This timeline of sustainable energy research from 2020 to the present documents research and development in renewable energy, solar energy, and nuclear energy, particularly regarding energy production that is sustainable within the Earth system.
Events currently not included in the timelines include:
- goal-codifying policy about, commercialization of, adoptions of, deployment-statistics of, announced developments of, announced funding for and dissemination of sustainable energy -technologies and -infrastructure/systems
- research about related phase-outs in general â such as about the fossil fuel phase out
- research about relevant alternative technologies â such as in transport, HVAC, refrigeration, passive cooling, heat pumps and district heating
- research about related public awareness, media, policy-making and education
- research about related geopolitics, policies, and integrated strategies
Grids
Smart grids
2022
- A study provides results of simulations and analysis of "transactive energy mechanisms to engage the large-scale deployment of flexible distributed energy resources (DERs), such as air conditioners, water heaters, batteries, and electric vehicles, in the operation of the electric power system".
Super grids
2022
Microgrids and off-the-grid
- Researchers describe a way for "inherently robust, scalable method of integration using multiple energy storage systems and distributed energy resources, which does not require any means of dedicated communication improvised controls", which could make microgrids easy and low cost "where they are needed most" such as during a power outage or after a disaster.
Solar power
Research on solar energy since 2020 has focused on improving the efficiency, durability, and recyclability of photovoltaic technologies. Alongside steady industrial cost declines, laboratories and firms have reported world-record efficiencies in perovskite and tandem solar cells, new approaches to recycling end-of-life modules, and integration of PV in agrivoltaics and building materials.
A 2023 review by the International Energy Agency described continued declines in solar PV costs and noted that research into perovskiteâÂÂsilicon tandem cells and recycling of photovoltaic modules represents "the most active innovation area" in renewable energy. Recent media analyses highlight how next-generation materials such as perovskites and quantum-dot photovoltaics are transitioning from laboratory prototypes to commercial lines.
This section summarizes major research advances in photovoltaic and solar-power technology from 2020 onward; for policy or deployment statistics, see Solar power and Timeline of solar cells.
High-altitude and space-based solar power
Ongoing research and development projects include SSPS-OMEGA, SPS-ALPHA, and the Solaris program.
2020
2023
Floating solar
2020
- A study concludes that deploying floating solar panels on existing hydro reservoirs could generate 16%âÂÂ40% (4,251 to 10,616 TWh/year) of global energy needs when not considering project-siting constraints, local development regulations, "economic or market potential" and potential future technology improvements.
2022
- Researchers develop floating artificial leaves for light-driven hydrogen and syngas fuel production. The lightweight, flexible perovskite devices are scalable and can float on water similar to lotus leaves.
2023
- An analysis concludes there is large potential (âÂÂ9,400 TWh/yr) for floating solar photovoltaics on reservoirs, at the upper range of the prior 2020 study (see above).
Agrivoltaics
- 2021 â An improved agrivoltaic system with a grooved glass plate is demonstrated.
- 2021 â A report reviews several studies about the potential of agrivoltaics, which partly suggest "high potential of agrivoltaics as a viable and efficient technology" and outline concerns for refinements to the technology.
- 2022 â Researchers report the development of greenhouses (or solar modules) by a startup that generate electricity from a portion of the spectrum of sunlight, allowing spectra that interior plants use to pass through.
- 2023 â Demonstration of another agrivoltaic greenhouse which outperforms a conventional glass-roof greenhouse.
Solar-powered production
Water production
Early 2020s
- Hydrogels are used to develop system that capture moisture (e.g. at night in a desert) to cool solar panels or to produce fresh water â including for irrigating crops as demonstrated in solar panel integrated systems where these have been enclosed next to or beneath the panels within the system.
Wind power
2021
- A study using simulations finds that large scale vertical-axis wind turbines could outcompete conventional HAWTs (horizontal axis) wind farm turbines.
- Scientists report that due to decreases in power generation efficiency of wind farms downwind of offshore wind farms, cross-national limits and potentials for optimization need to be considered in strategic decision-making.
- Researchers report, based on simulations, how large wind-farm performance can be significantly improved using windbreaks.
- The world's first fully autonomous commercial "airborne wind energy" system (an airborne wind turbine) is launched by a company.
- An U.S. congressionally directed report concludes that "the resource potential of wind energy available to AWE systems is likely similar to that available to traditional wind energy systems" but that "AWE would need significant further development before it could deploy at meaningful scales at the national level".
2023
2024
Hydrogen energy
2022
- Researchers increase water electrolysis performance of renewable hydrogen via capillary-fed electrolysis cells.
- A novel energy-efficient strategy for hydrogen release from liquid hydrogen carriers with the potential to reduce costs of storage and transportation is reported.
- Researchers report the development of a potential efficient, secure and convenient method to separate, purify, store and transport large amounts of hydrogen for energy storage in renewables-based energy systems as powder using ball milling.
- A way method for hydrogen production from the air, useful for off-the-grid settings, is demonstrated.
- A novel type of effective hydrogen storage using readily available salts is reported.
- An electrolysis system for viable hydrogen production from seawater without requiring a pre-desalination process is reported, which could allow for more flexible and less costly hydrogen production.
- Chemical engineers report a method to substantially increase conversion efficiency and reduce material costs of green hydrogen production by using sound waves during electrolysis.
2023
Hydroelectricity and marine energy
2021
- Engineers report the development of a prototype wave energy converter that is twice as efficient as similar existing experimental technologies, which could be a major step towards practical viability of tapping into the sustainable energy source.
- A study investigates how tidal energy could be best integrated into the Orkney energy system. A few days earlier, a review assesses the potential of tidal energy in the UK's energy systems, finding that it could, according to their considerations that include an economic cost-benefit analysis, deliver 34âÂÂTWh/y or 11% of its energy demand.
Energy storage
Electric batteries
2022
2023
- In two studies, researchers report that substitution of PET adhesive tapes could self-discharge in the widely used lithium-ion batteries, extending battery life. Analysts describe 2020s battery-technology progress as pivotal for renewable integration, citing new chemistries, improved safety, and reduced critical-material use.
Thermal energy storage
Novel and emerging types
- 2021 â A company generates its first power from a gravity battery at a site in Edinburgh. Other gravity batteries are also under construction by other companies.
- 2022 â A study describes using lifts and empty apartments in tall buildings to store energy, estimating global potential around 30 to 300 GWh.
Nuclear fusion
Geothermal energy
2022
Waste heat recovery
2020
- Reviews about WHR in the aluminium industry and cement industry are published.
2023
- A report by the company Danfoss estimates EU's excess heat recovery potential, suggesting there is "huge, unharnessed potential" and that action could involve initial mapping of existing waste heat sources.
Bioenergy, chemical engineering and biotechnology
2020
2022
2023
General
Research about sustainable energy in general or across different types.
Other energy-need reductions
Research and development of (technical) means to substantially or systematically reduce need for energy beyond smart grids, education / educational technology (such as about differential environmental impacts of diets), transportation infrastructure (bicycles and rail transport) and conventional improvements of energy efficiency on the level of the energy system.
2020
- A study shows a set of different scenarios of minimal energy requirements for providing decent living standards globally, finding that â according to their models, assessments and data â by 2050 global energy use could be reduced to 1960 levels despite 'sufficiency' still being materially relatively generous.
2022
- A trial of estimated financial energy cost of refrigerators alongside EU energy-efficiency class (EEEC) labels online finds that the approach of labels involves a trade-off between financial considerations and higher cost requirements in effort or time for the product-selection from the many available options which are often unlabelled and don't have any EEEC-requirement for being bought, used or sold within the EU.
Materials and recycling
2020
- Researchers report that mining for renewable energy production will increase threats to biodiversity and publish a map of areas that contain needed materials as well as estimations of their overlaps with "Key Biodiversity Areas", "Remaining Wilderness" and "Protected Areas". The authors assess that careful strategic planning is needed.
2021
- Neodymium, an essential rare-earth element (REE), plays a key role in making permanent magnets for wind turbines. Demand for REEs is expected to double by 2035 due to renewable energy growth, posing environmental risks, including radioactive waste from their extraction.
2023
Seabed mining
2020
- Researchers assess to what extent international law and existing policy support the practice of a proactive knowledge management system that enables systematic addressing of uncertainties about the environmental effects of seabed mining via regulations that, for example, enable the International Seabed Authority to actively engage in generating and synthesizing information.
2021
- A moratorium on deep-sea mining until rigorous and transparent impact assessments are carried out is adopted at the 2021 world congress of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The vote, however, has no legal implications given that deep-sea mining regulations continue to be governed by the International Seabed Authority as established by UNCLOS. Researchers have outlined why there is a need to avoid mining the deep sea.
- Nauru requested the ISA to finalize rules so that The Metals Company be approved to begin work in 2023.
- China's COMRA tested its polymetallic nodules collection system at 4,200 feet of depth in the East and South China Seas. The Dayang Yihao was exploring the ClarionâÂÂClipperton zone (CCZ) for China Minmetals when it crossed into the U.S. exclusive economic zone near Hawaii, where for five days it looped south of Honolulu without having requested entry into US waters.
- Belgian company Global Sea Mineral Resources (GSR) and the German Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR) conduct a test in the CCZ with a prototype mining vehicle named Patania II. This test was the first of its kind since the late 1970s.
2022
2023
- Supporters of mining were led by Norway, Mexico, and the United Kingdom, and supported by The Metals Company.
- Chinese prospecting ship Dayang Hao prospected in China-licensed areas in the Clarion Clipperton Zone.
2024
- Norway approved commercial deep-sea mining. 80% of Parliament voted to approve.
- On February 7, 2024, the European Parliament voted in favor of a Motion for Resolution, expressing environmental concerns regarding Norway's decision to open vast areas in Arctic waters for deep-sea mining activities and reaffirming its support for a moratorium.
- In July 2024, at the 29th General Assembly of the International Seabed Authority in Kingston, Jamaica, 32 countries united against the imminent start of mining for metallic nodules on the seafloor. In his address titled "Upholding the Common Heritage of Humankind", President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. of Palau spoke about exploitation and modern-day colonialism.
- In November 2024, the People's Republic of China unveiled its first deep-sea drilling vehicle.
- In December 2024 Norway suspended deep sea mining, after the Socialist Left (SV) party said that otherwise, it would not support the budget.
2025
- On January 1st, 2025, Brazilian oceanographer Leticia Carvalho assumed the office of Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority, after being elected in August 2024 to succeed Michael Lodge in the position.
- In April 2025, U.S. President Trump signed an Executive Order instructing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to expedite permits for companies to mine in both international and U.S. territorial waters, which would undermine the authority of the International Seabed Authority.
- Beginning in March and ending in July of 2025, the International Seabed Authority held their 30th session in Kingston, Jamaica, and again failed to agree on exploitative regulations for commercial deep sea mining in the Area.
2026
- The International Seabed Authority will begin their 31st session on February 23rd, 2026, as part of "Part 1" of the gathering, where the Legal and Technical Commission will meet. On March 6th, the session will end, before transitioning to a meeting of the Council from the 9th to 20th of the month. On June 29th, "Part 2" will commence, and will last until July 31st.
Maintenance
Maintenance of sustainable energy systems could be automated, standardized and simplified and the required resources and efforts for such get reduced via research relevant for their design and processes like waste management.
2022
- Researchers demonstrate electrostatic dust removal from solar panels.
Economics
2021
- A review finds that the pace of cost-decline of renewables has been underestimated and that an "open cost-database would greatly benefit the energy scenario community". A 2022 study comes to similar conclusions.
2022
Feasibility studies and energy system models
2020
- A study suggests that all sector defossilisation can be achieved worldwide even for nations with severe conditions. The study suggests that integration impacts depend on "demand profiles, flexibility and storage cost".
2021
2022
2023
See also
Not yet included
Timelines of related areas
References