The Grid Edge Revolution: Innovative Drivers Towards Net-Zero Energy

Dec 11, 2019

Our way of life is dependent on abundant and reliable energy supplies. Energy helps to give us warmth, mobility and food as well as satisfying our need for information and communication.

It has helped to drive huge advances — most recently in computing, networking and social media. But this development has come at a cost, particularly in terms of CO2 output and climate change. Today there is public and political pressure to move quickly, to radically reduce carbon emissions, and to achieve net-zero energy. At the same time, recent technological developments — including AI and data driven systems — are creating new forms of connectedness and opening up new opportunities for the way the world creates and uses energy. These advances are helping to make multiple, small and green energy sources more viable, and to create more efficient trading. They are helping to give people greater control over their energy use. In time, they will decouple energy service and use. At the heart of this transition is the grid edge — the interface between the grid, the final consumer and the technologies that connect to it.

This whitepaper examines developments at the grid edge and their impact on the transition to a net-zero energy system. Section 1 covers the social implications of this change. It examines the phases of the transition and the drivers behind it — notably the 5Ds of decarbonization, decentralization, decoupling, digitization and democratization. Section 2 looks at the technologies and business models involved. It examines the business case for owners and the potential risks of such a transition.

We show how innovations at the grid edge are helping to drive one of the most radical transitions in human history — a move from a centralized energy system to one that is more decentralized, more local and more efficient. Towards an energy system that is more democratic and where individuals have more control. An energy system that meets the needs of the global population, but that also benefits the planet.

This white paper was first published by Siemens online. Download the full document here.