At my core, I’m a techno-optimist—I sincerely believe that technology will address many of society’s most pressing issues. This is especially true in the field of energy. I written before about why I’m bullish on solar’s long-term potential and this recent article describing the new Masdar Headquarters in Abu Dhabi now provides me further reason to be optimistic. (The picture to the right is what the solar roof will look like and it is expected to generate more energy than the building will use. In other words, it will be positive-net energy).
I understand that it is only one building and that the structure is not yet even built, but in the future—given the continued advances being made in the fields of BIPV (building integrated phtovoltaics) and nanotechnology—I believe it will become increasingly common for most new buildings to produce more energy than they use.
This, of course, won’t solve all the world’s energy problems but it is a great start.
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Jack Uldrich is a writer, futurist, public speaker and host of jumpthecurve.net. He is the author of seven books, including Jump the Curve and The Next Big Thing is Really Small: How Nanotechnology Will Change the Future of Your Business. He is also a frequent speaker on future technology and future trends, nanotechnology, innovation, change management and executive leadership to a variety of businesses, industries and non-profit organizations and trade associations.
