There are several core elements to the energy transition causing energy companies to evolve. 3D — Decarbonisation Decentralisation, Digitalisation — are the cornerstones of the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Decarbonisation
As the severe problems related to climate change are taking place around the world, all the sectors are joining the sustainable movement, aiming to keep the earth cool. Decarbonisation refers to the collection of measures and techniques developed to reduce the carbon footprint. While the energy sectors are one of the carbon emitters, they are under the pressure to make a significant reduction of carbon emission.
Decentralisation
The traditional energy system is very centralised, while the transportation of energy causes a certain amount of consumption. In other words, distributing power from the power plants on a single site is considered to be not efficient. Hence, the trend leads to the decentralisation of the energy system. The decentralization of power generation consists of giving priority to smaller and local energy generating plants. Decentralisation will bring local communities and individual closer. Developing renewable energy generating technologies can foster the decentralisation.
Digitalisation
While the grid got decentralised, technology will need to step in to ensure the energy supply to be consistent and secure. There will be a huge demand for IT talents and developer to engage in the improvement of the energy grid. The digitalisation of the energy industries has taken place. For instance, the EU aims to replace more than 80% of electricity meters with smart meters before 2020 wherever it is cost-effective to do so. There is now talk of interlinking smalle scale power plants with a reliable power system. To trace the energy consumption and understand the trend to balance the supply and demand especially during peak hours. We will need to disclose a certain amount of information and open discussion with citizens.
