Written in collaboration with Frontiers, Top 10 Emerging Technologies for Planetary Health: Energy Edition identifies 10 emerging technologies with credible deployment pathways by 2030 that could reduce pressure on planetary boundaries while strengthening energy security and equitable access. Selected through technology discovery and expert assessment, they span cleaner construction materials, digital grids, batteries, industrial heat storage, advanced solar, subsea electricity interconnectors, modular nuclear reactors and floating offshore wind.
The report’s central finding is that technologies often deliver greater value when integrated across generation, storage, transmission, buildings and industry. Some replace scarce materials with abundant alternatives; others improve coordination and resilience. Scaling requires more than technical progress: financing, standards, regulation, manufacturing capacity and infrastructure are critical.
Lower emissions do not automatically translate into wider environmental or social benefits. Responsible deployment must assess impacts across entire life cycles, manage new supply chain and cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and ensure communities share benefits through affordable energy, participation in decisions and inclusive economic opportunities.