Executive Vice President of Europe Operations - Member of the Executive Committee at Schneider Electric; Board member of AirFrance KLM
While global renewable energy capacity surged by 50% in 2023 and the EU surpassed fossil fuel generation for the first time, we still face challenges in reaching the COP28 goal of tripling renewable energy by 2030. The question we should be asking isn’t, "Can we overcome these hurdles?" but rather, "What actions can we take to overcome them?" This was the focus of the session I attended at the International Economic Forum of the Americas Conference of Paris alongside Svein Tore Holsether, Dominique Mockly, and Anne-Laure de Chammard. Firstly, we already have the technology needed for decarbonization; the real challenge lies in scaling it. To promote the adoption of digital solutions, we must highlight the economic advantages of renewables and energy efficiency technologies. Research indicates that industries worldwide could save $147 billion annually by 2030 through improved energy efficiency. Secondly, digitalization is essential for modernizing our grids. While renewables and storage are critical, the success of the energy transition depends on having reliable, efficient, and secure grid infrastructure. Lastly, technology must work hand in hand with our people. To tackle the current skills gap, we need to equip the workforce with the necessary training and tools to drive a low-carbon economy for this generation and the next. The path forward is clear: by focusing on these key areas, we can achieve both economic growth and climate goals—creating a true win-win scenario. #ConfPARIS #Renewables #Digitization #Europe #Grids
Great points, Gwenaelle. The clock is ticking and there is much to do. Thanks for the important dicussion.
Sales & Operations Director at RMT Reliability | Enhancing Operational Excellence through Technology
2dGreat discussion. Commonwealth Fusion Systems, in collaboration with Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Plasma Science and Fusion Center, is developing SPARC—the world’s first fusion device capable of producing plasmas that generate more energy than they consume. This groundbreaking achievement will make SPARC the first net-energy fusion machine, marking a pivotal moment in the pursuit of safe, carbon-free, and virtually limitless fusion power. The solution is definitely here. We just need to harness them!