Innovation compared with materials production: current trends in green energy production and materials

• Correlation between renewable energy production by type and related innovation is explored and found to exist.
• Changes in energy production are mirrored by related innovative activity.
• The current trend is for an increase in both energy production and innovation.
• The current literature reflects these increases by great interest in renewable energies.
• The most interest in the literature is shown toward solar power, hydrogen and power storage and the combination of green energy sources for a more efficient and available energy source.

The need for clean and renewable energy sources due to environmental concerns and resource depletion has continued the trend for innovation in green energy technologies. Recent literature has displayed a strong interest and a wide variety of research, development and innovation in many areas of renewable energy including solar, wind and biofuel disciplines. Publically available data concerning U.S. energy production and issued patents both show growth trends that correlate with each other and are supported by the interest in green energy innovation shown in the current literature.