Smart Grids - After Copenhagen - Smart Energy 2010-2011

Synopsis

Archived report. This report was archived in 2010 and has not been updated since. The Copenhagen Summit was the first global event where countries came together to address a common cause. This in itself is an enormous achievement – a beacon to illuminate future global policy-making. True, the conference itself may have been a disappointment, but nobody walked away in anger – and the reason for the Summit remains unchanged, and the need for cooperation and support in solving climate change issues continues to be a top priority for all the countries that were involved.

The complex dynamic surrounding the carbon price still needs to be resolved, but it also became clear that maybe smaller steps are necessary, and that now is the time to try and create some wins here, particularly in the area of smart energy.

In other words, can we save energy through smart grids, smart infrastructure, smart buildings, smart transport and smart cities?

As most countries have been building up a formidable body of knowledge and expertise in the field of climate change some of this is now redirected at energy-saving policies; and it is here that the trans-sector approach makes sense. By breaking down the various silos and looking at the synergy that can be unleashed once the various sectors are brought together for a common cause we will be able to make progress.

This report gives an overview of the high-level political situation that has developed after Copenhagen. It covers the complex and important issues that still need to be addressed, and then moves on to explore the opportunities that are now opening up in the area of smart energy.