Clean transportation technologies are addressing the growing need for cleaner, more fuel-efficient cars and trucks, as well as the ability to utilize alternative fuels. Technologies in clean transportation include next generation biofuel technologies, dual-fuel trucks, electric vehicles for both the consumer and commercial markets, and development of next generation vehicle engines.
Emission control and carbon management technologies assist with the reduction and/or capture of the principal pollutants that negatively affect humans, animals, plants and environmental health and welfare. These technologies include retro-fits on power plants that reduce or capture flue pollutants, cleaner burning fuels and engines, and other control devices. Cap-and-trade is an administrative approach used to control pollution by providing economic incentives for reductions.
Energy efficiency technologies reduce rates of household, commercial and industrial energy loss and consumption. These technologies include retro-fittings for public and commercial buildings, more efficient home and commercial appliances, building materials, power management software, and industrial power system improvements.
Power infrastructure improvements change the way we convert, transport, deliver and store energy. Developments in power infrastructure technology include improved high voltage lines and power distribution equipment, advance metering devices and systems, high-discharge rechargeable batteries and other energy storage solutions.
Renewable energy is generated from natural resources and is naturally replenished; sources include sunlight, wind, ocean currents, biomass, marine algae, biodegradable waste, small hydroelectric power and geothermal heat. The use of these renewable energy sources can help cut emissions of greenhouse gases while reducing the nation’s dependence on oil.
The solar industry is composed of a wide variety of companies that work along the solar energy producing value chain. Companies range from developers and manufacturers of solar panels and thin film, to integrators that analyze wind, weight load and develop mounting systems, to installers and system financiers.
Waste management technologies assist with the collection, transport, processing, recycling or disposal and monitoring of waste materials, with new developments in waste to energy, the reduction of landfill usage and associated gas emissions, the recycling of e-waste and the increase in overall recycling rates.
Similar to solar, the wind industry value chain is long and varied, from designers, manufacturers and installers of large-scale wind farms connected to the grid, to smaller scale facilities at isolated commercial locations, and to small residential turbines. Conversion technologies, wind farm developers and specialized component and materials developers are also part of this subsector.