Fourth Annual Expert Workshop: Challenges in Electricity Decarbonisation

Background

‌The International Energy Agency (IEA) and Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) hosted the 4th Annual Challenges in Electricity Decarbonisation workshop on October 10 in Paris. The focus of the workshop was “Electrification and its Implications for the Electricity Sector”

This was the fourth workshop in the EPRI/IEA Challenges in Electricity Decarbonisation series. The 2014 workshop, Electricity Market Design under Long-Term Decarbonisation, focused on the challenge of ensuring reliable delivery of electricity under low-carbon scenarios through 2050. The 2015 workshop, Integrating New Technologies While Maintaining Resource Adequacy, focused on security of electricity supply through 2030. The 2016 workshop, Optimising the Path to 2050, explored the technological and economic challenges of different pathways to decarbonised power systems. This workshop also extends a series of workshops initiated in 2015 by the IEA on the theme “Renewable energies for industries” and held in Paris, Beijing and, co-hosted by EPRI, Washington D.C.

The meeting was held under Chatham House Rule.

WELCOME AND OPENING REMARKS

Peter FRASER, Head of the Gas, Coal and Power Markets Division, IEA
David HUNTER, Senior Government and External Representative, EPRI 

EPRI SESSION 1: TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS IN ELECTRIFICATION

Panellists discussed technological advances and their implications for the future of electrification.

Followed by roundtable discussions

Moderator: Matthew WITTENSTEIN, Senior Electricity Analyst, IEA

Panellists:
Tom WILSON, Senior Technical Executive for Strategic Analysis, EPRI
Cedric PHILIBERT, Senior Energy Analyst, Renewable Energy, IEA
Ayako MATSUMOTO, Project Manager, Mitsui Global Strategic Studies Institute
Stephane DUPRE LA TOUR, Head of Department, Renewable Energy and Energy Access, EDF
Naotaka SHIBATA, General Manager, CHAdeMO Promotion Resource Aggregation Office, TEPCO

SESSION 2:  DEVELOPMENTS IN ELECTRIFICATION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR THE UNITED STATES ELECTRIC INDUSTRY

Representatives from government and the utility industry discussed how advancements in technology, new policies, and consumer choices are driving electrification in the US, impacts on the electric sector, and potential challenges and barriers.

Followed by roundtable discussions

Moderator: David HUNTER, Senior Government and External Representative, EPRI

Panellists:
Catherine JEREZA, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, U.S. Department of Energy
Lorenzo KRISTOV, Principal, Market & Infrastructure Policy, California ISO
Charles ROSSMANN, Economist, Southern Company
Shaun MANN, Research & Development Manager, Tri-State Generation and Transmission

SESSION 3:   DEVELOPMENTS IN ELECTRIFICATION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR THE EUROPEAN ELECTRIC INDUSTRY

Representatives from government and the utility industry discussed how advancements in technology, new policies, and consumer choices are driving electrification in the EU, impacts on the electric sector, and potential challenges and barriers.

Followed by roundtable discussions

Moderator: Tom WILSON, Senior Technical Executive, EPRI

Panellists:
Matti SUPPONEN, Policy Coordinator, European Commission
Georgina GRENON, Director of 100% Renewable Solutions, ENGIE
Ulrik STRIDBAEK, Director, Head of Group Regulatory Affairs, DONG Energy
Daniele AGOSTINI, Head of Low Carbon Policies and European Energy Policies, Enel
Henning HAEDER, Advisor, Energy Efficiency and Electrification, EURELECTRIC

SESSION 4:  KEYNOTE PANEL

This panel presented high level views of electrification, including implications for security and geopolitics, energy policy, and the electricity sector and industry more broadly.

Followed by roundtable discussions

Moderator: Peter FRASER, Head of the Gas, Coal and Power Markets Division, IEA

Panellists:
Laszlo VARRO, Chief Economist, IEA
Mark McGRANAGHAN, Vice President, Power Deliver and Utilisation, EPRI
Bernard SALHA, Director of R&D, EDF
Craig GLAZER, Vice President, PJM
Kaname OGAWA, Director for Electricity Industry and Market Office, METI

CLOSING MESSAGES