Although businesses focus on operational efficiency, leadership, and the bottom line, green energy has become vital to business acumen. Through clean and sustainable energy, companies can position themselves for success through lower costs, a better customer reputation, and a robust social responsibility stance.
Like many aspects of business, trends and technology continue to drive the energy sector for businesses of all sizes. If you want to go green, improve your visibility as a responsible company, and ultimately, better the planet’s health, find out more about these green energy trends for small businesses.
1. Bioenergy
Bioenergy — or energy derived from plants and animals — has become a realistic option for businesses. Though it’s often overshadowed by wind, solar, and geothermal energy, bioenergy is a renewable energy source estimated to take up 30% of the green energy market over the next 10 years.
Businesses can capitalize on this green energy trend by switching to biofuel cars, working with suppliers who use bioenergy sources, or using energy at their brick-and-mortar locations fueled by bioenergy. By doing so, businesses can save money in the long run and stay at the forefront of the bioenergy revolution.
2. Distributed Energy Storage
One of the greatest hurdles of green energy usage in the past was that it was wasted if it wasn’t used immediately. However, emerging technologies have transformed the industry thanks to the evolution of distributed energy storage systems.
Using these storage systems, solar, wind, geothermal, and bioenergy can all be stored for use on demand or later. Companies using distributed energy storage can weather any power losses, charge EV fleet vehicles, and lower their overall costs.
3. Big Data and AI
Although the AI boom is nascent, its impact is felt worldwide in almost every sector — including green energy. Through AI and the big data it delivers, green energy has eliminated some of the questions and concerns associated with its usage.
With AI, sustainable energy providers can forecast usage, preventive maintenance, potential costs, distribution of resources, and more. As a result, businesses can anticipate the cost of green energy usage through the grid — or to a lesser extent — through their own sources.
By managing costs, energy production, and usage through AI, utility companies can implement better green energy policies that can benefit businesses.
4. Green Hydrogen Energy
As the most abundant element in the universe and one that produces zero emissions when consumed, hydrogen might solve the world’s energy problems. Though the technology is still in its infancy, green Shell and other energy companies have committed to building green hydrogen pipelines by sometime next decade.
If green hydrogen energy can come to fruition, businesses can substantially lower their energy costs and eliminate carbon emissions and energy waste. It just might be the most exciting green energy trend to date.
How To Implement These Energy Trends into Your Business Model
Though some green energy trends occur within the energy grid or at the power company, businesses can reap the benefits by staying on top of trends and committing to green energy solutions.
But if you’re just beginning your venture into green energy, the terminology and sheer number of solutions and products can feel overwhelming. That’s when a green energy consultant can help.
With expertise and experience, our green energy consultants at 3 Phases Renewables can provide an audit, offer recommendations to improve power usage and give a list of products that can benefit your business.