EP.229 Javier Cavada, President & CEO for EMEA, Mitsubishi Power
Feb 4, 2025
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Javier Cavada, President & CEO for EMEA at Mitsubishi Power, shares insights from over 20 years in the energy sector. He discusses how the growth of renewable energy is transforming power systems and the vital role of flexibility in meeting rising demand. Cavada highlights hydrogen's evolving perception in decarbonization, its investment potential, and challenges in integrating it with renewables. The conversation also dives into emerging markets and technological innovations shaping the future energy landscape.
Electrification, projected to double global power consumption by 2050, is essential for achieving ambitious decarbonization goals.
Hydrogen is transitioning to targeted applications in hard-to-abate sectors, with Germany and Great Britain leading in its market development.
Deep dives
Electrification and Power Demand Growth
Electrification is identified as a critical component in decarbonization efforts, projecting a doubling of global power consumption, reaching around 50,000 terawatt hours by 2050. Europe alone may see its power demand increase by at least 60% due to emerging factors such as the electrification of transport and the rapid proliferation of data centers. As these consumption trends accelerate, the imperative for a substantial supply of clean energy becomes paramount, especially since ambitious decarbonization plans rely heavily on renewables. The robust growth of wind and solar energy deployment is essential, as they form the backbone of a clean electricity system that can support this escalating demand.
Flexibility in the Energy System
The integration of vast amounts of renewable energy necessitates a flexible power system capable of balancing supply and demand. Current energy sources, predominantly wind and solar, are intermittent, requiring solutions to ensure reliability in power supply. Investments in backup technologies and energy storage systems become vital to accommodate the fluctuations in generation. Companies like Mitsubishi Power are focusing on developing technologies that can provide backup power and support a more flexible grid to enhance energy stability and meet growing electricity needs.
The Evolving Role of Hydrogen
Hydrogen has transitioned from being hailed as a 'silver bullet' solution for decarbonization to a more pragmatic view, focusing on its specific applications within hard-to-abate sectors. Initially perceived as a universally applicable energy carrier, its potential is now recognized in targeted industrial applications rather than across all sectors. Moreover, efforts to bring hydrogen production costs down have faced challenges, yet government support and investment funding are fostering realistic project developments. As the market matures, hydrogen's role as a cleaner molecule to facilitate the use of renewable energy sources like wind and solar is increasingly crucial.
Geographical Markets for Hydrogen Investment
Germany and Great Britain emerge as leaders in the hydrogen market due to substantial government backing and ambitious projects aimed at fostering hydrogen production. Additionally, regions rich in renewable resources, like the Nordics and Iberia, are recognized for their potential to produce hydrogen affordably. The combination of abundant renewables and structured governmental support creates conducive environments for successful hydrogen projects. Furthermore, countries in North Africa are viewed as attractive markets for hydrogen production due to their geographic advantages and pipeline infrastructure that can facilitate export to Europe.
This week on Energy Unplugged, we are delighted to welcome Javier Cavada, President & CEO for EMEA, Mitsubishi Power. He joins our Global Research Director, Richard Howard and our Lead Expert for European Hydrogen Markets, Dilara Caglayan, to discuss electrification as a key pillar of decarbonisation.
With over 20 years of global experience in the energy sector, Javier has successfully guided companies through every stage of corporate development and growth. Before joining Mitsubishi Power, he served as President and CEO of Highview Power. Prior to that, he spent 17 years at Wärtsilä Corporation, where he was President of the Energy Division and a member of the executive board.
Main topics include the following:
How to run a power system with a high growth of renewables and of power demand
The role of flexibility in balancing the system
The most attractive geographical markets for hydrogen