CHAPTER NINETEENEnergy 2118: A Look Ahead
What will the world's energy picture look like a century from now? I'll explore possible and probable energy scenarios. Of course, much of this will be based on current technology and where I see that going. Let's once again review my Three Laws of Technology:
- Technology marches on.
- When it comes to technology, changes happen much faster than anyone expects.
- New technology is almost always disruptive and transformative.
I believe these statements are especially relevant when we look at what's ahead for the energy sector. The third law, “New technology is almost always disruptive and transformative,” is perhaps the most relevant. There are plenty of technological developments that have already had an impact on the energy sector. LED light bulbs and affordable solar and wind, just to name a few. But those and new developments will further change the system. Tomorrow's power grid won't look anything like it does today. The energy system of the future is no longer just utilities as energy providers and businesses and homeowners as customers. Here's an overview of what I believe are some of the top trends that will drive the evolution of the energy sector.
RENEWABLE ENERGY COSTS ARE PLUMMETING
When it comes to PV solar, wind, and energy storage, falling costs are driving rapid acceptance and deployment of these systems at the utility-scale, commercial, and residential levels. Rapidly falling prices are encouraging businesses and homeowners ...