Enhancing the Grid: What will it take?

In this episode of Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations, host Richard Delevan sits down with Layla Sawyer, Secretary General of CurrENT Europe, and Dr. Ryan Williams, Chief Economist at ENODA, to delve into the pressing issues and innovative solutions surrounding our electricity grids. From the challenges of deploying existing technologies to the future potential of superconductors and advanced grid technologies, this episode provides a comprehensive look at how we can build a resilient, efficient, and sustainable grid for 2050 and beyond.

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Key Topics:

1. Current Challenges in Grid Technology:

- The importance of grid innovation for a decarbonised future.

- The role of policy in encouraging technological deployment.

- Layla discusses the barriers to meaningful mass deployment of existing technologies.

2. Technological Innovations and Solutions:

- Dynamic line rating and advanced power flow control.

- The potential of superconductors and advanced conductors.

- Ryan explains how ENODA’s technology replaces outdated transformers with a modern solution to enhance grid efficiency.

3. Policy and Public Perception:

- The need for anticipatory planning and overcoming public opposition.

- Layla and Ryan discuss the necessity of policy adjustments and public awareness for future grid development.

4. Future Outlook and Upcoming Projects:

- CurrENT Europe’s upcoming study on innovative grid technologies.

- ENODA’s expansion plans and their role in balancing renewable energy sources.

- Layla and Ryan’s perspectives on what’s needed for future grid success.

5. Personal Insights and Motivations:

- Layla’s journey from social sciences to sustainable business and grid technology.

- Ryan’s career evolution from computer programming to financial economics and energy regulation.

Catalysts:

- Layla shares how a project on peer-to-peer energy trading sparked her interest in grid technology.

- Ryan talks about the excitement and challenges of working in a dynamic startup environment.

Resources and Links:

- CurrENT Europe

- ENODA

- “A Grid to Decarbonize Europe”

-2021 CurrENT study on GETs

- RMI: Grid-Enhancing Technologies (GETs) Can Increase the Speed and Scale of New Entry

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Music from the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4bqRlNSQQE

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