Innovating for a clean energy transition | Part 2: the technology that’s driving change

The role of technology in the energy transition has been talked about for years. In a speech at the Leaders Summit on Climate in 2021, International Energy Agency Director Fatih Birol said: “IEA analysis shows that about half the reductions to get to net zero emissions in 2050 will need to come from technologies that are not yet ready for market. This calls for massive leaps in innovation. Innovation across batteries, hydrogen, synthetic fuels, carbon capture and many other technologies.” So what major advances in technology have we seen in the industry since that speech? And what role does current technology have in driving innovation in the industry? From Google’s AI-driven efficiency programs to cutting-edge technologies improving grid performance, this month we’re looking at the tech that’s needed to accelerate the path to net zero. Carolyn and Laura are joined by Neil Osborne, Google’s Chief Energy Evangelist (yes that’s the real title), as he shares how the company is using AI to optimise energy usage. As Carolyn explains, data centres are energy-hungry. So at the same time they’re saving energy with AI optimisations, they’re using it. How are companies like Google addressing this dilemma? Other key technologies discussed in this episode are:  Dynamic Line Ratings (DLR): This technology is already helping National Grid to unlock up to 40% extra capacity for electricity to flow safely through their power lines. We speak to Alex Houghtaling from DLR operator LineVision to find out more. Smart Conductors: Jason Huang from TS Conductor joins Laura and discusses revolutionary smart conductor technology that measures temperature and sag in real time. This can help utilities push more power through the grid safely and optimise capacity, aiding the global transition to renewables. Battery Storage Safety: Eric Stein from Viridi explains how advanced lithium-ion battery storage systems, initially developed for NASA, are making grid storage safer and more reliable. AI for Grid Maintenance: National Grid uses AI to monitor and maintain the condition of its infrastructure, from predicting the impacts of climate change on vital assets to analysing the network via autonomous drones. Gary Stockdale, National Grid’s Net Zero Innovation Manager, discusses how innovation is helping them to work smarter in the mission to net zero.