Wednesday Feb 20, 2019
Disruptive innovation & the traditional energy company
In a landscape defined by disruptors, what is the role of an energy company with a heritage in traditional energies? Wouter van Wersch, Vice President of General Electric (GE), looks at how they fit into the changing energy world, and considers the specific needs of Southeast Asia. In this insightful episode, we discuss the progress of the energy transition in the ASEAN region and GE’s role in developing the infrastructure needed to meet the region’s huge demand for electricity. With its mix of markets from the mature to those where millions have no electricity, Wouter outlines the pressing need for improved infrastructure in Asia, where investment is needed not only in generation but also transmission and new technology. He describes how smart data can reduce the environmental impact of traditional energy sources deployed alongside renewables. Finally, he highlights how governments in the region can support variable grids and other elements of the energy transition through the introduction of incentives and new regulatory frameworks. *This episode was recorded live at the Singapore International Energy Week 2018.