Sustainable Photonics Toward Achieving a Net-Zero Economy

Investing in photonic innovation today is essential for powering tomorrow’s net-zero world. Photonic innovations are crucial for achieving a net-zero future, enhancing the efficiency and scalability of sustainable energy through advanced materials and optical technologies. Photonics has a key role in lowering CO2 emissions worldwide to achieve climate goals by 2050. This book chapter explores the transformative role of photonic technologies in advancing sustainable energy solutions. It emphasizes photonics’ efficiency in improving solar energy conversion, storage, and catalysis; allowing smarter energy management; and fostering advancements in renewable technologies like PV, solar fuel, and thermal energy conversion. The discussion illustrates the potential of photonics to minimize carbon emissions and lower energy costs toward a greener future. It also highlights photonic applications in sustainable advanced manufacturing and fusion research, fostering a cleaner energy landscape through eco-friendly materials, AI-optimized photonics, and sustainable architectural designs. Real-world case studies illustrate how photonics can effectively reduce energy consumption and carbon footprints.