Energy generation technologies
Clean and sustainable technologies are advancing rapidly, with over 750 000 international patent families filed in the past 25 years, now representing 12% of all global IPFs. Europe plays a leading role, accounting for 27% of cleantech patents in recent years.
A major focus of this innovation is renewable energy generation. Technologies like solar, wind, hydropower and geothermal harness natural sources to produce electricity, reducing dependence on fossil fuels. As energy demand grows, these solutions are essential for lowering emissions and supporting the shift to a low-carbon future.
Ongoing improvements in efficiency, cost, and deployment are helping renewables move from niche to mainstream technologies - powering a cleaner, more secure energy system.
Dive in
Advances in photovoltaics
This report presents technology trends in the field of photovoltaics over the span of five decades. To this end, it assesses patenting activities across more than 30 technologies related to photovoltaic materials, photovoltaic devices, the management of these devices and application areas.
Technology platform on clean-energy technologies
Find thousands of patent applications on clean technologies classified by field. This curated platform makes it easy for researchers and inventors to find the latest inventions by area.
Energy generation technologies at a glance
345.8 GW
which was added in 2023.
13 000
off-shore wind turbines installed in 2023.
EUR 1.0 trillion
was the value of the renewable energy market in 2023
Q&A – insights from the EPO
- Is the increasing use of photovoltaic installations compatible with other important land uses like agriculture?
The widespread image of solar farms occupying large areas contrasts with the rising demand for land due to population growth and increasing prosperity. There is also growing awareness of the importance of preserving near-natural areas.
To address land-use conflicts, technologies have been developed to minimize land use for photovoltaics. These include rooftop solar systems, building-integrated photovoltaics and agrivoltaics, using land for both agriculture and energy. Such innovation has seen significant growth in the past two decades.
- Which areas in the photovoltaics sector are developing particularly strongly?
Since the 1990s, technologies related to photovoltaic devices and their applications have demonstrated the greatest level of inventive activity. While technologies related to photovoltaic materials and device management played a minor role in the 1990s, their contribution has grown significantly and now amounts to over a quarter of all recent inventions in this field. In a from the EPO Observatory, we map tenths of technologies used for photovoltaics in a complete technology cartography.
- Where are the geographical hotspots for new inventions in the field of photovoltaics?
Until the last decade, inventions in photovoltaics were evenly distributed across Europe, Asia and North America. However, in the past 15 years, patent activity has shifted significantly toward China, reflecting its growing role in development and manufacturing.
Europe still leads in technologies for deploying photovoltaic energy, such as agrivoltaics and rooftop installations. European startups and universities continue to drive innovation in photovoltaic devices, materials, and management.
- How has patenting in offshore wind energy technologies evolved over time?
Patenting activity in offshore wind energy saw a sharp increase starting in 2006, with steady growth until 2012. After a brief dip, a new upward trend began in 2017, driving innovation and helping to reduce costs for offshore wind projects.
- Can offshore wind turbines also be installed in deeper waters?
Unlike fixed foundations, floating foundations don’t need to be fixed to the sea bed. They can be a game changer for the offshore wind market, bringing the turbines to deeper waters with abundant wind potential.
Driven by this technology’s potential in deeper waters, patents filed for floating foundations have grown almost tenfold since 2002 and represented 80% of the foundation patents in 2022.
Publications
Dive into technology reports focused on energy supply technologies.
This report presents technology trends in the field of photovoltaics over the span of five decades. To this end, it assesses patenting activities across more than 30 technologies related to photovoltaic materials, photovoltaic devices, the management of these devices and application areas.
The study examines the transition to low-carbon energy technologies across all sectors of the economy, showing that the pace of innovation is now only a quarter of what it was a decade ago.
This former university spin-off sells standard components for heat power generators that recycle waste heat by turning it into electricity.
Tools
Find startups and investors in the energy generation technologies’ field
The Deep Tech Finder is your gateway to exploring Europe's innovation landscape. Designed for investors, researchers, startups and universities, this free tool connects you with key players in cutting-edge technology fields.
Technology platform on clean-energy technologies
Find thousands of patent applications on clean technologies classified by field. This curated platform makes it easy for researchers and inventors to find the latest inventions by area.
Podcasts
Shining a light on the photovoltaics boom
Join inventors, startup founders and policymakers as they discuss the latest breakthroughs in solar power technology.
Winds of change: Innovation in offshore wind energy
Is offshore wind energy the key to solving the climate crisis? Join experts from the European Patent Office and International Renewable Energy Agency as they discuss this clean energy source.
A spin-out story
Building on innovative research from the German Technical University of Munich (TUM), start-up company Fos4X successfully developed and commercialised fibre optical sensor technology that makes wind turbines safer and less vulnerable to severe weather conditions.
Events
Past events organised by the Observatory
Explore the events we hosted and watch video recaps.
