CES is usually a mixed bag. It’s a great place to see where the tech sector is heading, or at least where it thinks it’s heading. There were several trends from previous years that are starting to pay off in big ways, and some showstoppers that have created a lot of buzz. But what really caught my eye, and what you might have missed, ran the gamut from low light solar cells to apartment-ready home energy storage to some tech that has a direct impact on our lives and health. Along with renewed interest in…hydrogen of all things? Trade shows are often full of vaporware and empty promises. But this year felt different. So, what were the highlights that I think are worth watching? And what new tech surprised me most?
Microsoft AI analysed 33 million candidates to find material to replace lithium
Through AI, MS is isolating ways to create batteries less expensively, including through a combination of sodium and lithium.
How Wind Turbines Really Work: An Astonishing Technological Masterpiece
How wind turbines work. Wind turbines use blades to collect the wind’s kinetic energy. Wind flows over the blades creating lift (similar to the effect on airplane wings), which causes the blades to turn. The blades are connected to a drive shaft that turns an electric generator, which produces (generates) electricity.
Generating Geothermal Energy Using Shale Technology || Peter Zeihan
The Google-backed company, Fervo Energy, has launched two geothermal projects that use preexisting shale technology and infrastructure to generate electricity. Could this be a partial solution to the looming electricity shortage?
The Truth About The Power Grid Outage Risk in America
Patrick Bet-David explains why the U.S. power grid is vulnerable to attack by foreign adversaries and several other areas. Why is power grid security not a priority for the U.S. government?
AI Is Dangerous, but Not for the Reasons You Think | Sasha Luccioni | TED
AI won’t kill us all — but that doesn’t make it trustworthy. Instead of getting distracted by future existential risks, AI ethics researcher Sasha Luccioni thinks we need to focus on the technology’s current negative impacts, like emitting carbon, infringing copyrights and spreading biased information. She offers practical solutions to regulate our AI-filled future — so it’s inclusive and transparent.
Global Energy Transition. Are we winning?
The Global Energy Transition is the most profound change to human civilisation since the end of the last glacial period about 11,000 years ago. There will be winners and losers, and as a result some are trying to slow or even stop the disruption of their established markets. We all know who they are! So how is it going? Well, the International Energy Agency says it can be done, but ONLY if there is NO NEW COAL, OIL or GAS exploration or exploitation from this point onwards. COP28 has now been completely hijacked by the oil industry…so is the transition a realistic prospect or just a pipe dream?
How Would a Nuclear EMP Affect the Power Grid?
This video is a summary of the EPRI study on the impacts that a high-altitude nuclear electromagnetic pulse (HEMP) would have on the US power grid. It’s the first in a deep-dive series of videos about large-scale threats to the grid.
Why EVs Aren’t The GreenTech Panacea || Peter Zeihan
When the major auto manufacturers start changing their EV plans, it’s probably a sign something’s not quite right. For all those who think they’re better than everyone else because they drive a Tesla, this video is for you…
Solar Panels On My Net Zero Home … Still Worth It?
Are solar panels on your home worth it? And did I go too far this time? Well, I’ve shared my experiences living with solar panels on my previous home for five years now. Including the pros and cons of it. I just moved into my new factory built home with the goal of achieving net zero energy, which means more solar.
I’ve experienced going solar twice within five years. Both with the same solar installer, in the same state… but with very different houses. How did I go about sizing my solar panel system to try and hit that net zero target before I actually lived here? And what challenges did we run into… because there were some challenges. Hopefully you’ll find something to take away from this if you’re considering solar for yourself.