Introduction: This is episode 5 of our "Unlocking the Energy Trilemma" Podcast. The podcast's topic was "Required Energy Storage to Make Net Zero Happen". Our Managing Director, Mr. Ravi Krishnan, and our partner, Mr. Jose A. Martinez, moderated this podcast, which featured Mr. Chris Blond, an Energy Industry Expert. We concluded the podcast on May 16, 2024. Here are some of the questions and topics raised during the podcast. To listen to it directly, click the link above.
What fact, figure, or concept related to the energy trilemma (encompassing energy security, sustainability, and affordability) would you like to highlight?
Given the increasing focus on net zero targets by corporations and countries, and the significant role of sustainability initiatives in financing, do you believe net zero is achievable? If not, could you shed some light on whether it will ever be achievable and how?
Can you share some significant findings from your research regarding the various pathways to achieving net zero?
Is the investment in renewable energy worth it if the price of electricity ends up being higher after the energy transition? If that happens, could it mean that the energy trilemma may never be unlocked?
Could you clarify your perspective on energy storage? Do you believe that current energy storage technologies lack the capacity for long-duration storage, or is it that their round-trip efficiency is not high enough to effectively complement renewable energy projects?
In your reports, you mentioned that California would need 40 terawatt-hours per year of long-term energy storage and Texas would need 50 terawatt-hours per year. Those are quite significant numbers, aren't they? Can you elaborate on what these figures imply for the energy transition in these states?
Your reports have shown that despite the state being touted as a green one, and its ban on thermal power plants within its borders, 60% of California’s electricity imports, which form a major chunk of its energy mix, still come from thermal power plants in neighbouring states. How does this contradiction affect California’s overall environmental goals and energy strategy?
Could you provide your insights on various energy storage technologies? Specifically, what is your assessment of lithium-ion batteries and other options like hydronic storage? How scalable and cost-effective do you perceive these technologies to be for long-duration storage?
Can hydrogen be considered as a viable solution to the storage problem facing this sector?
As you see behind-the-meter storage especially with regard to California installations, what do you think it can spur in terms of an energy transition? In any case will distributed energy resources play an important role in meeting peak load demands?
What steps would you recommend taking based on your background and insights if current forms of energy storage are not yet scalable or technically ready? How can we then successfully address the trilemma surrounding our total energy consumption?