Nikhil Pathak, VP – Offer Marketing and Business Development, Schneider Electric India.

What is the present global energy mix, and the current pace of transition, given the fact that global energy consumption is still rising?

The present global energy mix is still largely dominated by fossil fuels, but there is a significant push towards renewable energy sources. Fossil fuels including oil, coal, and natural gas, hold roughly 80-82% of the global energy mix. Renewables account for approximately 15-16% of the mix. This includes hydropower, wind, and solar and other renewables such as biomass, geothermal, and tidal power, etc. The remaining can be attributed to nuclear power.

However, the data from the International Energy Agency (IEA) paints a promising picture. The share of renewable energy in the global energy mix is estimated to increase from 16% in 2020 to 77% by 2050. Investment in clean energy technologies is significantly outpacing spending on fossil fuels. About USD 2.8 trillion was set to be invested globally in energy in 2023, of which more than USD 1.7 trillion was expected to go to clean technologies, The remainder, slightly more than USD 1 trillion was allotted to coal, gas and oil. Global new investment in renewable energy reached USD 358 billion in the first six months of 2023.

There are multiple factors contributing to this transition such as, renewable being cost-competitive in many regions, growing climate concerns, and tech advancements making renewables more reliable and adaptable. Notably, global energy consumption is still rising, and energy-related CO2 emissions are only likely to peak in 2024. The transition to clean energy is happening worldwide, but it requires significant structural and behavioral changes, along with extensive electrification and energy intensity improvements across the economy.

While hydropower and nuclear energy are traditional renewable power sources, what potential do solar, wind, hydrogen and other renewable sources hold in the decarbonisation process?

While hydropower and nuclear energy have long been established players in the renewable energy sector, the future of decarbonisation depends heavily on solar, wind, hydrogen, and other emerging sources.

Solar power holds immense potential. Its scalability and declining costs make it a powerful decarbonisation tool. Advances in solar panel efficiency, energy storage solutions, and building integration are accelerating solar adoption.

Wind energy boasts impressive growth, contributing significantly to decarbonisation efforts. It can also be used to produce hydrogen, which could become a key component in a global zero-carbon future. Onshore and offshore wind projects are becoming increasingly cost-competitive with traditional energy sources. Offshore wind farms are unlocking vast potential in deep-water areas, providing clean energy to coastal communities. Furthermore, innovations in turbine technology are making wind farms more efficient and adaptable to varied wind conditions.

Hydrogen will be needed to decarbonise end uses where other options are less mature or more costly. Hydrogen, produced through electrolysis using renewable energy, holds immense promise for decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors like transportation and heavy industry. Hydrogen fuel cells can power zero-emission trucks and ships.

Solar, wind, hydrogen, and other renewables present a diverse and promising spectrum of solutions for decarbonisation. Their advancements, coupled with supportive policies and infrastructure development, will pave the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future.

What emerging technologies show the most promise for decarbonising energy production and consumption? How can innovation and research be accelerated to advance clean energy technologies?

The increasing expansion of AI can enhance the world’s ability to reduce the impact of climate change. Its power lies in the ability to process large amounts of data, identify patterns and make predictions, which can optimise resource efficiency and support decision making for emission reduction strategies in pursuit of net zero. Additionally, cost-conscious insulation and heat transport technologies can improve heating and cooling efficiency in homes.

Innovations in clean energy technologies represent not only a responsible choice but also a fundamental driver of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) excellence. They help in mitigating environmental impact, spur job creation, engage communities and encourage ethical governance. Sustainable and responsible businesses recognise that embracing green energy is not merely a means to a greener and more responsible future but also a roadway to success in an ever-evolving business landscape. With the global community increasingly emphasises ESG considerations, clean energy technologies will remain as a cornerstone of corporate strategies aimed at a sustainable future.

What solutions are available for energy storage to address the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources? How can energy distribution systems be optimised to reduce losses and increase efficiency?

To address the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources, several energy storage solutions are available. These solutions play a crucial role in overcoming the challenges posed by the variability of renewable energy generation. Some of the key solutions include:

• Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS): BESS play a crucial role in storing surplus energy generated during peak production periods, which can then be utilised during periods of low energy generation, thereby ensuring a steady supply of electricity.

• Pumped Hydro Storage: This mature technology uses gravitational potential energy to store excess renewable energy. While geographically dependent, pumped hydro offers large-scale storage capacity and rapid discharge capabilities

• Grid-Scale Energy Storage: Energy storage systems at a grid scale bridge the gap between energy production and consumption, enabling the seamless integration of intermittent renewables into the grid, thus ensuring a sustainable and efficient energy future.

Here are some key strategies for reducing losses and increasing efficiency:

• Smart Grid technologies: Leveraging data analytics, AI, and advanced sensors, smart grids can optimise energy flow, anticipate peak demand, and minimise losses

• Real-time monitoring and control: Implementing intelligent distribution management systems (DMS) enables proactive measures like voltage regulation and network reconfiguration, reducing energy waste and improving reliability

• Automated fault detection and isolation: Automating fault detection and isolation systems minimises downtime and reduces losses resulting from equipment failures

• Self-healing networks: Implementing self-healing capabilities, including auto-reclosing lines and distributed intelligence, facilitates faster recovery from disruptions and minimises energy wastage during outages

• Decentralised generation: Integrating renewable energy sources like solar and wind power at the distribution level reduces transmission losses and promotes energy self-sufficiency

• Upgrading aging equipment: Replacing antiquated transformers, cables, and switchgear with more efficient alternatives significantly reduces energy losses

• Adopting advanced materials: Utilising innovative materials like high-temperature conductors and advanced insulators can further optimise energy transmission and reduce losses

How can existing energy infrastructure be adapted or replaced to support decarbonisation?

Decarbonising our energy system is notonly about focusing on building, but also about strategically refining what we already have.Here are some steps to achieve a decarbonised, decentralised, more electric, digital, and sustainable world

• Electrification and Digitisation are inseparable and critical paths to achieving sustainability. Digital technologies, data, and AI can help turbocharge the sustainability transformation.

• While it may not be possible to bring major structural changes in old buildings, we can look at critical facilities in the buildings for energy audits and bring in more digital solutions for the new electric world.

- Upgrading and retrofitting existing power grids, buildings, and industrial facilities with smart technologies, energy-efficient equipment, and renewables integration can yield significant emissions reductions.

- Implementing smart grids, building automation systems, and advanced analytics can optimise energy use and unlock hidden efficiencies within existing infrastructure.

• Partnerships of the Future: Robust partnerships will play a key role in achieving the net zero target. Electricity 4.0 is powering possibilities in creating a blueprint for a decarbonised, decentralised, more electric, digital, and sustainable world.

• EcoStruxure Solutions: India has the opportunity to create world-class sustainable and energy-efficient infrastructure with EcoStruxure solutions, which can help in creating a greener and more efficient energy landscape.

What investments are needed to upgrade and modernise the electrical grid for better integration of renewable energy sources?

Grid modernisation is vital for integrating renewable energy sources and achieving a sustainable future. By prioritising investments, we can build a smart, resilient, and future-proof grid that seamlessly integrates renewable energy sources, paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.

Digital Pillar:

• Investing in smart grids is paramount. This includes advanced metering infrastructure, intelligent distribution management systems, and real-time grid monitoring for efficient integration of intermittent renewables like solar and wind.

• Deploying advanced data analytics and AI platforms empowers us to predict renewable energy availability, optimise grid operations, and ensure grid stability even with high penetration of renewables.

Transmission and Distribution Infrastructure:

• Expanding and upgrading transmission lines is critical to transmit massive amounts of renewable energy generated in remote areas to load centers.

• Investing in microgrids and distributed energy storage solutions creates flexible, resilient grids that can handle the fluctuating nature of renewables and empower local communities.

Innovation and Policy:

• It is imperative to prioritise robust cybersecurity measures to protect critical grid infrastructure from cyberattacks that could destabilise the entire system.

• Supportive policies and regulations, like net metering and carbon pricing, are crucial to incentivise renewable energy generation and grid modernisation efforts.

What policies and regulations are in place to support the decarbonisation of the energy sector? Are there specific targets and timelines for achieving net zero emissions?

Schneider Electric is committed to decarbonising the energy sector and has partnered with suppliers to achieve net zero emissions. In the context of policies and regulations, India has set ambitious renewable energy targets for the medium and long term, including reaching 500 GW non-fossil energy capacity by 2030; fulfilling 50% of its energy requirements through renewable energy by 2030; reducing the carbon intensity of the economy by 45% by 2030; achieving the target of net zero emissions by 2070.

The U.S. and India have also launched the U.S.-India Strategic Clean Energy Partnership to accelerate a just and sustainable energy transition, which includes components for research, deployment, and off-grid energy access. These initiatives demonstrate a strong commitment to decarbonisation and the development of clean energy economies.

Furthermore, many countries are mandating specific shares of renewable energy in their energy mix as renewables contribute to energy security and economic growth. Additionally, feed-in tariffs and tax breaks further incentivise renewable energy investment and deployment.

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