Northwestern Events Calendar

Jun
15
2021

The Economist: Powering a net-zero emissions future: Transforming the grid to accelerate the energy transition (Online)

When: Tuesday, June 15, 2021
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CT

Where: online webinar,

Audience: Public

Contact: Jeff Henderson   (847) 467-1972

Group: Trienens Institute private

Category: Other, Global & Civic Engagement

Description:

For nearly a century the electric grid has played a fundamental role in our everyday lives, from heating our homes and lighting work spaces to operating our appliances. But events such as February’s blackout in Texas was a stark reminder of how much we take for granted our access to a stable and secure power supplyㅡand the potential for widespread disruption when this fails.

Since grid networks were first established, power consumption has changed dramaticallyㅡa trend that will only accelerate as we move closer to net-zero emissions future. With businesses and governments seeking to minimise the use of fossil fuels, renewable energy and electrification will be increasingly relied upon to power operations and services, from transport and construction to the heating of homes and business. Meeting this demand will require a grid that is decentralised, smart, resilient and flexible. So how do we get there?

This webinar brings together experts and leaders in grid technology, renewable energy and electric mobility to examine how the grid can be transformed to support a net-zero emissions future.

What infrastructure investments are required to integrate and support increased production of renewable and distributed energy?   
How can the grid be made resilient to extreme weather events and more flexible to accomodate the variability of renewable energy sources? 
How can digital technology be harnessed to predict, adapt and respond to changing demand? 
How can grid infrastructure be adapted to changing consumer needs and to accomodate the participation of new stakeholders? 
How will the role of the grid operator evolve in the future and why?

Moderated by Cailin Birch, Global economist, The Economist Intelligence Unit

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