DNV GL Talks Energy

As new technologies continue to disrupt the energy sector, what are we doing to ensure that they are available in every community? In this latest episode of our podcast series, DNV GL talks to Andy Karsner, Managing Partner at Emerson Collective about the main drivers behind the aim for sustainable and affordable energy for all. In this fascinating and thought-provoking interview, Andy considers whether new technologies are helping to reduce the inequities in global access to energy. We look back to the original promises made at the time of Thomas Edison’s great inventions, and discuss how the promise of providing energy for all needs to be updated to reflect the modern world. We also discuss the DNV GL Energy Transition Framework for Cities report and Andy shares his views on who should drive the move towards sustainable and affordable energy, and what the markets can do to support this transition. Finally, Andy gives some insight into the reasons for the imbalance in the efficient use of energy across the globe, and explains why he believes that true energy efficiency is about doing more with the energy that we have, not attempting to live with less. *This episode was recorded live at the Global Smart Energy Summit 2018. To learn more visit https://www.dnvgl.com/publications/energy-transition-framework-for-cities-113038

Electric vehicles; data security; blockchain; and other digital solutions are being adopted around the globe. Brian Williams, Industry Value Advisor Expert at SAP, shares his views, and some cautionary advice with DNV GL, on the impact of these emerging technologies on sustainability and the energy transition. In this insightful episode, we talk to Brian about the impact of the energy transition on the European, Middle Eastern and African power grids; and explore how these markets are using differing renewable solutions to meet their energy mix requirements. Brian gives his views on the growing electric vehicles market; explains why SAP is focusing their attention on helping commercial clients to optimize their fleets; and considers the impact of fluctuating demand for electricity on both the utilities and consumers. Finally, Brian shares his thoughts on blockchain; the security concerns for future users, and the biggest opportunities arising for the energy sector. *This episode was recorded live at the Global Smart Energy Summit 2018.

As renewable energy takes an increasingly large proportion of the energy mix, concerns remain over the inconsistent nature of the supply. DNV GL talks to Dr Martin Keller, Director at National Renewable Energy Laboratory, about the storage solutions available to help bridge these gaps, and how the nature of storage is likely to evolve in the future. In this very informative episode, we consider how the energy infrastructure must adapt to cope with a significant proportion of renewables in the energy mix. Martin shares his engaging insights into the role of the consumer in creating a two-way grid of the future, enabling customers to both take from and give back to the grid. He also considers the main drivers that will encourage consumers to engage in this way, and what regulatory and pricing incentives might need to be applied. Finally, Martin explains the impact that new technologies are having on investments into renewable energy, and gives his thoughts on the opportunities for more cost-effective storage solutions around the United Arab Emirates. *This episode was recorded live at the Global Smart Energy Summit 2018.

Can our grids cope with the growing demand for new technology solutions? In this latest podcast episode, DNV GL talks to Jeroen Scheer, Chief Technical Officer of Alliander, about the impact of new solutions and renewables on the grid, and how DSOs are preparing to cope with this increasing demand. In this informative episode, Jeroen gives his views on the main challenges faced in the energy transition from a Distribution System Operator’s perspective. He discusses the current transition from a grid managed at a national level, to one that is more regional; and the role of the TSOs and regulators. Jeroen addresses questions on - how to ensure that the grid does not become overloaded due to increasing demand; how can a utility keep up with the growing requirements for installation of renewable solutions; and what is the effect that this is having on the engineering talent pool? Finally, Jeroen shares his thoughts on the impact of the transition on retailers, and gives some insights into how they will evolve in the future. *This episode was recorded live at the Global Smart Energy Summit 2018.

What will it take for our cities to become both sustainable and carbon neutral in the future? Betty Seto, Head of Department for Sustainable Buildings and Communities at DNV GL, discusses the findings of our report, Energy Transition Framework for Cities, revealing how mid-sized cities around the world are using innovative initiatives and policies to help them to achieve their ambitious sustainability goals. In this first episode in our latest series, Betty considers the seven dimensions, or habits, adopted by highly effective cities to aid them in their ultimate goal of achieving a sustainable and carbon neutral community. She reveals how many mid-sized cities are leading the way in setting ambitious targets to achieve this, and discusses the motivation behind their strategies. Betty highlights the activities of cities such as Palo Alto, US and Bristol, UK, and explains how other cities around the world can learn from their innovative approaches. She also reflects on the role of investors, and the challenges that cities face in securing funding for their initiatives. Finally, Betty explores how partnerships with private & public sector companies can benefit cities and how the sharing of knowledge and expertise can help to achieve ambitious climate targets. *This episode was recorded live at the Global Smart Energy Summit 2018. To learn more visit https://www.dnvgl.com/publications/energy-transition-framework-for-cities-113038

A local marketplace enabling communities to choose where their power comes from - is the microgrid the future for consumers? DNV GL discusses the Brooklyn Microgrid project with Belinda Kinkead, Director of LO3 Energy, Australia, and discovers how it will transform the way that we interact with our power supply. In this thought-provoking episode, DNV GL talks to Belinda about the creation of LO3’s Brooklyn Microgrid project. Belinda explains how it is both a virtual and a physical microgrid, and what this means for the community. She also shares the challenges that the project encountered, including regulatory and scalability issues; details of how the system operates technically; and the innovative way that blockchain has enabled customers to buy and sell energy. Finally, we discuss how this type of system could help those living in natural disaster zones. *This episode was recorded live at the Singapore International Energy Week 2017.

With an abundance of devices, networks and platforms coming together to create a complex environment, how easy is it to create the perfect IoT system? Ludovic Lassauce, Director of IoT and Mobility at Tata Communications considers the benefits and challenges of global communication in today’s digital era. Modern-day businesses use a multitude of platforms, systems and networks all with different protocols and languages. So how do we ensure that they are all able to connect seamlessly? In this engaging and informative interview, Ludovic discusses the challenges in creating an increasingly connected world. He explains why customers will no longer tolerate an inability to connect globally, and introduces the Tata Communications’ platform, ‘MOVE’, which aims to enable a borderless mobile experience. Finally, Ludovic shares how advancements in communication have and will continue to impact on our lives through technology. *This episode was recorded live at the Singapore International Energy Week 2017.

Germany is leading the way in integrating renewables into their energy system. In this inspiring episode, Dr Dirk Biermann, Chief Markets and System Operations Officer at 50Hertz shares with DNV GL how 50% of renewables penetration has been achieved, and what lessons can be learnt by other countries wanting to follow suit. In this engaging interview, Dirk shares with us the three phases of successful high renewable penetration, and shares Germany’s findings on how to deal with the intermittent and decentralized nature of volatile renewables. He discusses how more adaptive pricing structures have supported the increased proportion of renewables; and shares his views on whether technology developments will have a further impact on price. He also gives us an insight into the innovative WindNODE Projekt, and discusses the delicate balance between capacity and scarcity of the power supply; alluding to what the future will hold in this regard. *This episode was recorded live at the Singapore International Energy Week 2017.

The most significant changes in the energy sector since the Industrial Revolution are upon us. DNV GL talks to CEO of VDE, Ansgar Hinz about some of the biggest issues currently affecting the energy market: the need for interconnectivity; the impact of digitalization; and the continued threat against cyber security. In this informative interview, Ansgar predicts how businesses will adapt to this drive towards digitalization and increased interconnectivity. He discusses the inevitable issues arising from an increasing number of platforms connecting; a greater number of sensors; machine learning and automated systems. Ansgar also shares his views on the steps required to manage mass data; and explains the solutions which will help us to do this most effectively. Finally, Ansgar discusses how cyber-crime is evolving; and how cross border connectivity will change the way we combat cyber-attacks in the future. *This episode was recorded live at the Singapore International Energy Week 2017.

With the increasing importance of renewable energy, grids must deal with the variability and intermittency of renewables generation. DNV GL talks to Paul Gardner, Segment Director - Storage at DNV GL, on the ongoing developments ensuring that storage solutions can support the growing energy demand. Our Energy Transition Outlook 2017 report concluded that the electricity demand will rise by 140% by 2050, and of this, 72% will be generated by renewables. However, with this transition comes challenges on output consistency. In this insightful interview, Paul gives an overview of the current solutions that will support and optimize renewable energy in the future, with a focus on storage. He explains the different options available; their most appropriate usage; and considers why some available storage technologies may no longer remain efficient in the future. Finally, as cost is often at the forefront of power generation discussions, Paul addresses what can be done to lower the cost of storage in the future . *This episode was recorded live at the Singapore International Energy Week 2017. To learn more visit www.eto.dnvgl.com

Decarbonization of our energy system is imperative to combat climate change, but also to protect our oceans. DNV GL talks to Jose Maria Figueres, former President of Costa Rica, and Co-Chair of the Global Ocean Commission, and Christiana Figueres, former Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), about the progress being made in achieving the target of a maximum temperature increase of 2 degrees, and what it will mean for our future if we fail. Decarbonization and the protection of our oceans are two sides of the same coin. In this vibrant and fascinating episode, Christiana and Jose Maria’s message to us couldn’t be clearer. We can only reach our goal by addressing these issues in tandem, and often the role of the ocean in preserving the planet’s ecosystem is taken for granted. We also discuss DNV GL’s prediction, in the Energy Transition Outlook 2017 of a global temperature increase of 2.5 degrees, and the impact that this will have not only on humanity, but also the global economy. We consider whether some of the damage already done can be reversed, and how current initiatives will help to improve the world economic situation. Finally, they consider the responsibility of fossil rich countries and how future changes are likely to impact on their geopolitical status. *This episode was recorded live at the Singapore International Energy Week 2017. To learn more visit www.eto.dnvgl.com

Whilst renewables continue to gain a significant position in the energy market, gas remains the predominant energy source for the immediate future. DNV GL talks to Tim Rockell, Director of Global Energy Institute, KPMG, and Sharad Somani, Partner in Global Infrastructure Advisory, KPMG about how gas and renewables can co-exist, and the challenges faced in financing these projects in the future. In this multi-faceted episode, Tim and Sharad discuss the new approaches being adopted to secure funding for energy projects. They share with us which types of institutions will be the predominant source of funding; how the investments can be structured to maximize yields and the challenges faced in securing funding for coal and gas projects. With the delicate balance between renewable and traditional energy sources in mind, Tim and Sharad also share their views on why coal and gas projects still have a clear role to play, and how these sources will inevitably co-exist alongside renewables in the future. *This episode was recorded live at the Singapore International Energy Week 2017.

A cleaner, more electrified world is within our reach by 2050. In this first episode, Ditlev Engel, CEO of DNV GL’s Energy business area, discusses the findings of our inaugural Energy Transition Outlook 2017, and highlights the developments that will drive the energy transition in the future. Profound changes in the energy sector are upon us, with topics such as electrification and energy efficiency leading the discussions. In this thought-provoking episode, Ditlev discusses the findings of our Energy Transition Outlook 2017, and explains why our independent forecast for the energy system takes a different approach. He also considers the rise of new technologies, and how cost will play a pivotal role in determining which of these will spearhead the facilitation of a cleaner future. Ditlev also discusses the balance between the rising demand for electricity and the overall reduction in demand for energy, and how energy efficiency is contributing to this evolution. *This episode was recorded live at the Singapore International Energy Week 2017. To learn more visit www.eto.dnvgl.com

How technologies such as machine learning, artificial intelligence and cloud technology are revolutionizing the energy sector. DNV GL talks to Danny Venables, Chief Digital Advisor at Microsoft Asia Pacific. In an inspiring and visionary interview, Danny Venables gives us an insight into the impact of digitalization on the energy market; his views on the future significance of machine learning and artificial intelligence; the advancements in technology that are transforming the soft grid into a ‘smart grid’ and the role of the cloud in enabling communication between different protocols. Danny also gives invaluable advice to companies on how to best prepare for digitalization, and shares his innovative and visionary views on how technology will change our lives in the future.

Significant changes must be made to achieve the challenging goal of net zero emissions. DNV GL talks to Shell International about their ambitions for the future and the possible routes for the evolution of the future energy system. In this week’s episode, we discuss with Brian Davis, Vice President, Integrated Energy Solutions at Shell International, what it will take to achieve the challenging goal of net zero emissions; how long it will take; and what organizations, nations and their citizens will need to do to help to achieve this aim. We also discuss how the pace of change will differ for developed and developing countries, and the impact that this will have on the overall goal.