1. Fusion Energy Achievement at NIF

Fusion energy has long been hailed as a potential eco-friendly power source, yet it has remained elusive for decades. Historically, fusion reactors consumed more energy than they generated, often resulting in a substantial energy deficit.

That changed on December 5, when the National Ignition Facility (NIF) achieved a remarkable net energy gain of 54%! This unprecedented outcome was not only a surprise; I had anticipated it weeks earlier (read more here). This achievement signals that fusion energy is feasible, paving the way for a potentially planet-saving power source.

2. Serious Developments in Space-Based Solar Power

In the vacuum of space, not only is there no sound, but the absence of clouds and atmosphere means sunlight is significantly more potent. Solar panels in space can generate up to 40 times more energy than those on Earth over a year.

This has inspired numerous engineers and scientists to propose orbiting solar power stations that can beam energy back to Earth, a revolutionary step towards sustainable energy. While getting such a facility into orbit had previously seemed impossible, advancements in space launch technologies, like SpaceX’s Starship, are now making this ambition attainable. Companies such as Airbus and even the Chinese government are actively working on power transmission systems that can support this initiative.

3. A Shift in Putin's Alliances

The most consequential political event of 2022 was undoubtedly Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This aggressive action by Putin evoked memories of Soviet-era tensions and Cold War anxieties, further amplified by his nuclear threats, which raised fears of potential atomic conflict. NATO's hesitance to support Ukraine seemed to play into Putin's hands.

However, Xi Jinping's public condemnation of Putin's actions marked a turning point. Given Putin's dependency on Chinese support, this development effectively curtailed his aggressive posturing, de-escalating the conflict and isolating Russia from its primary ally.

4. NASA's SLS Launch

The contemporary space race features a contest between NASA's traditional Space Launch System (SLS) and SpaceX's innovative Starship. Although Starship often outperforms SLS on several fronts, it has yet to conduct a successful launch.

On November 16, 2022, NASA successfully launched SLS, which was not merely a test but part of the Artemis 1 mission aimed at returning humans to the Moon. The successful deployment of both SLS and the Artemis 1 mission has reignited humanity's aspirations for lunar exploration.

5. Sodium-Ion Battery Breakthrough

While electric vehicles (EVs) are more environmentally friendly compared to traditional combustion engines, they are not without their flaws. The extraction of lithium for batteries poses significant ecological challenges, and the batteries themselves have limited lifespans, necessitating frequent replacements. Additionally, lithium-ion batteries remain prohibitively expensive.

However, this is set to change. CATL, the largest battery manufacturer globally, is preparing to introduce sodium-ion batteries for EVs in 2023. These batteries utilize more sustainable materials, charge in half the time of their lithium counterparts, can endure over a million miles of driving, and will be more cost-effective. This innovation promises to revolutionize the EV market and contribute positively to environmental conservation.

6. NASA's DART Mission

Every 100 million years or so, a catastrophic meteorite collides with Earth. The last significant event was 66 million years ago when the Chicxulub asteroid led to the extinction of the dinosaurs. While such impacts are irregular, scientists remain concerned about potential asteroid threats to our planet.

On September 26, 2022, NASA's DART probe successfully altered an asteroid's trajectory, demonstrating the agency's capability to protect Earth from such cosmic dangers.

7. Starlink and T-Mobile Collaboration

Musk's Starlink, a groundbreaking space-based internet service, has been making waves with its high-speed connectivity and impending global reach. However, it has even more potential.

Next-generation Starlink satellites could function as 5G towers, offering more reliable service than traditional terrestrial networks due to clearer satellite lines of sight. Although SpaceX lacks a 5G license, T-Mobile does. The collaboration between the two companies aims to provide near-global 5G coverage, establishing them as frontrunners in the telecommunications sector.

8. The World’s First Carbon Negative Car

Although EVs represent an improvement over combustion engines, they still contribute to carbon emissions throughout their lifecycle. To truly address climate change, we need vehicles that are net carbon-neutral.

Fortunately, students from TU Automotive have developed the ZEM (zero-emissions motoring), which is manufactured from recycled materials and designed for easy recycling. It also incorporates a carbon capture system that absorbs CO2 while driving, effectively neutralizing its entire carbon footprint. This remarkable innovation could set a precedent for sustainable vehicle manufacturing.

9. Innovative Geoengineering Solutions

Many researchers warn that merely reducing our carbon footprint may not suffice to avert climate disaster, leading to the need for geoengineering. Unfortunately, most geoengineering methods are costly and environmentally harmful.

However, scientists from MIT have proposed an inventive geoengineering solution dubbed "Space Bubbles." This involves deploying a satellite to create millions of polymer bubbles that could block a small percentage of solar radiation reaching Earth, offering a viable method to mitigate climate change without significant adverse effects.

10. Geothermal Energy Advancements

While solar and wind energy are among the most economical and low-carbon options available, their reliability can be a concern. Geothermal energy, which has generally been limited to specific geographic locations, may soon become accessible globally.

Quaise Energy has developed a groundbreaking drill that can reach depths of 12 miles, making geothermal energy available nearly anywhere. This innovation could transform coal and gas power plants into geothermal facilities, leveraging existing infrastructure and making renewable energy more affordable.

In summary, 2022 has been a year of astonishing progress! If someone had told me in January that we would witness advancements in fusion energy, the creation of a carbon-negative car, and innovative geoengineering methods, I would have been skeptical. Yet, here we are, eagerly anticipating what 2023 has in store. Will we see a functional fusion power plant, successful Starship missions, or widespread autonomous vehicles? Only time will tell.