07 | Energy Day special – Will we achieve a fossil fuel phase-out?
Dec 5, 2023
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An expert from the World Benchmarking Alliance, an advocate from Sustainable Energy Access Forum Kenya, and a pioneer from Reactive Technologies join this episode. They discuss the global 'phase-out' of fossil fuels, energy accountability, just transition, challenges in transitioning the grid, and the lack of preparation for renewables and electric vehicles at COP28.
Efforts are needed to reach marginalized communities in Kenya and ensure that access to electricity includes the ability to use it for various purposes beyond basic needs.
Supportive policies, regulatory frameworks, and planning frameworks are essential to drive investment in grid modernization and updates, and to enable the rapid connection and operation of renewables.
Deep dives
The Challenge of Achieving Universal Energy Access
Brian Ameni, coordinator of the Sustainable Energy Access Forum Kenya and Power Up Kenya, discusses the challenge of achieving universal energy access in Kenya and Africa. While Kenya has made progress with 75% of Kenyans having access to electricity, affordability and reliability remain barriers for many. Efforts are needed to reach marginalized communities and ensure that access to electricity includes the ability to use it for various purposes beyond just basic needs. Partnerships and investments in grassroots communities are crucial for mobilizing resources and amplifying the voices of those most affected by the impacts of climate change.
Transitioning the Grid: Challenges and Opportunities
Mark and Duncan from Reactive Technologies discuss the challenges and opportunities in transitioning the grid, particularly in the global north. They emphasize the need to quantify and measure the stability of power systems to optimize investments, monitor performance, and ensure safe and reliable operation. Reactive Technologies provides measurement technology that helps assess the stability of grids with high renewable energy penetration. They highlight the importance of supportive policies, regulatory frameworks, and planning frameworks to drive investment in grid modernization and updates, and to enable the rapid connection and operation of renewables.
The Urgency for Action and Delivery
In order to achieve the goals set at COP28 and accelerate the transition to clean energy, speakers emphasize the need for governments to support and drive investments in the power sector and electric vehicle (EV) sector. They emphasize that promises must be followed by action, and that certainty of investment is vital for incentivizing strong private sector participation. The importance of quantifying challenges, optimizing investments, and measuring performance through technology and data is highlighted as a way to enhance cost-effectiveness and efficiency in grid expansion and operation.
Listener Quiz of the Day
According to the International Energy Agency estimates, what percentage of global renewable energy investment goes into Africa? Send your answers to podcast@fave-house.com for a chance to win a £10 eco voucher.
A crucial Energy Day at the climate summit sees Luke and Sarah analyse the latest developments regarding a global 'phase-out' of fossil fuels, featuring special guests from the World Benchmarking Alliance, Sustainable Energy Access Forum Kenya, and Reactive Technologies.
Say hello – podcast@fav-house.com.
View all of edie's COP28 content – https://www.edie.net/tag/cop28/.
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