Three climate technologies breaking through in 2026

Three Climate Technologies Breaking Through in 2026

As we enter a new year, it's time to take a closer look at the technologies that will shape the future of climate and energy. For 25 years, MIT Technology Review has put together its annual list of Breakthrough Technologies, highlighting the innovations that will have a significant impact on the world. This year's list includes three game-changing climate technologies: sodium-ion batteries, next-generation nuclear reactors, and hyperscale AI data centers.

Sodium-Ion Batteries: A Breakthrough in Energy Storage

Sodium-ion batteries have been gaining attention in recent years as a potential alternative to lithium-ion batteries. While lithium-ion cells power everything from electric vehicles to smartphones and computers, researchers and battery companies have been racing to develop a more sustainable and cost-effective option. Sodium-ion batteries could be that solution.

Sodium is much more abundant than lithium, which means it's more readily available and could unlock cheaper batteries with a lower fire risk. However, there are limitations to sodium-ion batteries. They won't be able to pack as much energy into cells as their lithium counterparts, which might not matter for grid storage and smaller electric vehicles.

Despite these limitations, sodium-ion batteries are starting to make their way into the world. Major companies in China have been investing heavily in sodium-based batteries, and CATL, a leading battery manufacturer, has started manufacturing these batteries at scale in 2025. This breakthrough has the potential to transform the energy storage landscape and make renewable energy more accessible.

Next-Generation Nuclear Reactors: A New Era for Nuclear Power

Nuclear reactors are a crucial part of modern grids, generating reliable and consistent electricity. However, the countries with the oldest and most built-out fleets have struggled to add new reactors in recent years due to the massive cost and complexity of building new reactors. Next-generation reactor designs could help the industry break out of this old blueprint and get more nuclear power online more quickly.

There's a wide range of proposals for next-generation reactors, from smaller reactors that are easier to finance and build to reactors that use alternative fuels or coolants to improve efficiency and safety. Kairos Power, a US company, was the first to receive approval to begin construction on a next-generation reactor to produce electricity. China is also emerging as a major center of nuclear development, with the country's national nuclear company working on several next-gen reactors.

Hyperscale Data Centers: The Climate Impact of AI

While data centers aren't typically considered a climate technology, they're an/-important part of the AI boom. As AI demand grows, so does the need for larger data centers to support it. Some of these facilities require a gigawatt or more of power, which is like the output of an entire conventional nuclear power plant. This has sparked major public pushback and emerged as a key part of our new global infrastructure.

The climate impact of hyperscale data centers is significant, driving electricity demand and contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. However, it's also an opportunity to rethink the way we design and build data centers, incorporating more sustainable and energy-efficient technologies. As we move forward, it's essential to consider the climate implications of AI and data centers and work towards a more sustainable future.

Deep Dive: The Future of Electricity

The future of electricity is rapidly changing, driven by the intersection of AI and renewable energy. As we move towards a more sustainable energy landscape, it's essential to consider the implications of this shift. In this section, we'll take a closer look at the future of electricity and explore the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

Three Things to Know About the Future of Electricity

1. Renewable energy is on the rise: Renewable energy sources like solar and wind are becoming increasingly cost-competitive with fossil fuels, driving growth in the renewable energy sector.
2. AI is transforming the grid: Artificial intelligence is being used to optimize grid operations, predict energy demand, and improve energy efficiency.
3. Energy storage is crucial: As renewable energy becomes a larger part of the energy mix, energy storage technologies like batteries are becoming increasingly important to ensure a stable and reliable energy supply.

Conclusion

The future of climate and energy is rapidly changing, driven by innovations like sodium-ion batteries, next-generation nuclear reactors, and hyperscale AI data centers. As we move forward, it's essential to consider the implications of these technologies and work towards a more sustainable future. By understanding the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, we can build a better tomorrow for ourselves and future generations.

Source: https://www.technologyreview.com/2026/01/15/1131348/climate-technologies-2026/