From atomic nuclei and the sun to hydrogen and recycled fuels, energy sources today originate from a vast array of sustainable sources. IDTechEx's portfolio of Energy & Decarbonization Research Reports and Subscriptions provides extensive research into the possibilities for energy generation in clean, renewable, and innovative ways.
Source: IDTechEx.
The fusion of atomic nuclei
Nuclear fusion describes the very process which powers stars, including the sun, and sees the fusion of multiple atomic nuclei creating one or more nuclei plus neutrons. This natural phenomenon has now begun teaching a new approach to generating energy from matter and could be used to power data centers and applications within commercial sectors, with Microsoft and Google having displayed interest in the technology. IDTechEx's report, "Fusion Energy Market 2025-2045: Technologies, Players, Timelines", explores the latest trends and developments within the market.
The popularity of nuclear fusion is rising as a result of the global demand for clean, sustainable, and continuous energy sources that are not reliant on fossil fuels. IDTechEx reports that unlike with nuclear fission, there is no need for many years of underground storage of nuclear waste, however there are still some radiological hazards that companies need to consider.
Different types of fusion reactors referenced in IDTechEx's report include the tokamak, stellarator, laser driven inertial confinement, magnetized target fusion, and pulsed magnetic fusion, amongst others, with deuterium-tritium listed as the most popular fusion fuel chosen for the process. However, this particular fuel, despite being favored for having the lowest energy barrier, releases energy in high energy neutrons which aren't suitable for direct energy conversion and can pose a radiological hazard. As a result, IDTechEx reports that aneutronic reactions are also being explored, along with other avenues to reduce any radiological risks.
Source: IDTechEx.
Solar sunroofs
Driving a car powered by the sun is an up-and-coming, innovative way to bring sustainability to transportation and vehicles that otherwise contribute significantly to global emissions. Cars could stop when needed to recharge under solar canopies, instead of relying on traditional fossil fuels and the volatile costs of petrol.
IDTechEx's report, "Flexible Photovoltaics Market 2025-2035: Technologies, Players, and Trends", covers the latest developments in the flexible solar panel market, exploring the possibility for their application to not only the well-established building rooftops, but vehicles and consumer electronic devices as they become increasingly miniaturized. The use of thin film and flexible photovoltaics in consumer electronics specifically could abolish the need for battery replacement and subsequent material waste, and instead provide a new route to sustainable energy sourcing.
As solar energy reigns with some of the highest global annual investments in recent years, the sector is set to continue growing with a range of emerging technologies, including thin film photovoltaics. Some thin film types include dye sensitized solar cells, organic solar cells, perovskite, copper indium gallium selenide, and many others outlined within IDTechEx's report.
Source: IDTechEx.
SAF and cleaner sky journeys
With airplanes accounting for a significant part of emissions produced by transportation, low carbon fuels will be necessary to reduce this amount going forward, while still enabling existing infrastructure and combustion engines to be utilized.
While in 2025 IDTechEx reported that a large portion of sustainable fuel production consisted of diesel, by 2036, it is expected that the split will be more even across diesel, renewable methanol, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Mandates across the world pushing for reduced emissions are contributing to the growth of biofuels and SAF, along with the expansion of the sustainable fuel production landscape and new projects.
The origins of SAF are explored in IDTechEx's report, "Sustainable Biofuels & E-Fuels Market 2026-2036: Technologies, Players, Forecasts", with recycled HEFA feedstocks being a major contributor to its makeup, which include used cooking oils and fats. However, the report identifies a point in the future where HEFA supply may struggle to keep up with the demand for SAF, creating opportunities for innovative technologies and production pathways as SAF continues to take off.
Source: IDTechEx.
The demand for hydrogen
Hydrogen is one of the largest instruments in the movement towards a sustainable future of energy. It's uses within transportation and industrial applications and the scope for achieving zero emissions make it a favorable choice, with IDTechEx's report, "Materials for Green Hydrogen Production 2026-2036: Technologies, Players, Forecasts", covering green hydrogen specifically and the methods of producing it.
Fuel cell electric vehicles will also see increased uptake going forward as sustainability trends continue, with cars, commercial vehicles, and different types of trucks expected to be the most common types. The implementation of fuel cells will reduce emissions by allowing vehicles to operate on the electricity produced by the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, producing only a by-product of water, and helping to reduce carbon emissions.
The electrolyzer component sector, integral to perfecting efficient and successful green hydrogen production, is expected to reach US$10.1 billion by 2034, showcasing the scope for the market to continue expanding in line with the exponential demand for hydrogen. The development of these technologies is vital to producing the cleanest hydrogen in the most efficient and secure ways to ensure supply chain risks associated with material reliance are minimized. Green hydrogen's water electrolysis production route makes it the most environmentally friendly and sought after source of the element, particularly evident in applications where electrification isn't feasible, but there is a strong need for the reduction of emissions.
For more information on the latest clean energy developments and materials, visit IDTechEx's portfolio of Energy & Decarbonization Research Reports and Subscriptions, for forecasts, trends, and key players across a number of energy industries.
