The EU Energy Conference in Dublin has focused on the implementation of a new energy mix this week. It is expected that the European electricity sector will begin to make deep cuts in carbon emissions from 2025 onwards.
In order to really achieve such cuts, it is crucial that policymakers and stakeholders set the course now, and industries must take action to stay competitive while meeting targets.
Powerful grids form the base for the integration of large shares of renewable energies. To a large extend that will be energy coming from solar and wind, and they are by nature intermittent and unevenly distributed geographically. Strong cables across Europe can lead electricity from the area of occurrence to areas of need, or be directed to storage power stations in the Alps, where water can be pumped to higher reservoirs and later be released as surge current. The “Merit Order Effect” will help to even out peak demands and create a more balanced flow.
Intelligent devices can for example switch on washing machines when demand is low, and avoid further load on peak times like the morning or midday peak. Customers can be efficient in managing their power consumption in their homes and businesses and distribution grids can be relieved. Smart meters will also be able to count in- and outgoing energy, for example when private households create their own electricity through solar panels.
Electricity markets have to be restructured to accommodate a large proportion of renewable energy, but whilst now investments are necessary, in the long run the system will be more efficient as well as sustainable.![]()
Powerful grids are also a measure to limit distribution losses which accumulate to more than 6% of all electricity produced!
The increasing the share of renewable energy sources “will lead to major challenges for the European power industry” but is also a great opportunity that will bring about quality jobs, personal awareness about energy and a sustainable lifestyle for future generations.
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