Energy Technology Perspectives 2014: Harnessing Electricity’s Potential
12 May 2014
The Clean Energy Solutions Center, in partnership with the International Energy Agency (IEA), hosted this webinar-based training to discuss the 2014 edition of Energy Technology Perspectives (ETP 2014).
Starting from the premise that electricity will be an increasingly important component of energy systems of the future, ETP 2014 examines in depth what must be done to provide sustainable options for generation, distribution and end-use consumption. It offers a comprehensive, long-term analysis of trends in the energy sector—and of the technologies that are essential to achieving an affordable, secure and low-carbon energy system.
In addition to modelling the global outlook up to the year 2050 under different scenarios, ETP 2014 incorporates the IEA’s annual progress report on global efforts to engineer a clean-energy transformation. Moreover, ETP 2014 provides insight on many key questions about the future energy system, including:
- How much will the transformation to a clean-energy system cost?
- Is solar the answer to decarbonizing the electricity supply?
- How can technologies help continue to exploit the advantages of natural gas in a decarbonized energy system?
- Can electrification have a meaningful impact on transportation and, if so, how?
- Is energy storage the game changer that many want to believe?
- What will it take to reach high-efficiency power generation in India?
Panelists
Didier Houssin, Director, Sustainable Energy Policy and Technology, IEA
Mr. Houssin became Director of Sustainable Energy Policy and Technology at the International Energy Agency on 1 December 2012. Previously, he served for five years as Director of Energy Markets and Security and head of the directorate’s predecessor, the Office of Oil Markets and Emergency Preparedness. Before joining the International Energy Agency, Mr. Houssin, a French national, was Managing Director of BRGM, the French Geological Survey, with extensive management responsibilities over the 850-strong group. Previously he had a number of responsibilities in the French government, in particular as Director of Energy and Mineral Resources.
David Elzinga, Senior Energy Technology Analyst, IEA
David Elzinga has worked in the energy and climate fields for over 15 years, with focus areas of technology, policy and analysis. In these roles he has advised various governments at the local and national levels on energy policy—both in developing and developed countries. Speaking at numerous events globally, he continually carries the message of appropriate technology use and deployment. Currently, David is a Senior Energy Technology Analyst with the International Energy Agency (IEA). In this role he is leading the IEA’s flagship publication: Energy Technology Perspectives and work on electricity system technologies, such as Smart Grids, including system modelling, policy and technology analysis.