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The Role of Smart Power Technologies in Global Electrification

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  • Kurt Yeager
  • Stephen Gehl
  • Brent Barker

Abstract

This paper explores trends in global electrification through 2050, and the shift in technology dominance from supply-side to demand-side as the electricity delivery system becomes integrated with communications to form a new mega-infrastructure with new functions. This ‘energy web’ will be a smart, interactive, and self-healing electricity delivery system fully capable of supporting the precision power needs of the digital society of the 21 st century. The demand side employs billions and ultimately trillions of microprocessor agents negotiating for specialised services on behalf of their owners. The traditional electricity meter will be replaced by a two-way energy/information portal, through which information, power and services can flow. Because of the resulting optimisation opportunities, substantial efficiency gains are possible throughout the entire energy chain, from end user to producer. Another advantage is an improvement in economic productivity through the use of advanced digital technologies in all sectors of the economy. A balanced focus on the technologies of supply and the technologies of demand is needed to meet global electrification goals. The paper shows that the sustainable growth of the global economy will be increasingly reliant on ‘digital quality’ electricity (perfectly reliable and free of spikes, voltage sags and frequency fluctuations) to power computers, advanced electro-technologies for business and industry, the internet and its successor networks, and the knowledge-based industries of the future. Examples include semiconductor manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, advanced materials, nanotechnology applications and biotechnology. These applications are already well established in the developed world, and they will become increasingly important in the LDCs as these countries seek to expand the technology base of their economies. >Finally, the paper points out that a balanced implementation of the technologies of supply and demand offers an optimal approach to improving worker productivity and thereby addressing the issues of an ageing (and shrinking) work force in many parts of the globe.

Suggested Citation

  • Kurt Yeager & Stephen Gehl & Brent Barker, 2005. "The Role of Smart Power Technologies in Global Electrification," Energy & Environment, , vol. 16(5), pages 845-870, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:engenv:v:16:y:2005:i:5:p:845-870
    DOI: 10.1260/095830505774478477
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Russell Lee & Gretchen Jordan & Paul N Leiby & Brandon Owens & James L Wolf, 2003. "Estimating the benefits of government-sponsored energy R&D," Research Evaluation, Oxford University Press, vol. 12(3), pages 183-195, December.
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