Be sure to read the full list of the 50 greatest innovations of 2025.) His process also darkens the wood, and renders the material stronger than steel, not to mention six times lighter. Experts question whether the famously risk-averse construction industry will embrace such a radical replacement for steel, and not without reason. Sand Battery by Polar Night Energy: An industrial-scale thermal battery out of sand to avoid fires and mining pollutionIndustrial-scale batteries provide one way to keep renewable power going when the wind stops blowing or the sun stops shining. Instead of storing electricity, this thermal battery stores heat in a roughly 43-by-49-foot insulated steel cylinder.