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GHD drives debate at Energy LIVE 2024 on whether we can electrify everything

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At a glance

Energy LIVE 2024 In Houston brought together over 3,000 global energy leaders, innovators, and policymakers to explore the challenges and opportunities of the global energy transition. Held at the cutting edge of clean energy innovation, the event showcased advancements in electrification, hydrogen technology, energy storage, and policy frameworks needed to achieve net-zero goals. As the world moves toward decarbonisation, Energy LIVE 2024 highlighted the critical need for collaboration, innovation, and action across industries to address the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions.
     
GHD Future Energy reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating the global energy transition. Insights from Energy LIVE 2024, where over 3,000 energy leaders gathered, highlight critical solutions such as electrification, hydrogen, and advanced energy storage to achieve a low-carbon future.

The Great Electrification Debate

The path to a net-zero emissions future dominated discussions at Energy LIVE 2024, with GHD global energy leaders Dr Tej Gidda and Dr Peter Benyon taking centre stage in The Great Electrification Debate. Speaking to an audience of industry insiders, policymakers, and innovators, they presented contrasting visions of the role electrification will play in the global energy transition. Dr Benyon championed the promise of green electricity, emphasising its potential to revolutionise energy systems and reduce emissions across sectors. In contrast, Dr Gidda highlighted the economic and logistical barriers that accompany such an ambitious shift, particularly in regions with limited renewable infrastructure or heavy reliance on fossil fuels.

This dynamic session underscored the high stakes and complexities of the energy transition. Panelists and attendees explored whether full electrification is achievable on a global or regional scale, debating how regional strategies, advancements in renewable integration, and complementary technologies like hydrogen and sustainable fuels could address challenges. The session exemplified GHD's commitment to fostering critical dialogue and actionable insights, providing a platform to tackle the multifaceted challenges of achieving net-zero ambitions.

(To read the full report from Energy LIVE 2024, click on the button below)

  

Download the report

Advancing electrification: balancing regional realities

Building on the insights from The Great Electrification Debate, discussions at Energy LIVE 2024 explored how electrification can be tailored to meet diverse regional needs. Experts emphasised that while electrification is a key pillar of decarbonisation, its success depends on addressing disparities in energy infrastructure and resources. In regions with mature renewable energy systems, scaling electrification can significantly reduce emissions.

However, in areas reliant on fossil fuels, challenges persist in ensuring reliable and affordable clean energy. Investment in grid modernisation, energy storage technologies, and supportive regulatory frameworks emerged as critical priorities to bridge these gaps. By focusing on regional realities, electrification can become a cornerstone of the global energy transition while complementing other clean energy solutions.                                        

Energy Storage: Unlocking the Potential of Renewables

Energy storage solutions were highlighted as a critical enabler of electrification and renewable energy integration. At Energy LIVE 2024, experts discussed advancements in battery technology, long-duration storage, and grid-level applications that address the intermittency of renewable sources like wind and solar.

Emerging technologies, such as flow batteries and thermal storage, offer scalable and sustainable alternatives to traditional lithium-ion systems. Attendees stressed the importance of scaling up storage deployment and overcoming supply chain challenges to meet growing demand. As electrification and renewable adoption accelerate, energy storage provides the stability needed to support reliable power systems and pave the way for a resilient, decarbonized energy future. Together, these innovations form the backbone of a sustainable global energy transition.

    

The benefits of electrification are clear - cleaner air, lower noise pollution, and significant cost savings. Green electricity is not simply better for the environment; it is also healthier and more affordable for communities - Dr Peter Benyon

We don’t currently have enough power generation to electrify everything. The anticipated increases in demand are already outpacing our ability to generate new power, and we are struggling to meet existing needs - Dr Tej Gidda


Peter Benyon & Tej Gidda

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