DNV Talks Energy

Adapting to the modern energy consumer

How must energy companies adapt to serve their consumers? Philippe Monloubou CEO of Enedis, the electricity distribution system operator that delivers energy to 95% in France, looks at how the modern consumer is driving the energy transition.
In this intriguing episode, Philippe tells us how changing consumer behaviours are leading to the development of local energy communities. As Enedis undertakes a major roll-out of smart meters, Philippe looks at how this huge volume of new data can be used to create a smarter network. He acknowledges the need for the industry to be brave about digitalization, believing ‘the bigger risk is not to adapt’ to the new landscape. Philippe explores the potential of microgrids, with the promise of access to electricity for all. He then talks about how people’s perceptions & behaviors towards electric vehicles are changing, and with increased demand & new technologies how companies like Enedis need to take quick steps to adapt to the change. Finally, Phillippe shares his takeaways from the Singapore International Energy Week: the emergence of both a sense of a shared challenge and the development of corresponding solutions.
*This episode was recorded live at the Singapore International Energy Week 2018.

Driving the growth of renewables

Growth of the renewable energy sector is essential to the Energy Transition but what challenges must the industry overcome in order to unlock that growth? Girish Tanti, co-founder and board member of Suzlon Energy, talks to us about the remarkable rise of his business in India and his unique perspective on the role wind plays in driving this rise in renewables.
In this inspiring episode, Girish shares his first-hand experience of scaling a renewables business and the challenges he faced and overcame on his journey from an industrial energy customer to energy provider. He tells us that those challenges vary widely by region and even by country in terms of renewable types, existing infrastructure and regulatory frameworks. Finally, we discuss the important roles of digitalization, customer demand, pricing and finance in the successful growth of the renewable energy sector.
*This episode was recorded live at the Singapore International Energy Week 2018.

New technologies, security and the grid

In a world where information is having an ever-increasing impact on the nature of the grid, what are the implications of new technologies for data security and utilities’ business models?
Drawing on his 20 years’ of experience, Martin Hauske, Asia Pacific Energy Segment Sales Leader at Nokia Networks, considers whether utilities, distribution grid operators and technology providers are working in isolation, and how they can come together. Martin discusses how a standardization of communication protocols could help companies move forward. While 5G and fast communication present questions of security, Martin describes the security solutions that can be applied to utilities. He looks at how technology and regulation can play together and believes utility companies must evolve in their role. Finally, Martin tells us how he is inspired by the ‘aggressive visions’ he has seen at the Singapore International Energy Week.
*This episode was recorded live at the Singapore International Energy Week 2018.

Financing the energy transition

How must banks and governments adapt their understanding of renewables and related technologies to better support the energy transition? Xiaodong Wang, Senior Energy Specialist at The World Bank, considers the many roles they play, not just as a lender, but also as a source of knowledge and a policy adviser.
In this insightful episode, Xiaodong highlights policy-making as the main driver in creating market demand to bring in investment. Focusing on Southeast Asia, she tells us that she believes we must overcome the myth that renewables are more expensive and acknowledges that investors struggle to find bankable projects in the region. Banks, she says, will come to understand that clean energy is good for their bottom line, and that after initial resistance, utilities too will get on board. Finally, Xiaodong addresses the urgency issue highlighted in DNV’s 2018 Energy Transition Outlook and The World Bank’s Climate Change Strategy.
*This episode was recorded live at the Singapore International Energy Week 2018.

Megatrends: The Energy Transition Outlook 2018

How have the energy megatrends changed? Ditlev Engel, CEO of DNV’s Energy business, tells us about the 2018 Energy Transition Outlook (ETO) and contrasts its vision with the findings of the first ETO report, published in 2017.
In this first episode in our latest series, Ditlev reveals how rapid electrification and the rise of renewables are driving the energy transition. Despite this, our latest Outlook predicts that the world is not on track to meet the Paris Agreement climate goals. With this in mind, Ditlev stresses the need for action. His advice that: ‘Whatever we can do, we must’, is a timely reminder to governments and the industry not to play a waiting game. With the ever-improving efficiency of energy technologies, he sees the global energy transition as both achievable and affordable. Finally, Ditlev reveals how businesses can lead the way, advocating the power of engagement to accelerate change.
*This episode was recorded live at the Singapore International Energy Week 2018.

Bringing smart & sustainable mobility to cities

Will we all be driving around in shared autonomous electric vehicles in the future? DNV talks to Franck Vitte, Managing Director of BlueSG, Singapore’s first electric car sharing service about the future of transportation in cities.
In this final episode of the current series, Franck explains BlueSG’s decision to bring shared electric vehicles to Singapore; the challenges that they have faced; and what he believes the future holds. He also shares his views on why the city state is the ideal setting for the car sharing model and why, despite the country’s limited levels of renewable energy generation, this is still an energy efficient proposition. Finally, Franck gives us an insight into the future of electric vehicles and how they can still capture the imagination of the car enthusiast.

Cyber security: Combatting the threats

Many companies are adopting new technologies to improve their capabilities, but is this making them more vulnerable to cyber attacks? DNV talks to Magda Chelly, Managing Director of Responsible Cyber, about the risks of operating in an increasingly digitalized corporate landscape, and how businesses can better protect themselves.
In this insightful episode, Magda gives us her definition of cyber security; explains what she means by the three key cyber security pillars of people, technology and process; and why these are critical to preventing cyber attacks. She also details some of the challenges faced in protecting our data, and provides her views on how the risks of attacks can be reduced. Finally, Magda gives us an insight into the perpetrators of these attacks, and how they are also using developments in technology to their advantage.

Digitalization and the future of mobility

With Formula E shining the light on the e-vehicle revolution it has never been a more exciting time for the future of transport. We talk to Johan de Villiers Managing Director of ABB in South East Asia, about how digitalization, electrification and developments in battery storage are transforming how we get around.
In this forward-thinking episode, Johan shares ABB decision to become the series sponsor for the Formula E motor racing championship, and how this exciting new sporting series is helping to pioneer developments in sustainable transport. He explains how developing technologies are facilitating e-vehicles’ rise in popularity; the impact of digitalization through car sharing apps and autonomous vehicles; and the resulting challenges faced by the grid and e-vehicle users and gives some solutions. Finally, Johan gives us an insight into the developments in robotics, and how they are likely to impact on manufacturing and trade in the future.

Smart data & the energy transition

In this latest episode, Kirk shares his views on how data is helping to drive energy efficiency and reduce climate change. Kirk explains why it is important to collect data from many different sensors to help us to fully understand the position on climate change; the importance of integration of data sources to break down the silos of information available; and how taking a prescriptive modelling approach will help us to achieve a better outcome for the planet. Finally, we talk to Kirk about AI, in particular Assisted Intelligence, and how humans and machines are working together to filter and understand the significant amount of data available.

Smart cities - What is the future?

What fundamental principles must be established before a city can become a Smart City? DNV talks to Gordon Falconer, Global Director Smart Cities for Schneider Electric, about the growing trend for global cities to develop ‘smart’ capabilities; what this means for its citizens; and what steps governments are taking as they look to the future.
In this engaging episode, Gordon shares his views on what being a Smart City really means; how the ASEAN cities are approaching the transition; and the challenges that they are facing. He also gives us an insight into the balance between developing green field and brown field Smart Cities; and addresses some of the factors involved in financing the projects. Finally, he discusses some of the visible and less visible signs that a city is using technology to improve the lives of its citizens.