Power sectors around the world are undergoing significant changes due to the rapid uptake of new renewable generating technologies, both at large scale and distributed technologies on the consumer’s side. Integrating large shares of renewable energy into the grid, in particular, solar PV and wind whose generation is intermittent in nature, is still challenging. The way the systems were traditionally operated and the markets were designed did not envisaged these technologies: variable generation requires a flexible power system, able to respond to its intermittencies, while the distributed renewable technologies change the paradigm, injecting electricity in the grid from the consumer’s side. Therefore, in order to reach a high share of renewable energy in the grid, a systemic transformation needs to take place, which leads to innovations in all dimensions: enabling infrastructure is being developed, new business models emerge, the regulation of the market is being adapted as well as system operations.

The good news is that there is no lack of innovative solutions, but on the contrary, many innovations emerge in all aspects along the power sector value chain all over the world. The challenge is in fact to keep ourselves informed and up to date, and to understand their relevance in specific contexts and power systems.

To shed some light into the emerging innovative solutions, IRENA recently launched the report “Innovation Landscape Report on the Power Sector Transformation: Solutions to Integrate Variable Renewables” and would like to invite you to participate to the webinar, which aims to:

• Outline types and relevance of different innovative solutions in specific contexts;
• Provide insights to policy/decision makers on the requirements for the implementation of innovative solutions;
• Share success stories and lessons learnt.

Expected duration : 1 hr 

Organisation

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is an intergovernmental organisation that supports countries in their transition to a sustainable energy future, and serves as the principal platform for international cooperation, a centre of excellence, and a repository of policy, technology, resource and financial knowledge on renewable energy. IRENA promotes the widespread adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy, including bioenergy, geothermal, hydropower, ocean, solar and wind energy in the pursuit of sustainable development, energy access, energy security and low-carbon economic growth and prosperity.

With a mandate from countries around the world, IRENA encourages governments to adopt enabling policies for renewable energy investments, provides practical tools and policy advice to accelerate renewable energy deployment, and facilitates knowledge sharing and technology transfer to provide clean, sustainable energy for the world’s growing population. 

With more than 170 Member States actively engaged, IRENA promotes renewable resources and technologies as the key to a sustainable future and helps countries achieve their renewable energy potential.

Presenters

Francisco Boshell - an Analyst in Markets and Standards for renewable energy technologies at the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). He focuses primarily on providing policy advice and guidance to countries regarding technology innovation, quality control and standardisation programmes for successful deployment of renewables. Mr Boshell analyse technology development strategies for a wider deployment of renewables in energy systems; and has co-authored reports on energy transition and technologies including offshore wind, advanced biofuels, electric vehicles and mini-grids. During his 15+ years professional career, Mr. Boshell has also: developed technical standards for quantifying GHG emission reductions from CDM projects and supported the climate change negotiations under UNFCCC; provided consultancy services for the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects at DNV GL, formerly KEMA Consulting; and designed and implemented infrastructure and energy related projects in the automotive manufacturing sector at General Motors. His background is in Mechanical Engineering and he holds a MSc. in Sustainable Energy Technology from the Eindhoven University of Technology, in the Netherlands.

Sean Ratka - an Associate Professional at the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). His scope of work includes the emerging role of distributed ledger technology within the larger power sector digitalisation, as part of the ongoing sustainable energy transformation. Before joining IRENA, he worked on transboundary power trade with the Energy Division of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP). Before this he worked in solar PV market intelligence for OCI, one of South Korea’s largest private sector energy firms. His background lies at the confluence of international relations and innovative energy technologies and holds a Master of Arts in International Relations from Korea University Graduate School of International Studies.