During the panel discussion on the infrastructure requirements for widespread electrification, the panellists agreed that smart electrification is the key to infrastructure planning. Yet, there is no one solution fit all. The innovation must be systemic and focus not only on technology but also on the market design, business cases and regulatory matters. Investment in grid systems in necessary, yet it is crucial to use, repurpose and redesign the current infrastructure not to increase the final bill for the energy transition. Finally, consumers need to get fair value for their contribution to system flexibility to reap the benefits of the transition.

Electrifying road transport

In the scene setting presentation for this session, Arina Anise, IRENA, provided an overview of the Innovation toolbox for smart electrification, focusing on Power to mobility innovation kits. "Smart electrification strategies can integrate variable renewable energy in the grid, decrease peak load, decrease grid congestion and minimize investment needs,” she remarked. The toolbox provides a range of flexibility options across transport sector which can be leveraged depending on the country's situation. For example, electrifying light duty vehicles and heavy-duty vehicles is different than electrifying 2 and 3- wheelers, more prominent in developing countries.

Siva Gunda, Vice Chair, California Energy Commission in his keynote underlined that “Climate change is making it difficult to fight climate change. We need to have a holistic plan to make the future energy system resilient and reliable.” He pointed out that demand flexibility and investments in clean transport and charging infrastructure are both critical for the decarbonisation of the transport sector.

The discussion continued with panelists outlining solutions for electrifying road transport, sharing their experiences in their implementation to date and discussing challenges ahead. The visualisation of the key points of the discussion below.

Along the events of the Innovation Week, young start-uppers engaged in the newest IRENA initiative, NewGen Renewable Energy Accelerator, discuss ideas and opportunities for a sustainable energy future. 

At @IRENA Innovation Week #IIW2023, we are shining the spotlight on #IRENAImpact ✨

Our #NewGen start-uppers are showcasing their business, promoting youth innovation and sustainability in the energy sector ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/QuzFzsdnvS

— IRENA (@IRENA) September 25, 2023

Electrifying heating and cooling in buildings

This session focuses on how innovation in smart operation of heat pumps — from residential to district heating applications — can help address issues such as electricity systems congestion, peak loads and high infrastructure costs, while integrating heat pumps in power systems. The panelists discuss the importance of combining energy efficiency measures with electricity-based solutions, how to mobilise investments and how to ensure that transformation of the sector does not bring additional complexity to power systems.

The role of consumers in electrifying the heating and cooling in buildings cannot be underestimated. Getting the end users to adopt the energy-efficient solutions, such as installing heat pumps and solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, requires creating incentives that align with their interests and priorities. The key incentive is to ensure that the cost savings and benefits outweigh the costs of the initial investment. In addition, these solutions should be designed with a deep understanding of the local context, taking into account the climate, energy sources, regulations, culture, economics, and other factors specific to the region. Customization ensures that the solutions are not only effective but also practical and sustainable in the long term.

This session concluded Day 1 of the Innovation Week 2023: Direct electrification - Renewable-powered solutions. Check the event programme for the rest of the week here.