AECOM’s Robert Spencer argues those businesses looking to source 100 per cent renewables can now play a pivotal role in the emergence of crucial energy storage and demand management systems. Since its launch nearly two years ago, RE100 has encouraged some of the world’s most influential companies to commit to buying 100 per cent of their electricity from renewable sources by a specific year. With 68 major companies from across the world currently signed up, the campaign is helping boost contributions from the private sector to renewable energy investment – a key ambition of the Paris Agreement. even if a company buys every unit it consumes from 100 per cent renewable suppliers, it remains physically reliant on a mixed grid that, on a dark and windless day, will be propped up by fossil fuels. As more and more companies embrace renewable generation, the balance of supply and demand will only be possible alongside effective storage and demand management. In the same way large firms are mobilising renewable energy investment through initiatives like RE100, they must now take the lead in rolling out effective energy storage and demand management. Achieving 100 per cent renewable energy consumption – and 100 per cent predictable supply – will require them to take these further steps.
Business Green 6th July 2016 read more »