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Electricity coupled with digital transformation will be the focal point of the energy transition, says Schneider Electric’s EVP of Global Power Products, Rohan Kelkar

WRITTEN BY: MARIAM AHMAD

hen the same mysterious force energises someone's touch, a stroke of lightning, and buildings across the world, a curious duality ensues: despite being a ubiquitous part of our lives, we simultaneously manage to take electricity for granted and marvel at its might.

In the Stated Policies Scenario, global electricity demand is projected to grow at 2.1% per year until 2040 – twice the rate of primary energy demand. This raises electricity’s share in total final energy consumption from 19% in 2018 to 24% in 2040. The next question arises, then, is how will conversations surrounding sustainability and net-zero affect the rapid growth of electricity usage?

According to energy industry leader Schneider Electric, electricity will be the focal point of the energy transition. The company believes that the key to achieving ambitious net-zero targets is by prioritising Electricity 4.0, which involves the integration of digital technologies and electricity on a huge scale.

This rapidly growing digital economy will demand 50% more power by 2030; combining digital and electric resources will provide a solution. The implementation of Electricity 4.0 will lead to a significant transformation in how we manage, consume, conserve, and distribute energy. The convergence of digital and electric power enables enhanced control, visibility, connectivity, and intelligence, resulting in greater efficiency and reduced waste.