Shale Gas as a Low-Carbon Energy Source for Europe

In my past posts I discussed examples of the transformation of the grid through a revolution in technology that will in turn provide extraordinary benefits for utilities, their customers and society. But, as has been the case in the telecommunications utility business, it will enable disruptive forces that will erode incumbent utilities’ market share and financial performance unless they develop new strategies and business models.

From many perspectives, China is a global powerhouse. China is the world’s second largest economy in terms of GDP, the world’s largest energy consumer, and a global leader in renewable energy investment. China is also the world’s biggest greenhouse gas emitter. It is no surprise, then, that when it comes to global climate change negotiations, many nations are looking for China to step up and play a role more in line with its global economic and emissions status.

This week in Doha, Qatar, world leaders are struggling with how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions fast enough, and in amounts great enough, to protect people from the droughts, food shortages, rising sea levels, and severe weather events that climate change is likely to bring.

For the first time, developing countries have won recognition of the danger they face from climate change, securing a promise from developing countries that they will receive funding to repair the “loss and damage” incurred. US negotiators fought hard against this proposal and made sure no term implying legal liability was used, to avoid the possibility of litigation; the money will instead be described as aid. It is already being called “damage aid.”

Orlando residents and businesses spend more than $600 million annually on electricity. Consider the opportunity of reinvesting a growing percentage of that annual cost in energy efficiency, solar and other sustainable investments. These are the jobs of the future that put our residents to work now and will help us attract more “green jobs.” This is precisely Orlando’s long-term energy and sustainability strategy.

To understand the scale of the task facing utilities, consider the impact of smart meters. Typically, standard analog meters were read once a month, for a single number representing energy consumed. A digital smart meter, by comparison, might relay a variety of indicators every 15 minutes or more frequent. Those updates pile up fast, to 35,000 per year. If not properly managed, the 3,000-fold increase in data volume could be overwhelming.