Five clean-energy innovations that could transform our world

INNOVATIONS in energy-storage, smart-grid and electricity-generation technologies will affect every part of the source-to-consumer supply chain for powering our planet. Energy-storage technology improves the viabilities of wind and solar power - two energy sources that remain cost-prohibitive due to expenses related to batteries that would store generated energy.

Smart grids will regulate the movement of energy throughout a city or state, insuring the areas from crippling blackouts. Developments in electricity generation make sure we make the most out of fossil fuels and other energy sources to improve efficiency.

What follows is a survey of progress in the development of five different technologies that promises to change the face of the energy industry in the next 20 years.