Cutting-edge STEM trends

Check out some of the latest STEM trends in the energy industry that are propelling us forward to a smart energy future.

Growth of electric cars

According to some statistics, electric cars are reaching an annual growth rate of about 40%. If that pace continues, electric cars could account for one in every five vehicle sales in the United States by 2025!

We already expect nearly a dozen new types of electric cars to hit the market over the next three years. Add to this the viability of fuel-cell electric vehicles being tested in places like California — a state that has a Zero Emission Vehicle program requiring automakers to sell a certain amount of electric cars and trucks — and you could be cruising longer without refueling.

More smart meters

Smart meters measure electricity, water, and gas consumption and communicate this information to the utility that serves the home or business. The installation of these devices in the residential and commercial sectors can help in lowering CO2 emissions by reducing the use of electricity during the busiest, or “peak,” times of day.

Increase of distributed generation

If you take the two words separately, you’ll get a better idea of what distributed generation means: “Distributed” (divided, dealt, or doled out) and “generation” (in terms of energy, this means creating electricity). So distributed generation means making electricity available at various locations, typically closer to the consumer. Think solar rooftops on houses or diesel backup generators.

Electricity from volcanoes

Geothermal energy uses heat below the earth’s surface to create electricity. But what about the heat created when molten rock and lava meet? This can create 10 times more geothermal energy! It’s already being done in Iceland, and Hawaii is exploring it as a source of renewable energy.

Nuclear fusion

Nuclear fusion is being researched in many countries as a viable, future energy source. The fusion of hydrogen atoms to release energy is what powers the sun. If our technology can harness this process safely and efficiently, nuclear fusion could offer a potentially endless source of energy.

Find out more about energy careers!

Next: Why a STEM Career? • What Are STEM Skills? • Hot STEM Careers Today

FOR TEACHERS: Classroom activities related to cutting-edge STEM trends

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Get Into Energy / Get Into STEM is a ground-breaking program designed to build awareness among students, parents, teachers, guidance counselors, and others about the value of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and the excellent career opportunities available in the energy industry.

Get Into Energy / Get Into STEM is managed by the Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD), a non-profit consortium of electric, natural gas, and nuclear utilities and their associations.

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