rays are diffused, requiring that photovoltaic cells cover a large area to generate sufficient electricity. As a result, engineers have developed floating solar panels in areas where land is scarce, affectionately called "floatovoltaics.” They cast less to install and produce 10% more electricity than land-based solar power. In addition, they help water management by reducing evaporation and algae growth, making floatovoltaics excellent for use in reservoirs.

Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) turn solar panels into part of a building's structure. While installers can retrofit buildings with them, it is more efficient to use BIPVs in a building's initial design as a façade, rooftop, or semi-transparent window-like surface. As PV cells become more efficient, some buildings may be able to power themselves independently of the nearby grid, perhaps even adding to it.

Other advancements in solar technology include photovoltaic noise barriers (PVNB) on the sides of highways. However, the most interesting new application is solar fabric. As part of a wardrobe, this technology can provide warmth and potentially charge a cell phone. More expansive uses include retractable solar awnings and curtains to provide shade and add power to the energy grid.    

‍

We Are On The Path To Sustainable Food, Fuel, Water, And Power

A sustainable future requires advancements in many areas of our lives. The primary concerns are how we fuel our vehicles, provide ample clean water and healthy food, and meet our power needs. Fortunately, scientists worldwide are innovating and refining new technologies to meet our current needs and provide for our future.  

‍

Key Takeaways

  • Fundraise for Sustainability – Share your company's enthusiasm for sustainability by hosting fundraising drives for sustainability initiatives. It's a great way to build awareness and help fund progress by sending money to innovators.
  • Recognize Employee Contributions – Call attention to employees helping the office embrace sustainability. This will elicit more engagement and foster a culture of eco-consciousness in your business.
  • Be an Early Adopter – Not every business can afford to use the latest, cutting-edge sustainable tech, but do what you can. Whether installing high-efficiency appliances and equipment or a photovoltaic façade, every little bit helps.

READ MORE:
Elemental Magic: Hiking Through The Cochamó Valley
Surf, Sustainability, And The Role Of Eco-Media
How Conflict Threatens Our Most Precious Resource
How To Be A Steward Of The Sea
Maine Outdoor Brands: A Collective For Sustainable Recreation
Sponsored content
HomeDown arrowArticlesDown arrowArticles: PeopleDown arrow
How Innovations In Fuel, Food, Water, And Power Are Leading Us To A Sustainable Future
By
Momentum Contributing Writer
Jonathan D. Bourdeau
The Momentum Contributing Writer

Click here for audio version

Sustainable technologies are slowly but surely on the rise. Unfortunately, efficiency, space, and energy consumption limitations have made it challenging for them to replace older, less sustainable systems. However, recent innovations in fuel development, sustainable agriculture, water purification, and power generation show great promise. This article explores some of the emerging technologies that will lead to a more sustainable future.

‍

More Efficient Biofuel Production Is On The Horizon

Plants release much of their carbon into the atmosphere as they die and decompose. One way to prevent some of this is to stop deforestation. However, our diet requires an enormous amount of plant matter. So scientists are developing new ways to utilize food production waste and other types of biomass, including grasses and animal byproducts. One of the most promising of these techniques is pyrolysis.

Pyrolysis converts biomass into a combustible liquid fuel by heating it to 500 degrees Celsius in a low-oxygen environment. The lack of oxygen prevents the biomass from combusting. Instead, it thermally decomposes into three primary compounds: liquid bio-oil, bio-char, and syngas, each of which can burn to create a self-sustaining reaction.

Bio-oils have an energy density between 50-70% of traditional oil, making them good fuel for boilers. Improvements in the complex refining process will increase bio-oils' quality to the point where they can power vehicles. In addition, their density makes them easier to transport than biomass, leading scientists to develop a portable pyrolysis system that farmers could use to convert biomass to bio-oil on their farms.

‍

Vertical Farms May Hold The Key To The Urban Food Supply

Vertical farming layers crops on top of each other instead of horizontally to conserve space. Facilities are climate-controlled buildings where operators have full control over light, temperature, water, and sometimes CO2 to provide optimal growing conditions. Newer technology, such as root misting, reduces water consumption.  

Since the world's population will grow to 9.8 billion by 2050 and most people will live in cities, vertical farming may be a way to provide food to them from a local source. This proximity will require shorter transportation distances, reducing emissions. Moreover, since vertical farms are controlled environments, they can produce healthier, more nutrient-dense foods than many traditional farms, further increasing their utility.  

The main limitation of adopting vertical farming practices is energy consumption. Controlling light, heat, humidity, etc., requires a lot of electricity. In an ideal configuration, vertical farms would draw their power from a sustainable source like wind, solar, or geothermal. Still, many facilities are attached to traditional fossil-fuel-powered energy grids.  

‍

Nanotechnology Can Help Purify Water

According to the CDC, 2 billion people do not have access to safe drinking water at home, most of them in rural areas of developing nations. Moreover, 80% of wastewater directly returns to the environment without purification or treatment. Scientists are currently working on sustainable purification systems to purify and desalinate water. These projects aim to increase safe drinking water reserves and reduce contamination of natural waterscapes.

The Nanotechnology Enabled Water Treatment Center (NEWT) at Rice University is leading the way in developing high-tech water purification systems. Their membrane distillation method draws fresh water out of salt water without using chemicals. The technology relies on maintaining a temperature difference between salt water on one side of a porous membrane and fresh water on the other.  

The process of maintaining a temperature difference is energy intensive. Therefore, NEWT has developed "nanophotonics enabled solar membrane distillation” (NESMD) technology, adding non-chemical compounds to the membrane that absorb heat from sunlight.

NEWT is also researching new ways to deactivate microbes and remove other contaminants from water using nanotechnology. For example, they have killed over 99% of the bacteria in a water supply using UV light delivered through optical fibers coated with silica nanoparticles. In addition, they have begun to develop the capacity to remove nitrates and sulfates (compounds dangerous to human health) using special electrodes. 

‍

Solar Power Generation Can Become Ubiquitous

All of our energy ultimately derives from the sun. Unfortunately, the sun's rays are diffused, requiring that photovoltaic cells cover a large area to generate sufficient electricity. As a result, engineers have developed floating solar panels in areas where land is scarce, affectionately called "floatovoltaics.” They cast less to install and produce 10% more electricity than land-based solar power. In addition, they help water management by reducing evaporation and algae growth, making floatovoltaics excellent for use in reservoirs.

Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) turn solar panels into part of a building's structure. While installers can retrofit buildings with them, it is more efficient to use BIPVs in a building's initial design as a façade, rooftop, or semi-transparent window-like surface. As PV cells become more efficient, some buildings may be able to power themselves independently of the nearby grid, perhaps even adding to it.

Other advancements in solar technology include photovoltaic noise barriers (PVNB) on the sides of highways. However, the most interesting new application is solar fabric. As part of a wardrobe, this technology can provide warmth and potentially charge a cell phone. More expansive uses include retractable solar awnings and curtains to provide shade and add power to the energy grid.    

‍

We Are On The Path To Sustainable Food, Fuel, Water, And Power

A sustainable future requires advancements in many areas of our lives. The primary concerns are how we fuel our vehicles, provide ample clean water and healthy food, and meet our power needs. Fortunately, scientists worldwide are innovating and refining new technologies to meet our current needs and provide for our future.  

‍

Key Takeaways

  • Fundraise for Sustainability – Share your company's enthusiasm for sustainability by hosting fundraising drives for sustainability initiatives. It's a great way to build awareness and help fund progress by sending money to innovators.
  • Recognize Employee Contributions – Call attention to employees helping the office embrace sustainability. This will elicit more engagement and foster a culture of eco-consciousness in your business.
  • Be an Early Adopter – Not every business can afford to use the latest, cutting-edge sustainable tech, but do what you can. Whether installing high-efficiency appliances and equipment or a photovoltaic façade, every little bit helps.

Listen to the audio version of this content

momentum

More Articles...

Plus icon
Circle
Explore All
3
Product - Articles
Surf, Sustainability, And The Role Of Eco-Media
At the intersection of sustainable surf, ocean conservation, and coastal stewardship is eco-media that inspires surfers and land-dwellers alike.
Valentina Scaife
Down right arrow
Circle
Read more
4
Product - Articles
Economic Degrowth May Save the Planet
An alternative economic model that focuses on policies that prioritize people and planet over profit can save us from climate disaster.
Lorena Bally
Down right arrow
Circle
Read more
3
Product - Articles
From Eco-Anxiety To Eco-Resilience: How To Cope With Climate Change
Navigate eco-anxiety and burnout with compassion and resilience in the face of environmental challenges with these tips!
Reese Williams
Down right arrow
Circle
Read more
3
Product - Articles
Exploring Ecotherapy: Healing Through Nature's Embrace
Discover the benefits of incorporating nature into your wellness practice with ecotherapy.
Reese Williams
Down right arrow
Circle
Read more
Next
The Momentum Community Newsletter
Sign up to stay updated on new content and happenings in our community weekly
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Momentum Overview
Sustainable Advertising
Sponsored Content
Sustainability Reports
© 2025 Momentum LLC
Stories of Sustainability
X
Subscribe now

Get the best content and best stories
in your inbox every day!

Thanks, We’ll keep you in the loop.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form
We hate Spam and
We'll never share your information