Powerline Magazine Winter 2025

WHITE PAPER

The End Solution The Infrastructure Challenge

and there are concerns about the availability of vessels to carry clean hydrogen-derived ammonia long distance in the volumes required. Smart grid technologies: The implementation of smart grid technologies, such as intelligent sensors, communication networks and distributed control systems, is essential to optimise grid operations, enhance efficiency and manage distributed energy resources effectively. Investment costs: The transition to a decarbonised energy system requires significant upfront investments in renewable energy technologies, grid infrastructure upgrades, energy storage systems and research and development. Financing mechanisms: Innovative financing mechanisms and risk-sharing strategies are needed to attract private sector investment and mitigate the perceived risks associated with renewable energy projects. Cost-effective technologies: Continued advancements in renewable energy technologies and energy storage solutions are crucial to reduce costs and enhance their economic competitiveness, compared to traditional fossil fuel-based power generation. Public acceptance and engagement: Gaining public

Transforming the global energy infrastructure to support the transition to a net-zero carbon economy by 2050 presents a complex and multi-faceted challenge. This ambitious goal requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the technological, financial, social and political dimensions of energy infrastructure development. Scalability and deployment: Rapid and large-scale deployment of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, is essential to meet decarbonisation targets. However, the intermittent nature of these sources necessitates the development and integration of advanced energy storage technologies to ensure a reliable and consistent supply. Grid modernisation and integration: The existing electricity grid infrastructure is not designed to handle the large-scale integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) and renewable energy sources. Upgrading and modernising the grid is crucial to accommodate these new sources and ensure efficient and reliable power transmission. Hydrogen transportation: Despite positive trends in hydrogen, the Hydrogen Council reports in its Global Hydrogen Flows Update 2023 [14] that long-distance pipelines for clean hydrogen has seen limited progression,

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