Transmission How To Balance Global Energy Systems with Elena Pravettoni and Phoebe O'Hara (Systemiq)
Sep 18, 2025
Elena Paravettoni, Head of Analysis at the Energy Transitions Commission, and Phoebe O'Hara, Head of Clean Power, dive into the future of energy. They discuss the clean electrification thesis and the findings from their Power Systems Transformation report. The contrast between Sunbelts and Windbelts reveals interesting cost implications for energy resources. They address the complexities of balancing power needs with storage solutions and explore long-distance interconnection potential, emphasizing the significance of policy and technology for a sustainable future.
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Clean Electrification Is Central
- Clean electrification, led by wind and solar, is the fastest, cheapest route to decarbonize energy systems worldwide.
- ETC projects electricity share rising to ~60–70% and generation to ~90,000 TWh by 2050, requiring major system changes.
Sunbelt vs Windbelt Dynamics
- Sunbelt countries have steady solar supply and low seasonality, so they mostly need short-duration balancing under eight hours.
- Windbelt countries face seasonal wind variability and wind droughts, demanding weekly and security-level balancing.
Sunbelt Systems Can Be Cheaper
- Sunbelt systems dominated by solar+batteries can be cheaper than today's systems, around $50/MWh total.
- Windbelt systems are costlier but comparable to current costs, roughly $115/MWh in the UK archetype.