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Switched On

Current Investments: Expanding the World’s Power Grids

Nov 7, 2024
Felicia Aminoff, an analyst from BNEF’s Grids and Utilities team, sheds light on the future of power grid investments. With $326 billion poured into grids in 2023, she discusses the urgent upgrades needed due to growing energy demands driven by AI and climate change. The conversation delves into how data centers are impacting power needs and strategies to shield grids from extreme weather. Additionally, Aminoff addresses the backlog of renewable energy projects and compares investment strategies across different regions, highlighting the contrasts between the US and Europe.
31:25

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Quick takeaways

  • Investment in global power grids rose by 7% in 2023, yet many markets still struggle to align with net-zero targets.
  • The urgent need for strategic grid upgrades is driven by rising energy demands and the integration challenges of renewable energy sources.

Deep dives

The Importance of Grid Investment

Significant investment in the power grid is essential for enabling the energy transition to renewables. In 2023, grid investments increased by 7%, but it remains insufficient to meet net-zero targets across various global markets. This shortfall is attributed to heightened grid requirements driven by advancements in artificial intelligence and increasing energy demands, especially from data centers. The podcast highlights the urgency of upgrading grid infrastructure to prevent bottlenecks that hinder the integration of renewable energy sources.

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