Tag: renewableenergy

A split image showing the contrast between old electrical grid infrastructure on one side and modern, high-tech grid systems on the other.
Climate Confident

COP 28’s Call to Action: The Grid’s Role in a World Without Fossil Fuels

As the world convenes at COP 28 in the UAE, culminating in a historic agreement to transition away from fossil fuels, the role of electricity grids in the energy transition has never been more pivotal. In a recent episode of the Climate Confident Podcast, I had the enlightening opportunity to speak with Sabine Erlinghagen, Global CEO of Siemens Grid Software, to discuss the Siemens Infrastructure Transition Monitor 2023 report. Our discussion delved deep into the complexities and importance of grids in achieving a sustainable future.

The grid is often an unsung hero in our fight against climate change. It’s not just a network of cables and substations; it’s the backbone of our energy system, a pivotal player in our transition to a sustainable future. As we shift towards renewable energy sources like wind and solar, the grid’s role evolves from a passive distributor to an active, dynamic manager of energy flows.

Sabine highlighted a staggering statistic: the global electricity demand is expected to triple by 2050. To accommodate this, many countries need to double their grid capacity within the next decade. This is a colossal task, akin to rebuilding our century-old grid infrastructure in a mere fraction of the time. The urgency is clear: we cannot afford to let our grids become bottlenecks in the transition to renewable energy.

Innovative approaches to grid management are emerging. The integration of renewables, the rise of prosumers (those who both produce and consume energy), and the electrification of transport and heating systems are transforming the energy landscape. Grids must now manage not only the traditional, predictable flow of energy but also the intermittent and decentralized nature of renewable sources.

The podcast also shed light on the importance of data in enhancing grid efficiency. With the right data, we can optimize the existing grid infrastructure, thus postponing or even eliminating the need for costly physical expansions. For instance, smart meters and advanced software can provide real-time insights into energy consumption and production, allowing for more efficient distribution and utilisation of resources.

However, this transformation is not without its challenges. Regulatory frameworks, investment in technology, and cross-industry collaboration are crucial to ensuring that our grids are not only capable of handling the future load but are also resilient and adaptable to the rapid changes in energy generation and consumption patterns.

As Sabine succinctly put it, “What you can’t measure, you can’t manage.” The role of grids in the energy transition is a testament to this adage. We need to prioritise grid modernisation and innovation if we are to meet the ambitious goals set forth by global agreements like the one at COP 28.

I invite you to listen to the full episode of the Climate Confident Podcast with Sabine Erlinghagen for a more in-depth discussion on this vital topic. Understanding the complexities and opportunities of grid management is crucial for anyone interested in the future of energy and sustainability. And for an even deeper dive on this important topic, check out the Siemens Infrastructure Transition Monitor 2023 report.

The energy transition is not just about replacing fossil fuels with renewables; it’s about reimagining and restructuring the very framework that powers our daily lives. Let’s champion the transformation of our grids and embrace the opportunities they present in powering a sustainable future.

human hands gently cradling and planting a small sapling with roots transitioning into digital circuitry and binary code. The background is in soft earth tones with a subtle glow emanating from the digital roots.
Climate Change, Climate Confident

Catalyzing Change: The Unstoppable Momentum of Sustainability Through Education and Technology

In the latest episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I spoke with Mary Wilson, the Founder and CEO of All In, and we delved into the mechanisms that propel us toward a sustainable future. It’s clear that technology and education are pivotal in this journey, but their true potential is only realized when harnessed effectively to ignite societal change. All In’s ethos embodies this vision, prioritising actionable insights and community empowerment as catalysts for enduring environmental stewardship.

The intersection of technology and sustainability has never been more critical. Innovations such as AI and big data analytics offer unprecedented insights into environmental impacts and resource management, allowing for smarter, more efficient strategies that benefit both the planet and economies. However, technology alone isn’t the silver bullet; it’s the application of these tools within communities through education and engagement that turns data into action.

The imperative for this dual approach stems from our current crossroads in climate action. We face a narrowing window to alter our course, and the need for scalable solutions has never been more urgent. All In’s mission—leveraging tech and education for societal transformation—isn’t just timely; it’s essential.

Consider the power of educated communities equipped with the right tools. We’re talking about a farmer using precision agriculture technologies to conserve water and increase crop yields, or local governments utilizing IoT to manage waste and reduce emissions. It’s these micro-changes, scaled globally, that can lead to macro impacts on sustainability.

Yet, technology must be accessible and education must be inclusive. We’re seeing a digital divide that threatens to leave the most vulnerable behind, counteracting sustainability efforts. Closing this gap means ensuring that the benefits of technology are universally attainable, and that education fosters a culture of sustainability from the ground up.

In this episode, we underscored the potential of what All In is championing—a world where every individual, regardless of their background, has the knowledge and tools to make a positive environmental impact. It’s a reminder that while the technology exists, its potential is only fully unlocked through widespread, inclusive education.

The call-to-action is clear: listen, learn, and leverage. Tune into this insightful episode to explore the tangible strategies that can amplify the global sustainability movement. As we navigate the complexities of climate action, remember that the convergence of technology and community empowerment is where true progress lies.

Because when we’re all in, the world truly changes.

Offshore wind turbines
Climate Change, Climate Confident

The Viability of a 100% Renewable Energy Grid: Insights from Anja Frada of Wärtsilä Energy
Offshore wind turbines

When we think about the future of energy, the concept of a 100% renewable energy grid often comes up. But is this vision feasible? To shed light on this subject, I turned to Anja Frada, the COO of Wärtsilä Energy, on the latest episode of the Climate Confident podcast.

Anja and her team at Wärtsilä Energy are at the forefront of this renewable revolution, and her insights provide a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie in the path towards a sustainable energy future.

Renewable Energy: An Economic Imperative

Anja emphasized the economic viability of renewable energy. According to her, “When we look at where we are today, we can clearly see the economic incentive to invest in renewables, and then flexibility as a result.” A promising statement from someone with her finger on the pulse of the industry.

She also discussed the importance of flexibility in the energy system, an essential component that goes hand in hand with renewable energy. This flexibility comes from a combination of renewable energy sources, energy storage, and other flexible technologies, providing a grid that can adapt to the variability of renewable power.

EU Energy Market Reforms

The conversation also delved into the impact of recent EU energy market reforms, which are transforming the way the electricity market operates. For Anja, a holistic view of the energy system is crucial in this era of transformation.

“I think it’s very important that we look holistically at the energy system to understand how should we build it out and what type of investments should we do? And then build also a market that ensures those investments will happen,” she explained.

Building an Incentive Structure

A pivotal aspect of our transition towards a renewable future lies in creating the right incentive structure. This drives investment into renewable energy and the necessary flexibility solutions. “We need to ensure that there is the right incentives to do those investments,” Anja emphasized.

Listen to the Full Episode

Anja’s insights underscore the reality that a 100% renewable energy grid is not only possible but also economically viable. It will require innovation, investment, and a thoughtful approach to market incentives, but the path forward is clear.

To hear more about Anja’s perspective on the future of renewable energy, tune in to the full episode of the Climate Confident podcast, or watch it on YouTube. From the economic incentives driving renewable energy investment to the role of EU energy market reforms, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of our energy landscape.

Finally, if you value receiving weekly actionable insights on sustainability and climate, you can always sign up to be a Supporter of the podcast for less than the cost of a cup of coffee.

Stay climate confident, and let’s make a change together!

Photo credit Nina Ali on Flickr

Windfarm at sunset
Climate Change, Climate Confident

Decarbonising Energy and Driving Resilience with Gareth Evans, CEO of Veckta

Have you ever wondered how businesses and communities can become more resilient while decarbonising their energy systems? Look no further! In the latest episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Gareth Evans, CEO of Veckta, an innovative company that focuses on helping organizations design, build, and operate clean, secure, and resilient energy systems.

During our conversation, Gareth shared some fascinating insights on the current state of energy transition and decarbonisation efforts. As we discussed the various challenges and opportunities presented by the global shift towards renewable energy, it became apparent that organizations like Veckta play a critical role in accelerating the transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy systems.

One of the key points Gareth highlighted is the importance of microgrids in enhancing energy resilience. These localized energy systems can help businesses and communities maintain a stable and secure energy supply, even in the face of power outages or other disruptions. By investing in their own energy systems, organizations can not only protect themselves from outages but also save money by avoiding the costs and losses associated with such disruptions.

Gareth also explained how Veckta is revolutionizing the way organizations approach their energy systems. Through its cutting-edge platform, Veckta provides comprehensive solutions for designing, sourcing, and operating microgrids, ensuring that businesses can benefit from reliable, clean energy. By harnessing the power of renewable energy sources and advanced technologies, Veckta is helping its clients to significantly reduce their carbon footprint, while also increasing their energy resilience.

But the conversation didn’t stop there! We delved into the broader implications of the energy transition and its impact on businesses, communities, and the planet. Gareth emphasized the importance of embracing this transition as an opportunity to build customer loyalty, employee loyalty, and to do right by our communities. He also shared his thoughts on the vital role that collaboration plays in overcoming the challenges of decarbonisation and driving the energy transition forward.

To learn more about Veckta’s pioneering work in the field of energy transition and decarbonisation, and to hear Gareth’s fascinating insights on the future of energy, be sure to listen to the full episode of the Climate Confident podcast. You won’t want to miss this engaging and informative discussion that will leave you inspired to take action in the fight against climate change.

Don’t miss out on this enlightening conversation with Gareth Evans. To listen to the full episode, follow this link or search “Climate Confident” wherever you get your podcasts. Let’s come together and drive the energy transition towards a cleaner, more resilient future for all!

Finally, if you value receiving weekly actionable insights on sustainability and climate, you can always sign up to be a Supporter of the podcast for less than the cost of a cup of coffee.

Stay climate confident, and let’s make a change together!

Photo credit John Morton on Flickr

Airbus Zeroe Fuel Cell demonstrator aircraft
Climate Confident

Title: Debunking the Hydrogen Hype: Michael Barnard on the Future of Energy

In the latest episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I dive deep into the world of hydrogen and its role in our sustainable future. My guest, Michael Barnard (@mbarnardca on Twitter), Chief Strategist of The Future Is Electric (@tfie1 on Twitter), shares his expert insights on the viability of hydrogen as an energy source and its potential to transform industries.

As we face the challenge of mitigating climate change and transitioning to a low-carbon economy, hydrogen has been hailed as a miraculous energy solution. However, Michael Barnard debunks some of the most common myths surrounding hydrogen’s potential, offering a reality check on its limitations and the role it may truly play in our future.

One key takeaway from the conversation is Michael’s assertion that “hydrogen is a terrible battery.” He explains that hydrogen has low energy density and high conversion losses, making it a less efficient energy storage solution than widely believed. Michael also emphasizes that hydrogen’s role in aviation and marine transport is overhyped, with its chances in these sectors being slim.

Michael goes on to discuss the factors driving the hydrogen hype, particularly the influence of the fossil fuel industry. He suggests that governments and industries are promoting hydrogen to keep fossil fuel infrastructure relevant, even as the world moves towards a more sustainable energy mix. As Michael puts it, “There’s a moral case for fossil fuels, but it’s now over.”

Furthermore, Michael delves into the challenges faced by the fossil fuel industry and the role hydrogen may play in their future. He highlights the complexities and potential impacts of hydrogen production from fossil fuels, particularly in countries like Canada and Norway.

One of the most thought-provoking moments in the conversation is Michael’s exploration of hydrogen’s potential in decarbonizing industrial heat production. While some proponents of hydrogen argue that it could play a significant role in this sector, Michael remains cautious, emphasizing the need for more research and innovation to fully understand its capabilities.

Throughout the episode, Michael maintains a bold vision for a sustainable future, stating, “We don’t want the fossil fuel industry around anymore.” He believes that electrification and renewable energy sources will replace fossil fuels over time, and that hydrogen will only play a limited role in the broader energy transition.

In conclusion, this eye-opening conversation with Michael Barnard sheds light on the reality of hydrogen’s role in our sustainable future. It provides listeners with a much-needed reality check, urging them to look beyond the hype and focus on the facts. To learn more about Michael’s work and gain a deeper understanding of hydrogen’s potential and limitations, listen to the full episode of the Climate Confident podcast here.

Finally, don’t forget to follow the Climate Confident podcast for weekly inspiring stories and remember, if you value receiving weekly actionable insights on sustainability and climate, you can always sign up to be a Supporter of the podcast for less than the cost of a cup of coffee.

Photo copyright ©Airbus SAS 2021