According to the International Energy Outlook 2017, world energy consumption will increase by 28 per cent between 2015 and 2040. But, what changes will have to take place to meet this growing demand? Here, Jürgen Resch, Energy Industry Manager at industrial software expert COPA-DATA, gives his outlook on what 2018 has in store for the industry.
Renewable energy
What was once referred to as ‘alternative energy’, is no longer alternative. Renewable sources, like solar, wind, hydroelectric and geothermal power are viable options that are already effectively serving the energy grid — and the market doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. In fact, according to Bloomberg’s top energy analysts, 72 per cent of the $10.2 trillion global spend on new power generation will be invested in new wind and solar photovoltaic plants.
Despite high levels of investment, renewable energy isn’t always reliable, due to its intermittent nature. Solar or wind power, for example, is not always functional when there is a lack of sunlight or air current and managing this will be a continuing challenge in 2018. Nevertheless, renewables have secured their role in the energy portfolio and are rapidly gaining market share.
Energy storage
Developments for energy storage have increased in recent years, as a way to support the increased and sporadic generation of energy from renewable sources.
Energy storage is the basis of many the new technologies that will join us in 2018 — including Tesla’s famous Gigafactory, which aims to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy through affordable energy products and the company’s flagship electric vehicles.
Distributed energy resources (DERs)
The transition from a traditional, centralised power grid to a more distributed one will bring significant changes in 2018.
DERs have the potential to provide power, capacity and ancillary services to the grid, but as utilities begin to explore the capabilities of DERs more challenges will need addressing. This includes incorporating intermittent generation from renewable sources, which, again, calls for developments in decentralised energy storage technology.
Blockchain
Europe’s first blockchain project to stabilise the power grid was launched in the final quarter of 2017 — and the project’s success has already begun to lead the way for the future of flexibility in the energy market using blockchain technology.
In Germany, power grid operator, TenneT implemented blockchain technology to better manage the flow of new energy sources when it is added to the grid. Meanwhile, storage firm Sonnen provided batteries to homeowners that allow them to store the power generated in their home when they are not using it.
The project, which is still in the pilot phase, is the first of its kind to use blockchain technology in Europe and is leading the way for the future of integrating renewable energy sources into the grid.
Internet of Things (IoT)
Not necessarily new for 2018, but the Internet of Things (IoT) will remain core to managing these technological changes in the energy sector. With intelligent monitoring of connected sensors on smart meters, substations and DERs, the insight derived from these devices will be used to ensure safer on-boarding of distributed energy, provide secure energy storage and solve critical problems as part of blockchain.
The sector is experiencing rapid changes, but these trends should not be considered distinct or separate categories. In fact, the convergence of these trends is required to drive real change in the sector. Of course, comprehensive software will play an important role in connecting these new technologies with the real world.
According to the International Energy Outlook 2017 worldwide energy demand shows no signs of slowing down. To make the most of new generation methods, such as renewables, the industry must embrace new technology to manage the increasingly complex grid.
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On COPA-DATA
COPA-DATA is the technological leader for ergonomic and highly dynamic process solutions. The company, founded in 1987, develops the software zenon for HMI/SCADA, Dynamic Production Reporting and integrated PLC systems at its headquarters in Austria. zenon is sold through its own offices in Europe, North America and Asia, as well as partners and distributors throughout the world. Customers benefit from local contact persons and local support thanks to a decentralised corporate structure. As an independent company, COPA-DATA can act quickly and flexibly, continues to set new standards in functionality and ease of use and leads the market trends. Over 100,000 installed systems in more than 90 countries provide companies in the Food & Beverage, Energy & Infrastructure, Automotive and Pharmaceutical sectors with new scope for efficient automation.
On zenon
zenon is a software system from COPA-DATA for industrial automation and the energy industry. Machines and equipment are controlled, monitored and optimized. zenon’s particular strength is open and reliable communication in heterogeneous production facilities. Open interfaces and over 300 native drivers and communication protocols support the horizontal and vertical integration. This allows for continuous implementation of the Industrial IoT and the Smart Factory. Projects with zenon are highly scalable.
zenon is ergonomic, both for the engineer and for the end user. The engineering environment is flexible and can be used for a wide range of applications. The principle of “setting parameters instead of programming” helps engineers to configure projects quickly and without errors. Complex functions for comprehensive projects are supplied out-of-the-box to create intuitive and robust applications. Users can thereby contribute to increased flexibility and efficiency with zenon.
Your contact persons:
Your COPA-DATA contact:
Martyn Williams
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