Unleashing the power of digital trends in energy

What does digital mean for future of energy as we approach the fourth industrial revolution?

- Tyler Anneliese Moselle

Wood was the world’s first source of energy and served as the preeminent form of energy though the latter part of the 19th century. Water mills, coal, petroleum, natural gas, nuclear electric power, and renewable energy were respectively momentous advances in our history of energy consumption.

Humans have always hunted down easier, faster, and more efficient methods to make energy work for them. With flourishing populations, new sources of energy, and technological prosperity, how will digital trends shape the fate of the energy world? 

When the onslaught of more efficient, environmentally-friendly power sources is paired with encouraging policy and programs to cut energy use, it makes for a sunny outlook on a refreshed energy infrastructure. But what good is any of this innovative work without energy security?

The International Energy Agency (IEA) considers energy security as the uninterrupted availability of energy sources at an affordable price. Short term needs highlight resiliency where energy systems can quicklyrespond to unforeseen changes. Long-term ambitions are geared towards investments in economic developments and sustainability.

Right now, a global spotlight is on the demand for energy security, but sometimes it is misunderstood through a politically-charged lens.

This matter is not just a geopolitical issue of import dependency or security of supply: the issue of energy availability and affordability is directly tied to social and economic vulnerabilities.

LET’S GET POLITICAL