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Interdependencies and resilience in digital transformation

We’ve published a new report that looks at adaptability and interdependence across energy networks, communications, and infrastructure in an increasingly interconnected world: Interdependencies and resilience in digital transformation.

With increased homeworking, there is a need to consider the wider impact of the digital transition. With the increasing use of IoT, artificial intelligence digital technology interdependency will only increase. The further we go down the path of distributed renewables, smart meters with time-of-use tariffs, IoT appliances, programmable electric vehicle chargers and heat pump systems, the greater the complexity and the scope for unforeseen issues. We believe that a secure, robust, and resilient operational telecommunications capability must be prioritised by Government and the UK energy network operators. 

In our report we list key recommendations and share case studies on the challenges, barriers and next steps. We urge you to log in to your online IET Community account and leave your thoughts, questions or feedback below.

Read the report here: Interdependencies and resilience in digital transformation (theiet.org)

  • I would be happy to provide vital information on the matter,

    Despite the corona epidemic and its devastating impact on economies around the world, the future of electric vehicles continues to look very promising. Thanks to the speed of launching the innovations. Fast charging, connected cars and smart charging are just a few examples of technologies that have made electric cars more and more popular in recent years. But what next? What are the next important innovations that will increase the demand for electric vehicles in the future?

    Two-way charging allows energy to flow in both directions: from the grid to the car and from the vehicle back to the grid (called Vehicle to Grid or V2G) or to your home (Vehicle-to-Home or V2H). This is a real milestone in charging technology: compared to traditional one-way charging, two-way charging offers many new options; You can do much more than "just" charge your car using it. This innovative technology has only been used in a few pilot projects in the past, as the payloads required for it were very expensive and very large. Thanks to continuous improvements, two-way chargers are now cheaper, smaller and more efficient, and can also be used in private households. Wolbox was the first company to release a two-way charger for the home. The device, launched this year, has become one of the most popular topics of conversation at technology shows like CES. This is what makes the technology so effective.

    In addition, two-way charging completely changes the way we think about charges. While chargers used to be just a means to an end, they are now becoming a tool that opens up entirely new possibilities for electric vehicles. Thanks to two-way chargers, it is now possible to get used to electronic cars as well 

    *Serve as electricity storage and thus an emergency energy source for power outages.

    *To save or even make money by selling surplus electricity back into the grid and using electricity prices that vary according to the hours of the day. 

    *Become an independent energy by connecting the renewable energy source (e.g. the solar system) with the house and the electric vehicle.

    However, battery technology still needs to be improved in order to equip cheaper e-car models with a longer range. Only in this way can electric vehicles become more lucrative and attractive to an ever-increasing audience. Ryan Corbett of EV Opionion explains it this way: "The relationship between battery efficiency and cost is critical. This is the main obstacle to the decision of electric vehicles across the board"

    "Battery technology will continue to improve thanks to high energy density and reduce power loss after prolonged use. Combined with fast or even ultra-fast chargers, improved battery technology represents a benefit to consumers, especially since electric cars are likely to reach the price level of combustion engines this decade"

    In the end, it does not matter which of the battery technologies mentioned reach the new standard. As long as it causes an increase in the performance and range of electronic cars and prices fall, it will give the industry a significant boost.

    Electric cars on the streets also mean that charging infrastructure needs to be better, more branched and more networked. A lot has happened in Europe in this regard in the last decade. This shows that the number of public charging stations in Europe increased from 2,397 in 2011 to 190,000 in 2020 (English statistics). Further improvements in the field of charging infrastructure will ensure that it is ready for mass use. First of all, the number of public charging stations must continue to grow. According to the automotive industry, despite the growing market share, only 4.3% of new listings are electric cars. However, if that percentage rises to 50%, that means more than 150 million more electric vehicles. And even if home charging becomes the norm, the public charging infrastructure will have to deal with this huge increase in demand. What is important to know about home charging: Although many electric vehicle owners prefer to charge the vehicle at home, not everyone has the option to do so. Especially not people who usually travel long distances. It is therefore essential that these considerations be taken into account when planning charging infrastructure. James and Kate agree on what they think needs to be improved first: "Charging infrastructure. The location of strategic charging points for longer journeys and for 30% of potential e-car owners who cannot charge the vehicle at home"

    In conclusion, excellent infrastructure technology will be the key to our roads to make the transition to more sustainable cars.

    Seven out of nine e-vehicle experts are optimistic about the future prospects of electric vehicles despite the Corona epidemic. This is not surprising since the electric car market has proven to be stronger than the rest of the car industry and therefore increased its market share. Some countries, brands and car models have even seen an increase in sales. 

    Finally, as I mentioned, electric vehicles will emerge stronger from the crisis as our society becomes more aware of the environment during the plague.