Small modular reactor (SMR) technology has been attractive on paper, but difficult to realize in practice. Despite high investments into SMR development, no SMRs are yet in commercial operation. However, as the world struggles with the immense challenges of transitioning away from fossil fuels, a resurgence of interest has appeared across the globe.

Advanced metering management (AMM, or smart metering) is an increasingly common energy management tool in West European countries. Sweden, Spain, and Estonia have deployed smart meters nationwide, and the Netherlands and Italy are on their second generation of installation.

Significant opportunities are arising from the trucking industry’s transition to electric drivetrains. The majority of truck chargers will rely on direct current (DC) technology, representing a tremendous opportunity for DC charging manufacturers.

The energy industry is at a turning point. Despite extensive efforts, we have a long way to go before achieving a low-carbon economy. In addition to the belief in and unspoken importance of renewable energies such as wind and photovoltaic, nuclear power also provides low-carbon electricity. Notwithstanding often politically influenced discussions surrounding the disposal of nuclear waste and questions of safety, nuclear power holds the advantage of being a “clean” (low-carbon), relatively unlimited, source of energy.

Increased electrification across society to meet climate targets, paired with European and local legislation, has put pressure on every level of the grid, while creating opportunities for existing and new market players. In addition, end consumers are looking for active opportunities to valorize their energy-efficiency investments, like solar photovoltaic (PV), heat pumps, electric boilers, and home batteries.

The pressing issue of climate change, which world-renowned naturalist David Attenborough called “the biggest threat to security that modern humans have ever faced,” brought world leaders to a single stage culminating in the landmark Paris Agreement. This resulted in the requirement for countries to submit climate action plans known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), outlining their emissions-reduction targets and the measures they would undertake to achieve them.

There’s a growing need to adapt and prepare the conventional hydropower operating model for the global energy transition. This urgently calls on hydropower operators to move toward a digital transformation process that requires agile operational innovation and a digital asset management mindset. Although some hydropower operators have begun implementing digital solutions, many remain locked in the conventional operating model.

Increased electrification across society to meet climate targets, paired with European and local legislation, has put pressure on every level of the grid, while creating opportunities for existing and new market players.