Net zero strategies require more integrated generation, transmission and distribution solutions
The integration of renewable energy into grid systems – more than simply deploying renewable energy to replace the region’s large dependence on coal – is the biggest challenge facing Asia’s electric industry, according to findings from this year’s Black & Veatch Asia Electric Report.
“The report reveals that pressures to lower grid emissions are mounting from investors, large customers and governments as infrastructure needs continue to transform,” said Narsingh Chaudhary, Executive Vice President & Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Black & Veatch. “The introduction of more renewable energy, is changing the very nature of electric grid management and this means Asian electricity providers must plan and invest seriously across the entire system of generation, transmission and distribution assets.”
The need to focus investments beyond generation into transmission and distribution is underlined throughout the report. For example, 25 percent of industry respondents are not confident in the performance and resilience of their transmission and distribution systems. In addition, two of the top three threats to providing reliable service to customers are cited as underinvestment in transmission and insufficient energy storage.
“The energy transition is underway across the region with more than 80 percent of respondents saying they are channeling capital to clean energy investments,” said Harry Harji, Associate Vice President for Black & Veatch's management consulting business in Asia. “Solar, in particular, looks set to receive increased investments over the next five years while almost half of respondents think hydrogen will emerge as an alternative to gas generation by 2030.”
Other key findings highlighted in the report include:
- Only 15 percent of respondents see a future for coal generation asset investment beyond 2035; in addition, 85 percent believe there will be less investment in coal over the next five years.
- In contrast, nearly half of respondents see a long-term future for new gas generation asset investments beyond 2035 while an additional 25 percent think investments will be channeled to upgrading existing facilities.
- This aligns with optimism around hydrogen as a zero-emissions energy carrier. 73 percent believe that hydrogen will help meet carbon emission goals beyond more than any other technology while 46 percent think it will take off as a clean and affordable alternative to gas generation.
- Advance system control devices is the top investment priority area to improve transmission systems.
- Almost half of respondents are considering smart grid improvements in the next five years, more than any other grid hardening technique.
- 35 percent of industry respondents say their organization has no decarbonization response in place.
- The report also includes insights from large customers, surveyed for the first time.
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Editor’s Notes:
- The Black & Veatch 2022 Asia Electric Report is based on the inputs of 57 senior industry participants with business responsibilities covering South Asia, Southeast Asia and/or East Asia and 33 commercial and industrial electricity customers who identify as readers of our media partner, Eco-Business, between 23 September through 28 October 2021. To download a free copy of the report, click here.
- Black & Veatch recently announced a major transformation of its operations aligned to megatrends occurring in the industry. To watch the video, click here.
About Black & Veatch’s Industry Reports
Black & Veatch’s high-impact reports, in a series previously known as Strategic Directions publications, provide industry insights and analysis based on market-leading research. Encompassing several annual reports examining the electric, water and other sectors, the series serves to inform and educate industry players on key issues, challenges and opportunities. Visit https://www.bv.com/reports to learn more.
About Black & Veatch
Black & Veatch is an employee-owned global engineering, procurement, consulting and construction company with a more than 100-year track record of innovation in sustainable infrastructure. Since 1915, we have helped our clients improve the lives of people around the world by addressing the resilience and reliability of our most important infrastructure assets. Our revenues in 2020 exceeded US$3.0 billion. Follow us on www.bv.com and on social media.
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