The Energy Central has reported on a significant forum titled "Powering the Future Toward Net Zero," co-hosted by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. This event featured more than 35 speakers from nearly a dozen countries and was held in collaboration with key organisations including the Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority (GCCIA), GO15, and the Mediterranean Transmission System Operators (MED-TSO). The forum aimed to facilitate collaboration within the global energy sector to address clean energy challenges.
One critical discussion point at the forum revolved around the future flexibility solutions that grid operators will need. A representative indicated that various flexibility solutions are being developed, particularly in supply-side measures where updated power plant designs enhance operational practices. The emphasis was placed on the growing importance of energy storage, especially new long-duration technologies alongside the established lithium-ion batteries. Additionally, demand-side programmes are expected to encourage flexibility among large-scale energy consumers, which may encompass data centres, desalination plants, and significant manufacturing processes.
The dialogue also touched upon the pressing question of whether current innovations related to decarbonization are progressing at a pace sufficient to meet future climate targets set for the years 2050 to 2060. One of the speakers responded affirmatively, noting that achieving net-zero emissions will necessitate a combination of actions, including the substantial deployment of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, coupled and supported by nuclear power. Positive steps in the Gulf region were highlighted, where developments in solar, wind, and nuclear power facilities are being aggressively pursued.
Further discussions focused on the planning criteria necessary for integrating renewable energy sources (RES) into the grid to ensure reliability and capital efficiency. A speaker asserted that maintaining or enhancing existing reliability standards whilst avoiding system overbuild is crucial. The increasing reliance on inverter-based resources, compounded by extreme weather considerations, demands adjustments to planning and reliability criteria. EPRI has urged an update in this context through its Resource Adequacy Initiative.
Another topic of interest was the application of digital twins within power systems. EPRI representatives expressed their commitment to exploring the use of digital twins, particularly for gas turbines. These advanced modelling tools can enhance performance monitoring and support maintenance strategies, providing predictive insights and enabling condition-based maintenance.
The forum also addressed hydrogen utilisation in gas turbines, with several EPRI-led projects underway aimed at integrating hydrogen into power generation. These initiatives include testing various units, with a focus on evaluating the effects on emissions and overall performance while maintaining operational integrity. The insights drawn from these projects aim to establish best practices for hydrogen blending in power systems.
Lastly, discussions included strategies for upskilling the workforce to sustain innovation and progress in an evolving energy landscape. The changing pace of industry demanded a new learning framework that favours active participation over passive learning. Educational methods are shifting towards environments that promote peer interactions and continuous learning.
As the forum concluded, speakers and attendees acknowledged the multifaceted challenges that lie ahead in achieving a sustainable energy future, with many stressing the need for concerted efforts across the global community to foster innovation and knowledge transfer in clean energy technologies. For a more in-depth coverage of the discussions, video recordings from the event are available online.
Source: Noah Wire Services