TED Talks Daily The best thing that could happen to the energy industry | Matt Tilleard
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Oct 8, 2025 In this engaging discussion, Matt Tilleard, a renewable-energy entrepreneur, dives into the transformative potential of the clean energy transition. He argues that control is shifting from fossil fuels to technology, reshaping global power dynamics. Tilleard highlights innovative microgrid projects in Africa providing clean energy to communities. He discusses the recyclability of renewables, the abundance of critical minerals, and how an elastic demand for technology will redefine market power. The future of energy, he proposes, is collaborative and inclusive.
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Power Shift From Fuel To Technology
- History has been shaped by whoever controls the dominant fuel of an era, like oil in the 20th century.
- Matt Tilleard argues the next transition shifts control from fuels to technology, changing global power dynamics.
Tech Makes Supply Less Critical
- Technology-based energy systems are less dependent on continuous raw-material flows than fuel systems.
- Existing batteries and wires keep working without constant new mineral supply, reducing vulnerability to cutoffs.
Tolagnaro Microgrid Example
- Matt Tilleard describes a project in Tolagnaro, Madagascar, powering a mine and town with a renewable microgrid.
- The microgrid replaced heavy fuel oil generators with solar, wind and batteries to improve reliability and cut emissions.