Jessica Jenkins’ Post

These are the eight trends that could shape 2025 ⬇️ Every year Nesta publishes Future Signals, a collection of data points, observations or insights that could gather momentum in the coming year. A signal might act as a warning, stimulate debate or spotlight promising ideas to be nurtured further over the coming year. This year’s collection explores everything from the potential of artificial islands to generate renewable energy, to a new era of AI-powered parenting and the race to purify lunar water. Step into our Signals gallery to find out what might be in store for 2025: https://lnkd.in/eV_3km_N

International scientists, including a team from Heriot-Watt University in Scotland, have announced plans to develop a revolutionary new way of harvesting solar energy in space. Read more below ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/eR3Hw__4

Could alien civilizations be using solar panels as technosignatures? Researchers are exploring the detectability of silicon-based solar panels on Earth-like exoplanets. By studying the visibility of solar panels using space-based telescopes, we may uncover the presence of advanced extraterrestrial civilizations. This research not only offers insights into alien technology but also challenges our understanding of energy consumption on a cosmic scale. #AlienSolarPanels #ExtraterrestrialTechnology #SpaceResearch https://lnkd.in/eZqmeJ9M #SolarPower #RenewableEnergy #GreenTech #SustainableLiving #EcoFriendlyInnovation

The new infrared solar technology is being prepared for use in space.

It's interesting that this US-based study seems to focus firstly on the negatives - avian mortality - rather than the potential positives of solar farms. Admittedly there don't seem to have been any studies in the UK on bird mortality associated with large-scale PV, but a literature review by BSG Ecology (https://lnkd.in/eKxhhR7v) suggests that, whilst data is lacking, the likely impacts are no worse - and possibly significantly less - than with any other anthropogenic structure in the landscape. The more likely negative impact is through loss of habitat and displacement of bird species, but with good design much of this can be mitigated. My own experiences with GRIDSERVE have been positive; a survey in 2023 by WYCHWOOD BIODIVERSITY LIMITED recorded 16 Red-listed Birds of Conservation Concern across our portfolio of solar PV sites. That's 23% of the species on the Red list, along with 14% of the Amber list. Admittedly largely farmland birds, which is no surprise, but clearly they are finding a home rather than being driven away. I personally have never visited one of our solar sites and not heard a Skylark. So I look forward to reading the results of the study by Argonne National Laboratory and hope that they find some positives as well as negatives. #biodiversity #sustainability #solar

We are excited to announce a new mini-challenge "Wind speed predictions" within the WeDoWind Open Data Exploration space, run by Charlie Plumley! During the Static Yaw Misalignment Analysis Challenge, we identified that a true wind speed measurment independent of yaw misalignment would be useful. In addition, this independent measurement could be useful for validating changes in turbine performance, which also might impact the nacelle mounted anemometer measured wind speed, and for calculating lost energy when a the target turbine is down and other data unavailable. Therefore, this challenge is to determine the wind speed at a target turbine (Kelmarsh 1), only using data from neighbouring wind turbines. We are trying out this mini-challenge on Kaggle, so sign up at "Join this space" on this page to get involved immediately! https://lnkd.in/egyii8v7 #datasharing #wedowind #collaboration OST – Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences Departement Technik OST

Have you been wondering what WeDoWind is and how you can get involved? Try out this mini-challenge to find out with low effort!

Human history is full of instances where what was once considered science fiction eventually materialised as an invaluable invention. One idea that stands at the crossroads of science fiction and scientific viability is Space-Based Solar Power (SBSP). We review SBSP, the concept of capturing solar energy in space and transferring it back to the Earth. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ev4mRsBU #spacebasedsolarpower #SBSP #solarpower #solarenergy #sciencefiction

Solaris. This sketch captures the dynamic energy of the sun, symbolizing the profound impact of solar energy on our world. The vibrant sun at the center, along with the surrounding elements, depicts a time lapse that reflects how solar energy remains constant through space and time by transforming itself. With recent solar flares and heightened solar activity, we're reminded of the sun's immense power and its influence on Earth. While these flares can affect our technology, they also highlight the incredible forces at play in our universe and the need for continued research and preparedness. Let this piece remind us of the vital role solar energy plays in our journey towards a sustainable future, illuminating our path with its infinite potential. 💖☀️💖 #art #geometry #science #SolarEnergy #ArtAndScience #SolarFlares #SustainableFuture #RenewableEnergy

Could space-based solar power revolutionise global energy? 🌌☀️ China's 1km-wide space solar array aims to collect energy 10x more efficiently than terrestrial panels. Experts like Long Lehao (Chinese Academy of Engineering) and Dr. Paul Bate (UK Space Agency) call this a game changer for net zero goals. https://lnkd.in/eBFxnJ-b #SpaceSolar #CleanEnergy #NetZero #RenewableEnergy #Innovation