Global energy landscape is evolving to adapt non-conventional sources

Innovations in energy storage, grid upgrades, and AI-enhanced efficiency drive the energy transition, while geopolitical tensions and supply chain issues stress energy security and diversification.

The global energy landscape rapidly evolves as nations shift towards sustainable solutions, driven by environmental concerns, technological advancements, and policy reforms. Renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower are becoming central to energy strategies worldwide, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. Innovations in energy storage, grid modernisation, and AI-driven efficiency improvements further support this transition. Meanwhile, geopolitical factors and supply chain disruptions underscore the importance of energy security and diversification. As countries explore new frameworks for energy independence, integrating renewables alongside traditional resources marks a pivotal transformation in global energy dynamics. Let us analyse the changing scenario with inputs from industry experts who recently gathered at Enlit Asia expo in Kuala Lumpur to discuss these advancements.

Role of data

The energy landscape has undergone seismic shifts, mainly driven by integrating data from multiple sources, such as meters, sensors, and even social media. Matthew Gleeson of Oracle Energy and Water highlighted data’s critical role in rethinking energy management. “We are leveraging data to enhance our understanding of consumer needs and drive successful energy transitions,” he stated. This data-centric approach empowers utilities to make more informed decisions, aligning operational efficiency with consumer demands. Gleeson pointed out that the effective use of data is vital for countries like India, where a mix of energy generation sources presents unique challenges in integration and distribution. In India and other Southeast Asian countries, data analytics has proven essential to handling these complexities. Gleeson emphasised that utilities need to adapt their organisational structures, emphasising strategic project selection to meet returns on investments while maintaining operational clarity. “Utilities need to choose projects that align with their goals and execute them with clarity and purpose,” he added. This alignment helps utilities navigate the intricacies of energy generation and distribution in a market marked by varying resource availability and consumer needs.

As energy costs fluctuate, utilities rely heavily on data analytics to effectively manage expenses and asset performance. Gleeson explained, “Our platform ensures that utilities can enhance asset performance and select the right projects based on real-time insights.” By integrating operational metrics, social media feedback, and historical performance data, utilities build a comprehensive decision-making framework, improving cost management and service delivery. This capability has become increasingly important as utilities face rising demand and pressure to maintain sustainable operations. David Carera from G&W Electric echoed this sentiment, explaining how their grid enhancement platforms empower customers to manage the integration of renewables more effectively. “We are enhancing our platforms to assist customers in better managing grid integration and the incorporation of renewables,” Carera said. This emphasis on grid capability is essential in supporting a renewable-heavy grid infrastructure, where power quality must be consistently monitored and adjusted. Monitoring and controlling grid performance ensure stability and reliability as renewable energy sources increase, especially solar and wind.

Sensor technology innovations

Sensor technology plays a vital role in modernising grids and enabling a seamless integration of renewable energy sources. G&W Electric is at the forefront of this transformation, focusing on embedding sensors within grid components to improve monitoring and control. Carera elaborated on this strategy, noting, “Our embedded sensors help customers understand and manage grid performance more effectively.” By working closely with power quality meter manufacturers and engaging in pilot projects, G&W Electric has made significant strides in modernising grid infrastructure without complete overhauls. “Instead of completely replacing infrastructure, we work in both directions,” Carera explained, highlighting their approach to enhancing existing systems rather than rebuilding them from scratch.

Hydrogen is future  

With advancements in renewable energy, hydrogen has emerged as a potential fuel for addressing peak power requirements. Ashish Puri and Suneel Kaul from Bergen Engines emphasised their commitment to hydrogen, viewing it as a viable alternative for industries and countries moving toward greener fuel options. Bergen Engines is preparing to launch engines that can run on 100 percent hydrogen alongside developments for using ammonia in marine applications. “The availability of hydrogen and the cost of hydrogen will be key drivers when this hydrogen engine comes online,” Puri highlighted, noting the importance of economic feasibility in the widespread adoption of hydrogen technology.

The government of India is investing in hydrogen to achieve its sustainable energy goals. Kaul mentioned initiatives to reduce hydrogen costs to around $1–2 per kilogram in the coming years. “Hydrogen will serve as a solution for peak power requirements, particularly during high demand periods,” he explained. By leveraging hydrogen alongside renewables, India is setting the stage for a hybrid energy ecosystem that maximises the strengths of each source.

While hydrogen holds promise, industry leaders acknowledge the challenges of making it affordable. Kaul pointed to the need for advancements in electrolyser technology and further reductions in renewable energy costs. “If we see further price drops in renewable energy and electrolyser costs, we will unlock significant economic benefits,” he said. This interdependence between renewable energy and hydrogen infrastructure is pivotal in realising hydrogen’s potential as a viable energy source. European countries, particularly, have been proactive, heavily investing in green hydrogen derived from wind energy. Puri explained, “As these developments progress, most manufacturers are preparing to be ready to use either a mix of or pure hydrogen.”

Smart meter revolution

Smart meters transform energy distribution, particularly in India, where Allied Engineering Works is crucial in the national smart metering program. Ashutosh Goel, representing Allied Engineering Works, discussed their innovative digital DT meters, designed with tamper-proof features and dual communication capabilities. “Our digital DT meters come with dual communication sources and exclusive tamper-proof features,” Goel noted, emphasising the company’s dedication to quality and innovation in smart metering. Allied aims to expand its sales globally, focusing on Southeast Asian markets where smart metering programmes are taking off. “We aim for 25–30 percent of our overall sales to come from global markets, with Southeast Asia being our primary focus,” he said, indicating a strategic push into regions where smart meter adoption is accelerating.

The Indian government’s support for smart meters has created immense growth opportunities for Allied Engineering Works. The company’s extensive manufacturing capabilities and robust logistics infrastructure have positioned it to meet the demands of the expanding Southeast Asian markets. “Our logistics capabilities allow us to manage distribution effectively, enabling us to meet the growing needs of Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam,” Goel added.

Global demand for renewable infrastructure

Skipper Limited has expanded its manufacturing capabilities to support energy distribution globally as demand for renewable energy infrastructure grows. With a manufacturing capacity exceeding 330,000 metric tonnes, Skipper is well-equipped to supply structural components for energy transmission. Ananya Bhowmick of Skipper Limited explained, “By continually evolving our business model, we are expanding our global reach and seizing new opportunities, all while upholding quality and reliability.”

Effective supply chain management has become crucial in light of global disruptions. Bhowmick stressed the importance of logistics in Skipper’s operations, stating, “We have dedicated departments focused on logistics.” Skipper ensures that products reach international markets efficiently by streamlining their logistics processes. The company’s focus on supply chain resilience has been a critical factor in sustaining its competitive edge. “We are committed to ensuring that our supply chains remain resilient, even in challenging conditions,” Bhowmick added, emphasising the proactive approach Skipper takes to maintain reliability.

Integrating renewable energy sources with hydrogen presents a unique opportunity to create a more robust and flexible energy system. Puri and Kaul at Bergen Engines discussed the complementary roles of hydrogen and renewables, envisioning a system where hydrogen-produced energy can bridge gaps in renewable availability. “Hydrogen will complement renewable energy,” Puri asserted. “For example, solar energy is not available around the clock. During those times, green hydrogen produced by electrolysers using solar energy could be utilised during peak demand.” This integrated approach maximises renewable resources, ensuring energy reliability and reducing dependency on fossil fuels.

In addition to these synergies, technological advancements in hydrogen storage have opened new possibilities for managing energy intermittency. Kaul mentioned the exploration of metal hydrides for hydrogen storage, enabling the use of stored hydrogen when solar or wind energy is unavailable. “We are exploring metal hydrides for storing hydrogen and using it when needed, especially when wind or solar power is unavailable,” he explained. This innovation addresses one of the key challenges associated with renewable energy, its dependency on weather conditions, by offering a reliable energy backup.

Need for policy and regulatory support

While technology and innovation drive the energy transition, industry leaders emphasise the importance of a supportive regulatory framework. Puri and Kaul advocated for policies facilitating hydrogen and renewable energy integration. “The Government of India has initiated programmes, pledging around $5 billion to promote hydrogen production,” Kaul noted. Such government initiatives are vital to creating an ecosystem where renewable energy and hydrogen technologies flourish. However, technological transformations require consistent policy support to realise their full potential.

As industry leaders analyse innovations in energy generation and grid integration, a collaborative approach with governments becomes essential. By aligning policies with technological advancements, countries can streamline their path toward sustainable energy solutions, meeting environmental and economic goals.

To conclude, we have analysed that the future of energy is taking shape through collaborative efforts across industries, with data-driven strategies, innovations in renewable fuels, and advancements in infrastructure at the core. The experts underscored the importance of data analytics, grid modernisation, hydrogen innovation, and strategic manufacturing to address the growing demand for energy while maintaining sustainability. As these industry leaders emphasised, a holistic approach that combines renewable energy, hydrogen, and robust policies will be crucial to navigating the complexities of a global energy transition.