The transition to clean energy will be critical in the years ahead as the vast majority of energy consumption still comes from fossil fuels, especially in factories and vehicles. This is why a global shift to clean energy resources, such as solar or electric power, remains a priority.
We must be prepared for COP28, as it will be the first 'world balance' on the 2015 Paris Agreement, which is:
With these goals in mind, added to the constant priority of optimizing a business's productivity, safety, and costs, it is vital to consider how to accomplish them all together.
Given the continued dominance of fossil fuels in every energy system, we must put all our efforts into achieving a rapid and significant industrial transition of global energy supply usage. Therefore, the transition to green energy requires an international effort, as we know it will take decades to achieve.
New reports show within this transition will be a “mid-transition” period that consists of coordinating plans for a progressive introduction of clean energy and a gradual elimination of fossil fuels. This “mid-transition” will likely be the transition's more considerable period; it will need specific analytical metrics to develop smart solutions and better practices for an environment-friendly future.
The Internet of Everything (IoE) is essential to this process, as the changes will be developed and applied by individuals; because of the direct interaction with the energy systems.
But what is IoE? It is the interaction between people, things, data, and processes. To collect and convert data into intelligent data-based decisions to enhance the system's capabilities, people, and tasks to provide smart solutions.
The transition to clean energy is one of the most crucial tasks we have today; the most important reasons are the following:
Clean energy sources do not produce harmful emissions and pollutants like traditional fossil fuels. These help to reduce air and water pollution, protect natural habitats and biodiversity, and mitigate climate change.
Clean energy can create jobs, boost innovation and investment, and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. It also can help to lower energy costs and increase energy security by reducing the need to import fossil fuels
Clean energy can improve energy access for rural and low-income communities. Therefore, improving their living standards and reducing poverty.
The Brundtland Commission defines sustainable development as:
“development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."
Clean energy is crucial for sustainable development because, as mentioned before, it promotes economic growth and energy security while reducing the usage of fossil fuels and their health impact. For example, countries can reduce their carbon footprint by investing in the clean energy sector, stopping their dependence on fossil fuels, creating new jobs in the clean energy sector, and improving energy access to rural and low-income areas.
Clean energy is generated from renewable resources, such as solar, wind, or biogas. These sources are unlimited, sustainable, and environmentally friendly because they do not emit harmful emissions or pollutants.
Green energy also includes energy-efficiency measures, such as energy generation and storage, to maintain responsible energy management.
Solar panels, or concentrating solar power systems, are used to benefit from the sun's energy.
Wind turbines generate electricity from the kinetic energy of the wind.
Generate electricity by harnessing the power of falling water, typically using dams.
Generate electricity by harnessing the heat from the Earth's core.
The use of organic materials, such as plant matter or waste, to generate electricity through combustion or fermentation.
Leveraging the energy of the tides to generate electricity.
Using energy from nuclear reactions, such as fission, for electricity generation.
It is vital to consider the whole life cycle of the energy source and the technology used to produce it.
Transitioning to a fully clean energy model is a long-term process that requires a collaborative effort from governments, businesses, and individuals.
As mentioned before, there will be a 'mid-transition' period. Coordinating plans for a progressive introduction of clean energy and gradually eliminating fossil fuels is necessary. It also involves integrating different clean energy sources onto the grid and developing storage solutions.
This process to clean energy can be done through a fusion of policy changes, technological advancements, and increased investment in clean energy. Some ways to transition to clean energy involve:
Governments can encourage the clean energy transition by implementing policies in carbon pricing, renewable energy targets, and funding for clean energy projects.
In addition, if governments, industries, and businesses increase their investment in clean energy and decarbonization projects, they would help to increase the amount of clean energy generated.
Encouraging private sector participation in clean energy projects through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) can help to increase investment and accelerate the deployment of clean energy technologies.
Improving energy efficiency through a set of measures, such as building retrofits, energy-efficient appliances, and transportation, can help to reduce the amount of energy needed to power our homes and cities
Investing in a sustainable technological system to improve the energy cost-efficiency of a business, school, or city. Researching and developing these technologies can also help improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of clean energy sources, making them more competitive with fossil fuels.
Technology companies have an important role in the impact of the clean energy transition, as it requires advanced digitization. It is also worth mentioning that the technology industry consumes a large amount of energy and has been criticized for not doing enough to offset its own carbon footprint. Therefore, it has been working to develop more sustainable systems and practices. These technological advances can lead the way to more efficient energy use and the development of new clean energy sources.
The following are different ways the technology industry can help to transition to green energies:
Allows the integration of clean energy resources (such as solar panels or wind power) into the existing power grid. It enables real-time monitoring and control of energy generation and consumption, which also helps improve the efficiency and reliability of the power grid.
There also exist microgrids. Small-scale energy systems can operate independently or in conjunction with the primary power grid to increase the reliability and resilience of the energy supply, especially in remote or off-grid areas. They also help improve the integration of renewable energy sources such as solar or wind.
These solutions are advancements in energy storage technology. For example, lithium-ion batteries help to store the excess generated energy by renewable sources so they can be used when needed.
Big data analytics and AI (Artificial Intelligence); can be used to predict and optimize energy generation and consumption. Also, to maximize the performance of green energy systems and reduce the use of fossil fuels.
The advancements in electric vehicle (EV) technology are helping to reduce the use of fossil fuels for transportation and promote using clean energy
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology is a way to capture carbon dioxide emissions from power plants and industrial facilities and store them underground. It allows for the continued use of fossil fuels while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The digitalization of energy systems and processes can help automate and optimize the performance of clean energy systems, making them more efficient and cost-effective.
As the mid-transition will depend on the coordination of people with the energy systems, it is crucial to have a tech partner on your side that offers you the best infrastructure and full support to achieve your goals.
A tech partner can help you achieve your transition to clean energy by providing expertise and resources in areas such as:
A tech partner can help you to monitor and analyze your energy usage, identify areas for improvement and implement energy efficiency measures.
It can help you to integrate clean energy sources, such as solar and wind power, into your existing energy system. This can involve designing, installing, and maintaining renewable energy systems.
It can provide tools and services for monitoring and analyzing your energy usage and renewable energy generation data. This can help you to optimize the performance of your clean energy systems and identify opportunities for further improvements.
A tech partner can help you to identify and implement energy storage solutions that can help to smooth out fluctuations in energy generation and consumption and make clean energy more reliable and consistent.
It can help you design and implement a smart grid infrastructure that can improve your energy system's efficiency, reliability, and flexibility.
It can help you to digitalize your energy systems and processes, which can help to automate, optimize and improve the performance of your clean energy systems.
It can provide your staff with training and support to ensure they have the skills and knowledge to operate and maintain your clean energy systems effectively.
At IoE Corp, our Planet Partner program was developed to help you transition to a sustainable model and grow your business while saving costs. It is designed to offer innovation, efficiency, security, and sustainability.
You will have access to Eden, a decentralized system we designed based on Online Private Gardens, where you can manage your data safely and in real-time. A decentralized architecture is more efficient than a cloud-centered infrastructure because the data stays where its produced, reducing the network traffic and power usage. Helping lower energy consumption and, therefore, reducing the carbon footprint too.
Our Planet Partner program provides access to essential resources, tools, and training that will help transition your business to clean energy sources and prepare you for future challenges to differentiate yourself from the competition.
The main benefits of our services are:
If you want to learn more about how to tackle today's and future challenges with innovation and support, please, apply to our Planet Partner Program. We will be pleased to hear from you.
