Today, humanity is already consuming several times the amount of resources that the earth can regenerate. That is the problem. That's why the vision of the All Electric Society, in which electricity is generated entirely regeneratively and consumers are also powered electrically, is guiding and convincing for me.
Very large potentials in BIPV
While the faltering expansion of wind energy reminds us of the practical aspects that hinder expansion, solar energy - especially with organic photovoltaics - allows us to fantasise that the installation of PV still has very great potential.
As is well known, the energy irradiated by the sun exceeds the energy demand thousands of times over. All our problems could be solved by solar energy. Air pollution, water shortage and temperature rise could be slowed down.
Holistic energy network
The vision of the All Electric Society requires not only the expansion of renewable energies, but also a holistic view of the energy network from generation, storage, transport to consumption.
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I see the technological development of photovoltaics, solar thermal energy, hydrogen and batteries as intermediate storage, direct current in transmission in the high-voltage range (HVDC) as well as in the low-voltage range for electrical consumers (especially e-mobility) as key technologies.
Stronger networking
However, implementation will only succeed if we think and act more strongly in terms of networking. For Lapp, this means that we are involved in everything from connection technology in photovoltaics to DC low-voltage cables and charging solutions for electric vehicles. Ultimately, politics in particular must support the process worldwide. (mfo)
Georg Stawowy is the Board Member for Innovation and Technology at Lapp Holding AG in Stuttgart.
