The energy sector is constantly evolving with the new economic, political, and sociological trends. The aim to minimize pollution and waste while maximizing energy availability and producing more jobs in the years to come is fueled by technology and innovation, but also some tried-and-tested solutions. In 2021 and the years to come, we can expect many trends to stay the same but also some innovative solutions to come to light in an attempt to speed up the transition to higher sustainability and energy efficiency around the world.
From oil and gas adopting more eco-friendly and sustainable processes, to world-wide digitization in the energy sector and the adoption of leading technologies, all the way to microgrids and self-sustained communities, many interesting trends await in 2021 and beyond. Let’s delve deeper into these trends to uncover the positive tendencies of the modern energy sector.
Digitization is making a big impact
The digital revolution is rapidly taking over the world, and business leaders in the energy sector and its various niches are taking note. Manufacturers and energy distributors around the world are heavily investing in digitization and more efficient machinery to cut needless waste and financial expenses. From advanced robotics in the wind and turbine industry to the implementation of IoT and AI in clean energy production as well as oil and gas, technology is rapidly revolutionizing the modern energy sector.
Artificial intelligence and IoT applications will have a very special role to play in shaping the industry of the energy sector in 2021 and the years to come, as these technologies are the foundation of energy efficiency, conservation, and smart decision-making in all sectors. With the right AI applications and the right IoT sensors and connectivity, manufacturers and distributors can handle and utilize vast amounts of data and make better long-term decisions for their companies as well as the consumer.
Jobs in renewable energy will continue to rise
The renewable energy industry is always on the rise, as this is the foundational pillar upon which we are building a better future for the generations to come. The need to cut carbon emissions and reverse the effects of climate change has prompted the private and government sectors around the world to invest heavily in the renewables industry, and that has created a whole new lucrative field for the modern job seeker.
In the next year and especially in the next decade, career opportunities and job openings in the renewables industry will skyrocket. Job seekers will be able to thrive in many different fields in this sector, ranging from tech careers to manufacturing, installation, maintenance and upkeep, all the way to top-level planning, management, and oversight of renewable applications.
Oil and gas are moving to the online marketplace
The oil and gas industry has long been under intense scrutiny and pressure from the media, governments, as well as civil sectors around the world as being one of the least environmentally-friendly energy sectors in the world. However, it’s important to note that oil and gas is rapidly adopting more sustainable practices to minimize the impact on the environment, and simply survive the clean energy revolution.
One of the more notable trends that has already taken off is the adoption of the online marketplace. The digital revolution has popularized B2B marketplaces like OFMP where manufacturers and companies from oil and gas can find more efficient and sustainable solutions and equipment to complement their own sustainability efforts. Venturing online opens up the industry to more sustainable manufacturers from around the world, minimizes waste, and pushes the energy sector towards long-term sustainability and environmentalism.
The rise of microgrids around the world
The strain put on the global municipal power grids is too much to handle considering the rapid urbanization that is currently taking place on a global scale. Being environmentally friendly is rising in popularity on many scales, and that includes the micro scale with the popularization of microgrids and self-sustained communities.
Governments are expected to further pass legislation facilitating the development of microgrids in small communities or even single entities in order to alleviate the pressure and lower the energy demands placed upon the municipal power grind. Communities able to produce their own energy will directly allow for the municipal power grid to distribute energy to those in need.
Smart grid development will produce high-scale battery storage
Last but not least, there is a greater need for smarter, more efficient energy storage around the world. Given the fact that vast amounts of energy are lost during the production process, companies and governments need to come up with new ways to store energy for later use.
While this is present on a small, household scale right now, currently innovations like the Nobel Prize winning lithium-ion battery are making large-scale battery storage a viable investment opportunity for the future. With sufficient storage capacity, energy could be deployed to many communities around the world in a stable and efficient way.
Wrapping up
The energy sector is always evolving, and in the years to come we can expect many positive developments. These trends will shape the future of how we produce and consume energy, and may lead to a better future for all.
