The European Union’s electricity sector is at a key moment, as the integration of sustainability and renewable energy sources require new innovative solutions that contribute to increased efficiency and security of energy production and distribution. The energy sector is currently undergoing a transition towards a smarter, more sustainable model. This includes innovation and digitalisation through a global drive to increase energy efficiency and to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. The challenge for the power sector is to develop new business models and markets that meet energy needs, support system operations and adapt to new technologies. To address these challenges together, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has formulated the concept of systemic innovation, which emphasises the importance of innovation in the global energy transition. It is a circular process that not only involves technologies, but also requires innovation in market design, system operation and business models to successfully transform the energy sector and to achieve the energy transition.
As part of this process, a number of technologies have already been applied successfully in other segments – such as data analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, digital twins, blockchain, IoT and three-dimensional models – to modernise and to benefit consumers.
As shown in the power system innovation diagram, the emergence of new technologies requires new options and solutions to operate the power system, such as innovative ways of operating the distribution network, new processes to increase the flexibility of the electricity system, and innovative approaches to reduce the constraints caused by variable renewable energy sources (VRE). System changes are having an impact on the market, requiring the development of new markets and the restructuring of existing ones to create new business opportunities and to provide the value-added services needed in the renewable electricity system. This process will highlight innovations that create business opportunities for new services, enhance the resilience of the energy system through pioneering business models, and encourage the rapid integration of solar and wind technologies. These business models can be used to expand consumer choices or increase the availability of renewable energy (International Renewable Energy Agency: Innovation landscape for a renewable-powered future, 2019). In summary, innovative solutions that impact on all elements of the energy system need to create cross-system synergies that lead to systemic innovation.
At Enasco, we provide techno-economic analysis as part of our advisory services and have strong technological knowledge in the energy transition. Our experience enables us to evaluate all available options and identify the most suitable path for your business. Please, let us know if you would like to learn more about the electricity distribution system’s innovative solutions.
Energy Activated Citizens and Data-Driven Energy-Secure Communities for a Consumer-Centric Energy System ENPOWER is a Horizon Europe project initiative which will design, develop and demonstrate
The European Union’s electricity sector is at a key moment, as the integration of sustainability and renewable energy sources require new innovative solutions that contribute to increased efficiency and security of energy production and distribution.
There are many definitions for community engagement but in its simplest terms community engagement seeks to better engage citizens to achieve long-term and sustainable results, processes, relationships or implementation.
