2024’s Leading Innovations: From Green Concrete to Green Hydrogen

Technological progress often follows a quantitative trajectory, with incremental improvements culminating in a qualitative leap. This pattern is evident in recent developments with generative AI. Some innovations on this list are the result of years of refinement, such as 3D printing, while others, like the use of AI in water management, illustrate the ripple effect of innovation and how seemingly unrelated fields can benefit from this cross-pollination of knowledge. Without further ado, here is a list of the technological trends featured on this page in 2024.

1. Houses were built overnight

They say Rome was not built in a day, but some buildings now materialize within that timeframe. Thanks to robotic systems and on-site concrete module production, certain construction companies are exploring the potential to build at record speed. In an era of soaring housing prices, this is a groundbreaking advance. In this article, we highlighted a robot—named after a Roman emperor—that enables companies to meet unprecedented timelines.

2. Green concrete paved the way for more sustainable construction

Of course, achieving these results still requires one of civilization’s most fundamental materials: concrete. Traditionally, concrete production has been a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Thankfully, more sustainable alternatives are emerging, employing techniques detailed in our article on green concrete. If you are unfamiliar with the term “clinker,” it is time to check it out.

3. Largest carbon sequestering facility inaugurated

When it comes to emissions, greenhouse gases—particularly carbon dioxide—remain a major concern in the fight against climate change. One standout innovation in 2024 was the inauguration of the world’s largest carbon sequestration plant, located in Iceland. Want to know how it works? Dive into our article about this plant and the various techniques used to capture carbon.

4. Some wind turbines retired while others were upgraded

While carbon capture strategies hold promise, renewable energy remains the most effective way to decarbonize the economy. In wind energy, significant progress has led to a new trend: wind farm repowering. This involves replacing aging turbines with newer, larger, and more powerful models. Learn all about the advantages of this approach in our feature article.

 

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5. Wind energy scaled new heights thanks to Blade Lifter

As wind turbines continue to grow—some now taller than the Eiffel Tower—new methods for transporting them to mountainous locations have become essential. Traditionally, massive articulated trucks have handled this task, but a new technology, the Blade Lifter, is simplifying the process. It is already in use at the world’s largest wind farms.

6. Green hydrogen started to boost agriculture

While wind and solar energy remained crucial for sustainable development, other renewable energy sources began to make their mark. Enter green hydrogen: a clean fuel with diverse applications in agriculture, from powering heavy machinery to irrigation and heating systems for farms. Explore its potential in our comprehensive article.

7. World’s tallest 3D-printed tower was completed

3D printing had long been heralded as a game-changing technology, opening up possibilities in medicine, space exploration, and construction. In the latter field, it reached new heights—literally—in the Swiss Alps, where the tallest 3D-printed tower to date was completed.

8. Potable water, energy, and minerals were obtained from one process

The solution to this challenge lay in an experimental project known as INDESAL. This innovative desalination plant prototype combined three processes: generating renewable energy using salt gradient technology, extracting valuable minerals from seawater, and producing potable water through reverse osmosis.

9. Artificial intelligence improved water management...

Another major technological advance of 2024 was the application of AI to water-related processes. These included wastewater management, operations in water treatment plants, and decision-making for forecasting water demand. Our article delved into these applications, which aimed to better manage the increasingly scarce resource of drinking water.

10. And made cycling safer

If one technological breakthrough proved its versatility in 2024, it was artificial intelligence. Already making waves in various sectors, its application to urban mobility stood out. This year saw the debut of bicycles equipped with AI to recognize obstacles and alert cyclists to potential dangers.

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