The consequences of global warming are no longer deniable. We see the impact worldwide: drought, wildfires, and floods are no longer exceptions.
After discovering the field of gas in Groningen, the Netherlands built its energy system around gas. It was the primary and, for many years, the cheapest source of energy and heat. In the following years, extensive efforts were made to bring this to every household, ensuring comfort in every home. While this marked a significant leap in prosperity for the Netherlands, it is now considered unsustainable from our current perspective. CO2 emissions, earthquakes in the gas extraction area, and geopolitical events such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have further fueled the discussion about our dependence on gas. Additionally, the climate law has provided more direction and vision for the energy transition, aiming towards a 100% sustainable energy system.
This sustainable goal raises many questions. How do we change consumer behavior? What other energy sources can we use? How do we integrate those into our current (energy) landscape? How do we handle the unpredictability and simultaneity of energy generation and consumption? What innovations are needed to make organizations more sustainable and ensure a continuous energy supply?
The synergy between generation, storage, and consumption will ensure success in the energy transition challenge.
Companies and consumers can align their energy usage by introducing an EMS (Energy Management System). Energy generation must be 100% sustainable, with solar and wind energy playing a crucial role. However, these sources do not provide constant energy and not always when needed the most. Can we, as consumers and organizations, adjust our usage accordingly?
The solid-state battery should be the next generation of batteries, offering safety, lightness, and higher storage density. Then, they could contribute to meeting the energy demand when it cannot be generated and must be drawn from storage. Other innovations in this field include heat buffers, such as the one built in the ecovillage Boekel, or hydrogen.
The shift towards electric mobility is another major noticeable transition in the energy landscape. After electric cars, it’s now time for cargo transport to electrify. Boats and airplanes will follow suit. All of these need to be chargeable, leading to the emergence of more energy hubs—smart charging when energy is available.
In short, the world of energy will undergo significant changes in the next 15 years. The pressure is high, and numerous startups are challenging the existing (old) system. Grid operators are working hard to reinforce the network, but we must also approach it from a different perspective. The most substantial transition is yet to come. What will you do to contribute to this change?