Generative AI promised disruption and transformation for every sector. Renewable energy installation and generation continued to break new records, as climate change-related extreme weather caused havoc around the globe. New materials and production techniques offered tantalising improvements in aerospace, automotive and more.
Now, it is time to look ahead. In such a wide and varied industry, it is impossible to give a comprehensive overview, but here are eight of the most significant engineering stories that we could see this year. We hope this gets you excited for 2024.
NASA tests ‘quiet’ supersonic aircraft
After several technical challenges postponed take-off in 2023, this year could see the first flight of NASA’s X-59 experimental aircraft. Designed to fly faster than the speed of sound without the usual sonic boom – it is expected to produce a quieter ‘sonic thump’ instead – the plane will fly over several populated areas to provide data on sound levels, which could be used to adjust rules that prohibit commercial supersonic flight over land.
The X-59’s long, slender shape is designed to spread out supersonic shockwaves. Its single engine is placed on top of the plane to direct noise away from the ground, while swept-back wings will reduce drag.
First rockets take off from SaxaVord spaceport in Shetland
Vertical rocket launches could soon be taking place from British soil after the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) recently granted a spaceport licence to SaxaVord in the Shetland Islands. The licence “paves the way for rocket launches on UK soil from 2024”, the organisation said.
Candidates aiming to launch from the remote facility include German launch company HyImpulse, which aims to test hybrid propulsion technology, Edinburgh firm Skyrora, and Lockheed Martin.
Neuralink instals first brain implants
As with last year, 2024 is set to bring no shortage of Elon Musk-related controversy. In November, Bloomberg reported that Musk’s Neuralink brain implant company was seeking volunteers for its first clinical trials, with plans to perform 11 surgeries this year. Ideal candidates were adults aged under 40 with paralysis in each of their four limbs.
The company’s brain-computer interfaces are designed to read brain signals and decode their intention by monitoring, amplifying and digitising neuron activity. This could then be used to control external computers, and even prosthetic limbs.
Many ethical concerns remain, however, including the perceived fast pace of development and clinical deployment, and allegations of cruelty after the reported deaths of 1,500 animals involved in testing.
HS2 awards rail system contracts
With more than 30,000 people now working on the high-speed railway programme, HS2 is reaching “peak construction”. In 2024, the project will issue about £5bn worth of contracts to oversee building of the tracks, power, signalling, overhead lines and a new network control centre for the railway.
Other milestones for the much delayed and over-budget project are likely to include the start of work on Birmingham’s new Curzon Street station, and the ‘breakthrough’ of the first machine being used to bore the 10 mile Chilterns tunnel.
Quaise Energy digs deep for geothermal energy
Massachusetts firm Quaise Energy will dig deep to access geothermal heat – very deep. By using millimetre wave drilling systems based on nuclear fusion research, the company’s drilling platform will vaporise rock to dig record-breaking boreholes down to 20km below the surface, and temperatures of 500ºC. It aims to demonstrate its first full-scale hybrid drilling rig in 2024.
UK awards small modular reactor contracts
The UK needs new nuclear capacity, and it needs it soon. According to a Bloomberg report today (3 January), power output from the country’s nuclear power stations hit their lowest levels in more than four decades in 2023, as two facilities closed.
Thankfully, small modular reactors (SMRs) could reduce the construction time and cost of new projects in future. The government is set to award contracts for SMR projects this summer, after selecting six companies last year.
Global solar growth slows down
Years of rapid growth in solar panel installation is set to slow in 2024, according to research and consultancy group Wood Mackenzie. “Growth in the global solar market is following a typical S-curve,” said Michelle Davis, head of global solar. “Over the last few years, growth has climbed rapidly up the steepest part of the curve. Starting in 2024, the industry will be past the inflection point, characterised by a slower growth pattern.”
Construction starts on ‘world’s largest battery storage project’
Building work is set to get underway on the “world’s largest battery energy storage scheme” early this year, subject to a final investment decision, after it was granted planning permission last year. The 1GW (1,040MW/ 2,080MWh) project will be located at Carlton Power’s Trafford Low Carbon Energy Park in Greater Manchester.
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Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.