170. Why is the electricity Supercycle unstoppable? Gerard in Davos
Feb 24, 2025
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Andreas Schierenbeck, CEO of Hitachi Energy, shares insights from the World Economic Forum in Davos. He discusses the unstoppable electricity supercycle, driven by electrification and digital demand. The conversation highlights how AI and renewables are revolutionizing energy solutions and the critical role of electricity in transitioning from fossil fuels. Schierenbeck emphasizes Hitachi’s commitment to sustainability and the challenges of managing grid demands, particularly in Norway, while advocating for cooperation to enhance energy security.
The shift towards an electrified energy system is driven by technological advancements and the rising demand from industries like AI.
Innovations in solar energy and battery storage are crucial for reshaping the energy landscape and ensuring a sustainable energy supply.
Deep dives
The Energy Super Cycle
The discussion focuses on the concept of an energy super cycle, particularly emphasizing the shift from fossil fuel dependence to an electrified energy system. Unlike traditional fossil fuels facing declining demand due to increasing environmental concerns, electricity is poised for significant growth, driven largely by advancements in technology and digitalization. The podcast highlights how essential electricity is in modern life, with devices and systems becoming increasingly reliant on it. This transformation is further fueled by the rise of artificial intelligence, which is expected to accelerate electricity demand as industries look to innovate and optimize their processes.
Technological Innovations Transforming Energy Supply
Innovations in solar energy and battery storage are presented as pivotal factors that are reshaping the energy landscape. The podcast notes that solar energy installations have surged, with 600 gigawatts added globally last year, far surpassing nuclear and gas contributions. Additionally, the increase in lithium-ion battery deployment—particularly in electric vehicles—illustrates a critical shift towards energy storage solutions that can support renewable energy sources. It is suggested that these advancements are not only cost-effective but are also essential for integrating renewable energy smoothly into the existing grid systems.
The Need for Holistic Solutions in Energy Transition
A holistic approach is deemed vital for successfully navigating the complexities of the energy transition, as various interconnected factors must be addressed collaboratively. The conversation touches upon the urgent need for energy security and resilience within the electricity grid, especially as demands increase and infrastructure ages. Participants emphasize the importance of combining diverse energy sources, such as renewables and nuclear power, while leveraging digital technology to enhance efficiency. This comprehensive strategy is necessary to tackle the pressing challenges posed by the transition to a sustainable energy future, ensuring reliability and stability in supply.
As urgent calls for climate change action continue, an energy supercycle is underway, driven by the increasing need for electrification and digitalization, particularly in high-growth sectors like AI and data centers. Securing a reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy supply to meet this demand is crucial.
At the 2025 World Economic Forum Annual Meeting at Davos, Hitachi, Ltd. Executive Chairman Toshiaki Higashihara and Hitachi Energy CEO Andreas Schierenbeck, with Elisabeth V. Vardheim (Statnett) and Gerard Reid (Alexa Capital), participate in a panel discussion on 22 January 2025 to explore the parallels between today’s energy landscape and offer insights into how global stakeholders can drive change to address the climate crises.
In summary, how to turn couch potatoes into ironmen. Laurent’s conclusion is that Davos is a perfect microcosm to capture CEOs’ Zeitgeist. And when you hear a global consensus, like 4 years ago on Net Zero and Climate and this year on AI… then it is probably time to SELL.