The smart grid technology set to combat energy losses

The 21st edition of the Economic Forum that was held in Krynica Zdrój, saw Schneider Electric initiate a debate on energy efficiency called “How can Smart Grid meet the challenges in the energy sector”. The panel of speakers included Aaron Davis, board member of Schneider Electric and Thomas Becker, Governmental Affairs Director for BMW.
    
“As the demand for electricity is rising, the most important drawback is that only one out of three units of energy produced by a device can reach the level for utilization. Significant gains for household and companies can be reached by tackling the issue of energy losses, called “negawats” or unused megawatts. This is why an evolution is necessary in the energy chain value”, explained Aaron David, board member of Schneider Electric.

The global demand for energy increases at a constant pace. The development rate is forecasted to reach 2.2 percent per year. Thus, the global energy consumption is expected to increase from the current value of 20300 Kw (TWh) to 33.000KW (TWh) by 2030. The level of carbon emissions can be reduced by 15 percent by implementing the Smart Grid program. The energy consumption can be optimized through smart meters and grids, meaning that the energy will be directed from the producer to the final consumer, or from professional consumers towards the grid.

David added that by replacing the traditional linear grids with the smart and interactive alternative, the energy grids can be monitored in real time, forecasting consumption and adjusting the energy distribution. The green energy will also play an important role in the smart grids, as scattered sources of green energies can be connected through the main grid.

Thomas Becker, Governmental Affairs Director for BMW, highlighted the role of electrical cars in depositing energy. Becker believes that these deposits have great potential as they can be used in households as energy generators.

The potential of professional consumers can be enhanced by connecting micro-sources to the Smart grid, but further changes in the legal framework should allow investors to develop new energy sources.        

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