Data and innovation are revolutionizing the grid | Podcast

The energy transition will put a huge pressure on the grid. In order to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, annual investment must increase from today's 1 trillion to 4 trillion by 2030. This will fund new technologies such as renewables and storage, but also upgrade the energy grid for transmission and distribution. Outdated power grids in urban areas are currently largely unable to integrate necessary renewable energy sources.

The technology to propel us through the energy transition already exists. The puzzle to solve is how to use it most efficiently. There's not a one size fits all solution to upgrading the grid, but data and smart infrastructure are emerging solutions that promise to drive efficiencies across the network. Every percentage point increase in energy efficiency or energy reduction moves the needle globally in tackling climate change.

On the Interchange: Recharged, host David Banmiller chairs a panel discussion with three experts in grid innovation. Rachel Steinberg is Head of Mesa, an initiative from Google's Sidewalk Labs on a mission to drive energy efficiencies in buildings. Josh Chappell is Head of Engineering on the project and also joins us to discuss the technology behind it. The modernisation of the grid is crucial for the energy transition, so understanding these elements is key. To explore the policy reforms and investment driving the changes to the grid is Wood Mackenzie’s Sam Howe, Research Analyst in Building Decarbonisation.

Together, they examine the pioneering ways that clean electricity is directed to the right place.

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