Page 5 - European Energy Innovation - autumn 2019 publication
P. 5
Autumn 2019 European Energy Innovation 5
FOREWORD
The publishers of European Energy Foreword
Innovation would like to offer their Notre maison brûle
sincere thanks to all individuals
and organisations who have In August 2002, then French President Chirac addressed the Johannesburg
contributed editorial images photos Earth Summit with the words “Notre maison brûle et nous regardons
and illustrations to the magazine. ailleurs”. Atmospheric CO2 levels that year were in the range of 375ppm.
Whilst every effort has been made This August, with atmospheric CO2 standing at 411 ppm, French President
to ensure accuracy of the content, Macron addressed the G7 summit and paraphrased Chirac with the words:
the publishers of European Energy “Notre maison brûle. Littéralement.” Unfortunately, his observations on
Innovation accept no responsibility the fires burning in the Amazon basin met a less than diplomatic reaction
for errors or omissions. that seems unlikely to douse the flames; and Brazil has angrily rejected a
proposed financial package designed with just that in mind. The ensuing
The contents of European Energy debate has in part distracted attention from the near-apocalyptic scenes in
Innovation are protected by the rainforest. It is an apt – if uncomfortable – metaphor.
copyright.
Against such a discouraging geopolitical backdrop, we explore in this issue
All rights reserved. how digitalisation and decarbonisation are more than alliterative partners
in the decarbonisation of Europe’s energy systems. Géraldine de Decker
European Energy Innovation is reviews how these two “megatrends” will evolve together, commenting that
published by: AI has as much power to transform our world as the arrival of the steam
Prologue Media Ltd engine or electricity did in their time. She explores how AI can facilitate
1a Shire Lane decarbonisation through smart grids by improving efficiency and reducing
Chorleywood waste; and through the electrification of transport through improved battery
Hertfordshire WD3 5NQ management algorithms. She comments upon importance of AI in data
United Kingdom centres before showcasing Eurelectric’s forthcoming AI discussion forum,
which looks to facilitate collaboration between the tech sector and the
Tel: +44 1923 286238 utilities. Jeremy Sung of the IEA takes a deeper look at how digitalisation
www.europeanenergyinnovation.eu of our homes and businesses is modernising energy efficiency. He explains
that, underpinned by the growth of high speed communication systems,
To obtain additional it is a question of how data is gathered, how it is analysed and how it is
copies please email info@ then acted upon, using technologies such as smart metering and intelligent
europeanenergyinnovation.eu building energy management systems. Meanwhile, he mentions the latest
IEA cross-agency initiative that will explore the impacts of digitalisation on
Editor energy efficiency and the implications for policymakers.
Michael Edmund
editor@europeanenergyinnovation.eu Brigitte Hasewend reminds us of the urgency with which we need to take
climate action, and seeks to explain the factors influencing the rate of
Business Development Director change. Among the obstacles that she explores are policy and governance
Philip Beausire issues at national rather than global level, and the lack of climate-relevant
philip@europeanenergyinnovation.eu synergies between energy and other utility grids. The solutions she
proposes include a more holistic approach involving strategic corridors for
Director of Communications innovation; and new education and training models designed for new skills
Sophia Silvert and job profiles.
Mob: +32 4737 30322
sophia@europeanenergyinnovation.eu With new IMO Global Sulphur Cap legislation imminent, we feature a
timely reminder from Isabelle Ryckbost. She says that the recent europe-
Design & Production wide elections, which will usher in a new Commission with new priorities,
RayHeathDesign.com represent an excellent opportunity to set new priorities for the port sector.
ESPO has published a memorandum to this effect. “More than a shopping
Website design list”, she says, it seeks to explain how ports can be a strategic partner in
pulseart.co.uk Europe’s digitalisation and decarbonisation.
Print We clearly need to act on climate change: atmospheric levels of CO2
The Magazine Printing Company, continue to rise remorselessly, while the BBC recently reported warnings
Enfield, Middlesex, United Kingdom that “Greenland’s massive ice sheet may have melted by a record amount
this year.” It is a grim irony that all that extra water should become available
as our house is burning.
And there is a lot more for you to read inside…
Michael Edmund
Editor
www.europeanenergyinnovation.eu
