Each moment that ticks by is a reminder of the potential of a single second. Within each second and decision lies an opportunity to accelerate the decarbonisation of energy.
If we want to achieve our net zero targets, decisions need to be sped up and policies need to change in many parts to accelerate the transition to renewable power systems.
The inflexibility of energy systems combined with the rise of renewables in the generation mix and changing climatic conditions have led to growing energy-related challenges.
At the same time, countries worldwide have set ambitious net zero targets. To meet these targets, we need to add significant amounts of renewable energy to our power systems.
However, renewables are intermittent in nature. The wind is not always blowing, and the sun is not always shining.
These fluctuations can cause instability in the grid, which requires other energy sources to respond to gaps in supply quickly and often.
The grid is like a scale, where electricity demand and output need to be in perfect balance.
When our existing power systems cannot get this balance right, instability increases. This causes higher electricity prices, recurring blackouts, and vulnerability to extreme weather conditions.
Traditional inflexible baseload power plants struggle with these fluctuations, which can cause instability in the grid.
A flexible power system is one that adapts to changing conditions with minimal disruption. There are multiple ways to add flexibility in power systems. We can enable and encourage flexibility through:
The solutions for a low-carbon future already exist today. With the right combination of flexibility and balance, we can make our existing energy systems fit for the future, if we act now.
