The Potential Energy of the Future: Alternative Energy Systems

The only address known to humanity in the universe is the Earth. We can say that even Voyager 1, launched on a mission to explore interstellar space and which, in the 45th year of its launch, has moved away from Earth at a distance of 23 billion km, has taken a tiny step in space, which we consider infinite. Until space travel, interstellar travel, and other science fiction concepts become a reality, the Earth will remain our only home. However, the climate crisis caused by humanity, effects of which we continue to see exponentially, poses the greatest threat to the future of the world.

The fact that carbon-based energy sources have raised the standard of living throughout the world is undeniable. Heating, housing, manufacturing, transportation, and every other conceivable industry have evolved thanks to these energy sources and made human life longer and more comfortable.

However, it is time to face the reality of carbon emissions that are exacerbating the climate crisis. Theoretically, we, in any case, should have realized this sooner or later! Because carbon-based energy resources are not infinite, one day we will wake up and realize that we have used the last drop of oil or the last piece of coal on the planet.

Of course, a radical change in the conditions that allow us to achieve today's satisfactory standard of living will not happen overnight. However, thanks to growing awareness of the climate, the speed of the spread of renewable energy, and technological developments, humanity is now more ready for this transition.

Simply put, renewable energy resources are carbon-neutral natural resources, where energy is extracted through continuous natural processes such as wind, sun, and waves, with no dependence on resources that deplete as they are used.

Renewable energy sources are pushing the carbon sources that have ruled our lives for years to the dusty shelves of history every day, creating different options for alternative energy systems that we can characterize as an energy revolution.

So what are these resources and alternative energy systems?

Solar Energy Systems

The sun, the largest source of heat and light on our planet, is the first thing that comes to mind when mentioning green energy. We at Borusan Cat also offer this type of energy, which we have begun to use to meet our energy needs in our facilities, as a solution to our customers' needs. Solar energy technologies, especially cellular technologies, are still developing, and we are closely monitoring this process.

Wind Energy Systems

Thanks to huge turbines the kinetic energy of the wind can be converted into electricity. Although wind power usage along with turbines installed both onshore and offshore is extremely common, due to the development of battery technology, installed capacity is expected to increase worldwide.

Hybrid Systems

Systems that use more than one energy source at the same time. These are systems that are formed by sharing renewable energy sources, especially solar energy, together with another source. They allow to bypass the limitations of using a single source of energy and increase efficiency, that is why they are becoming increasingly popular.

Microgrid

These are stand-alone systems in which various energy sources are connected and integrated with energy storage systems, so the energy is stored and consumed where it has been produced. Especially common in rural areas where the network infrastructure is underdeveloped or non-existent. They also allow one to meet the seasonal increase in energy demand and reduce the load on the network.

Energy Storage Systems

Energy storage, the most open part of renewable energy systems that can be called a revolution in energy, is still developing. This process can be considered decisive for the future of sustainable clean energy.

Batteries

Batteries, as part of the energy storage solutions, are present in every aspect of our daily lives. Although lithium-ion batteries are coming to the forefront of rapidly developing battery systems today, the biggest drawback is that manufacturing costs are still higher than expected. The whole world is following with interest the development of battery systems for 100% efficient renewable energy.

Hydrogen

Hydrogen technology, which Cat continues to work on at full speed to develop its own solution, is of interest internationally as well. Although this technology is costly as it is still in its early stages, growing interest and parallel research and development across many different sectors show that rapid progress can be made regarding hydrogen usage. Hydrogen, which can be stored and used in fuel cell technology, promises to be an efficient and sustainable alternative fuel source in the nearest future.

Alternative Fuels

To reduce carbon emissions %100 renewable fuels continue to be developed instead of carbon sources. E-methanol green hydrogen, and ammonia can become an alternative for your car very soon. It is an indisputable fact that alternative fuels will be one of the principal sources of energy that can provide a long-term solution to the goal of zero carbon emissions.

Electrification

Fully electrified or hybrid systems continue to be widely adopted as part of the goal of reducing carbon emissions to zero. With the development of battery technology, interest in electrification is expected to increase even more. It can be argued that this is the most noticeable trend in all areas of transportation, from land to sea transport. In addition to electric vehicles, fully electrified steamships, ships, tugboats, and yachts are already ready to become part of our lives. Electric construction and mining machines are also beginning to be put into service.

In the same way as carbon-based energy served as a watershed in the evolution of our lives, today, when renewable energy sources have begun to completely change and transform our lives and business models, we at Borusan Cat follow all trends and developments in the field of alternative energy with interest and enthusiasm, adding them to our area of activity and our portfolio of strategic initiatives. We at Borusan Cat provide our customers with solutions for the transition to solar energy systems, and by strengthening our portfolio, we are expanding our capabilities. In addition, we are exploring opportunities for microgrids and hybrid systems and are evaluating alternatives in energy storage systems.

Although hydrogen is still under development, we keep a close eye on developments in this area. We continue to create solutions to improve the world through sustainable and innovative steps.

Seray Özkan

Author

Seray joined Borusan Cat in early December 2021 as Strategy and Sustainability Leader. The representative of the generation that almost caught the 80s, meets the criterion of “child of the 90s” and has evolved from “in our time, when connected to the Internet, the phone was busy” to “and what did we do without navigation” :) Spends her free time travelling, doing yoga, trekking and watching the Başka Sinema program. Has two beautiful cats at home, but shares her love with all street animals.