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T he reality of the energy transition is beyond dispute. All elements of industry analysis arrive at the same conclusion: it’s a deep, transversal and ongoing process that brings hope in the fight against climate change. It can also deliver positive social and financial returns – particularly where energy providers are willing to adopt a forward-thinking approach. However, consumer uncertainty and artificial polarisation persist in some contexts, leading to reservations about our collective ability to progress with the energy transition at the required pace. Despite being set against this challenging backdrop, the data paints a clear and optimistic picture. The drivers of progress are more powerful than the stoppers. In fact, it’s a realistic expectation that we can The energy transition is well underway, with technology, supply chains and w>V>ViÌÛië>Û}Ì i«>Ì v «À}ÀiÃð9iÌ]ÕV}ÌÃvÕ«ÌiÌ> depends on consumer behaviour and ÃÞÃÌiVÛ>Ì° Þ`iÃ}} inclusive, intuitive solutions and empowering individuals, organisations can accelerate a fair and impactful transition, says Miguel Sabel Pereira…
actually accelerate the energy transition, rather than simply maintain the status quo. The key to achieving this lies at the intersection of innovation, behaviour and systems design. The foundations are laid We’re already in a strong position to accelerate the energy transition. The technology and supply chains are in place, while the level of potential efficiency gains and cost reduction to be achieved can credibly be described as exponential. These gains will be accessible at scale, as solar and battery manufacturing capacity reaches the requisite levels to hit net-zero targets between 2022 and 2025. The financial and societal incentives are well established, too. For most locations and scenarios, renewables are the rational and financially savvy option. And, of course, the climate emergency hasn’t gone anywhere. On the contrary – its implications are getting closer and closer for all of us. Human behaviour is crucial Yet the fact remains: a technology and business transformation wave of the scale and depth of the energy transition needs more than technological and commercial drivers. Customers’ attitudes and behaviours greatly affect innovation adoption at an individual level, and diffusion at a macro one. We must acknowledge that it’s us humans who will greatly define the pace of the energy transition – our attitudes and behaviors rule our purchasing preferences, the lifestyles we lead and how we influence policymakers, after all.
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THE FUTURE OF ENERGY
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