Energy production set for decentralisation

dubai — The production and consumption of energy is set to undergo a rapid change as smart cities across the world take shape, experts at the 38th Gitex Technology Week exhibition said.

Speaking in a panel session, Santiago Banales, MD of Iberdrola Innovation Middle East, noted that the future of the energy industry will continue to involve central energy production, balanced by more storage and smart grids.

“There will be much more of a focus on connectivity and renewable energy sources,” he said. “Already we are seeing a big change in the way cities and governments across the world are approaching energy production. The main source of energy production will continue to be centralised, but there will be a lot more involvement from other parties.”

Firstly, he noted that there will be more involvement of the general population in cities. Many residents will not just be consumers, but also producers of energy. As the cost of solar energy systems continues to decrease, many businesses and even residents are eagerly looking to set up a solar panel system at their businesses and homes. This is great news for the industry as the demand for energy will continue to grow.

Cinar Kurra, CEO of The Catalyst by Masdar, said the smart city landscape will also change as autonomous cars, electric cars and hybrids become more popular. “Many people will continue to want to drive. We predict that there is going to be more of a focus on creating more efficient batteries in these vehicles. There has been lots of work on autonomous cars but there is still much more work to be done to improve efficiency and the infrastructure needed for such technologies.”

Kurra noted that there was still a gap between expectations and proper infrastructure. “We need more charging stations for electric vehicles, and even the charging stations need to evolve to a point where you can charge the cars in a few minutes.”

Both experts also spoke about the role that startups will play in improving the landscape when it comes to creating more sustainable energy solutions and making the technology more affordable for residents interested in them.

As the cost of solar energy systems continues to decrease, many businesses and even residents are eagerly looking to set up a solar panel system at their businesses and homes

Santiago Banales, MD of Iberdrola Innovation Middle East