Sandra Trittin, Swisscom Energy Solutions, at #REMforum 2017

Summary

Swisscom Energy Solutions, founded in 2012, addresses the energy industry's shift from centralized to decentralized production, focusing on renewable sources like solar and wind. The company connects decentralized devices in homes, such as photovoltaic systems and batteries, to a network for controlled flexibility, enhancing grid stability. With a customer-centric approach and rapid technological development, Swisscom aims to integrate telecommunication expertise to empower the energy transition across Europe, advocating for more women in tech and energy to bring diverse perspectives to problem-solving.

Takeaways

• 🌟 The energy industry is undergoing disruptive changes, shifting from centralized fossil fuel production to decentralized renewable energy sources like wind and solar.
• 🏠 There is a significant move towards residential homes becoming energy producers, with the ability to install photovoltaic systems and home batteries, and even own electric cars.
• 🔌 The importance of residential homes in the energy turnaround is growing, as they can now generate and store their own energy, contributing to grid stability.
• ⚡ The volatility of renewable energy production poses challenges for energy supply and grid stability, necessitating innovative solutions.
• 🤝 Swisscom Energy Solutions, founded in 2012, aims to connect decentralized energy devices into a network for better control and management.
• 🛠️ The company provides technology solutions that allow for the flexible consumption of energy, which can be traded on the energy market for grid stability.
• 🌐 Swisscom Energy Solutions has partnerships with energy utilities and suppliers in Switzerland and internationally, including Germany, France, and Austria.
• 📈 The company's expansion has been from Switzerland to other European countries since 2016, focusing on France, Switzerland, Austria, and Germany.
• 📲 Telecommunication companies, with their experience in decentralization and customer focus, can be enablers for the energy industry's transformation.
• 🚀 The rapid development cycles in telecommunications can be a model for the energy industry, which is expected to accelerate its technological advancements.
• 👥 Greater diversity, including more women in technology and energy-focused roles, can bring new perspectives and solutions to the industry's challenges.

Q & A

What is the main vision of the energy industry as discussed in the script?

The main vision is the shift from centralized production using fossil fuels to decentralized production with renewable energy sources like wind and solar, along with the increasing importance of residential homes in energy production and management.

What challenges does the shift to decentralized energy production present?

The challenges include the volatility of renewable energy production, which can lead to instability and grid challenges, necessitating the need for a network to connect and control decentralized devices.

What is the role of Swisscom Energy Solutions in the energy industry?

Swisscom Energy Solutions provides technology solutions for connecting and managing decentralized energy devices, offering flexibility in energy consumption that can be traded on the energy market for grid stability.

How does Swisscom Energy Solutions enable flexibility in energy consumption?

By connecting decentralized devices such as heating systems, photovoltaic systems, battery systems, and electric vehicle charging stations, and allowing for the shifting of energy consumption in time, creating flexibility that can be utilized for grid stability.

What are some of the main partners of Swisscom Energy Solutions?

Main partners include utilities in Switzerland like Great Power, Two Team, and Eks in Cha, as well as international partners like the home battery supplier in Germany, and utilities in France and Austria.

How does the script relate the changes in the telecommunication industry to the energy industry?

The script draws a parallel between the decentralization and customer focus of the telecommunication industry and the similar trends emerging in the energy industry, suggesting that telecommunication companies can be enablers for the energy transition.

What is the significance of the telecommunication industry's experience for the energy industry?

The telecommunication industry's experience with decentralization, customer focus, and rapid technology cycles can provide valuable insights and strategies for the energy industry as it undergoes its own transition.

How does the script suggest the energy industry can benefit from increased female participation?

The script suggests that more women in technology and energy industry jobs can bring new perspectives, different working styles, and innovative solutions to the challenges of the energy transition.

What is the current expansion strategy of Swisscom Energy Solutions?

Swisscom Energy Solutions started in Switzerland in 2012 and has since expanded to France, Austria, and Germany, with plans to continue expanding across Europe.

How does the script describe the transition from traditional energy production to renewable energy?

The script describes a shift from centralized, traditional power stations like coal, gas, and nuclear to more decentralized renewable energy sources like solar and wind, allowing individuals to both consume and contribute to the grid.

What is the potential impact of the energy transition as discussed in the script?

The energy transition has the potential to create a more flexible, stable, and participatory energy grid, with individuals and technology playing a crucial role in managing and optimizing energy use.