Anoop Anand, President – System Drives, ABB India Ltd.

What are the primary drivers of the global shift toward green energy alternatives?

The need to address climate change has become a fundamental issue, compelling everyone to take energy transition seriously. Experts in the field have been raising concerns about the gradual impacts climate change is having on the environment, which has prompted world leaders to urge all countries to work together toward a better future. The fact remains that if we do not take impactful action now, we may not be able to leave a livable planet for future generations.

The most critical step in saving the planet is reducing the environmental impact of fossil fuel consumption and the resulting high levels of greenhouse gas emissions. Transitioning away from fossil fuels toward cleaner energy sources, such as solar and wind, has been a key part of this effort. Technological advancements have also played a significant role, making renewable energy sources more efficient and cost-effective. Economic incentives from governments, global geopolitical factors, and the desire to reduce dependence on expensive imported fossil fuels have further encouraged power producers and consumers to adopt alternative fuel solutions.

Global organisations and corporations have also supported this cause by incorporating clean energy solutions as part of their corporate social responsibility initiatives. Driven by a combination of technological, economic, environmental, and social factors, this collective effort aims to create a more sustainable and resilient energy future for all.

What are the emerging technologies that have the most potential to accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources?

There are various emerging technologies that hold great promise across all aspects of clean energy, whether related to efficient equipment and systems for power generation, energy storage, or effective power management. For example, advanced photovoltaics such as perovskite and tandem cells are surpassing traditional silicon cells in energy transfer efficiency and their ability to capture a broader spectrum of sunlight. Wind energy technology has also matured over time, particularly in terms of efficiency and generation capacity, with offshore wind farms showing significant progress. Hydrogen offers a promising alternative to fossil fuels and has the potential to revolutionise clean energy initiatives in both the industrial and transportation sectors. Additionally, advancements in bioenergy—such as converting organic materials into energy—and expanding the potential of geothermal energy by tapping into previously inaccessible heat sources deep within the Earth, open up exciting new possibilities.

Equally, if not more, important to the power generation field are innovations in energy storage systems, including advanced battery technologies, pumped storage power plants, air batteries, and thermal energy storage systems. These technologies will play a crucial role in providing reliable 24/7 power by managing the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Smart grids will also be pivotal, as smart technologies enable better integration of renewable energy, improving both efficiency and reliability.

What innovations in grid infrastructure are needed to support widespread adoption of renewable energy?

Integrating renewable energy sources into the grid is a key element in the overall success of this mission, given the intermittent nature of these sources. Smart grid technology plays a major role in this process, as it uses advanced sensors, IoT devices, and real-time data analytics to manage and distribute renewable energy efficiently. Smart grids enable better integration of energy resources such as solar panels, wind turbines, battery storage systems, and pumped hydro storage, helping to balance supply and demand.

The use of microgrids is also becoming increasingly important, as they can operate independently or in conjunction with the main grid. Microgrids allow for the integration of renewable energy sources and provide reliable power to specific areas, particularly during grid outages or periods of peak demand.

What are the most significant challenges in scaling green energy technologies globally?

First and foremost, major alternative energy sources like solar and wind have outputs that depend on variables—such as wind speed and solar intensity—that are beyond the control of investors. As a result, the high initial investment cost remains a significant barrier. While technological advancements are gradually narrowing these gaps, challenges like energy storage and grid integration still persist.

Additionally, production in the renewable energy sector often relies on rare earth materials, the availability of which is concentrated in only a few parts of the world. This creates vulnerabilities to supply chain disruptions, especially in light of geopolitical tensions.

Fossil fuels continue to dominate the global energy market, and transitioning to renewable energy requires overcoming entrenched interests and market dynamics. Addressing these challenges will require a combination of innovative financing mechanisms, supportive policies, international collaboration, and public engagement. It is a complex but necessary journey toward a sustainable energy future.

Green hydrogen is now seen as one of the viable alternatives, but how feasible is this in the real world?

Green hydrogen is indeed a promising alternative to fossil fuels and could prove to be a savior for the planet in the long run. It has been some time since it was identified as a potential solution, and most energy companies have been actively pursuing this initiative. It is widely believed that the ambitious targets set by the UN’s Paris Agreement will not be achievable without the large-scale deployment of a hydrogen ecosystem. However, the feasibility of implementing a green hydrogen ecosystem in the real world presents several challenges.

One of the major concerns is the high production cost of green hydrogen. Without a drastic reduction in these costs—potentially by one fourth—the feasibility of energy transition without an unprecedented hike in energy prices looks uncertain. Additionally, developing the infrastructure needed for the entire ecosystem, including transportation, storage, and distribution, would require large-scale investments.

Despite these challenges, there have been positive developments. Many industries are upgrading their infrastructure to accommodate hydrogen as an alternative fuel. Initially, producing hydrogen at consumption points appears to be the most viable model, with the potential to expand in scale and eventually transport it to consumers either as a gas or in the form of ammonia. Responsible organisations, including ABB with its world-class products and systems, are playing a constructive role in developing a hydrogen economy that could ultimately help create a greener planet.

(The views expressed in interviews are personal, not necessarily of the organisations represented)