Trend Technology 3: surfaces that cool below ambient temperature without electricity

Summary

The report's third selected technology engineers surfaces to emit heat in the infrared band the atmosphere lets through to space while scattering most incoming sunlight, so a treated surface loses more energy than it gains and falls below air temperature with no power input.

Classification

Main topicClimate Change & Adaptation

Secondary topicsCities & Housing Energy & Climate Tech

Region menusGlobal

Impactscope:global

Time horizon4-10 years (2026-07-26)

Last updated2026-07-29 04:49:52

Evidence 1

Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2026 World Economic Forum (in collaboration with Frontiers) page=12;section=3 Passive radiative cooling materials 2026-06 accessed 2026-07-26

Observed signals 3

SignalCalifornia's Energy Code and China's Dual Carbon policy have written the technology into law
SignalCoatings raise power line capacity about 30% and cut surface temperature up to 15 degrees
SignalRadiative cooling paint costs around $6 per square metre with reported 15-20% energy savings

Part of issues 1

IssueAdoption hinges on codes and standards that mostly do not yet recognize the technology1 trends · 0 signals

Relation types: constitutes · supports

Public id: fm-f1e2d2bca50a