SUSTAINABLE CONSULTING
The end of a year feels like a natural pausing point to reflect on the past and look forward to the future . There ’ s no doubt that even in recent years the energy industry – particularly the renewables space – has seen mass evolution . This is underpinned by a significant drive in technological advancements and a global push for sustainability .
Undeniably , the numbers speak for themselves .
According to the International Energy Agency ( IEA ), global renewable capacity is expected to increase by more than 5,520GW between 2024 and 2030 , as countries and companies advance their commitments to net zero emissions targets . This figure is 2.6 times more than renewable deployment between 2017 and 2023 .
Renewable energy sources have grown at an average annual rate of 2.1 % since 1990 to 2021 , when renewable energy sources accounted for nearly 30 % of global electricity generation .
The transition is marked by the integration of digital technologies and smart energy management systems , which in turn enhance efficiency and optimise resource use .
BloombergNEF says that investment in renewable energy reached a record US $ 501.3bn in 2020 , underscoring the sector ’ s rapid growth and importance in combating climate change .
And only four years later , that number has quadrupled , with the IEA ’ s 2024 World Energy Investment report saying total global energy investment this year will likely exceed US $ 3tn for the first time . Of this , US $ 2tn will be spent on clean technologies such as renewables , electric vehicles and nuclear power , and a further US $ 1tn going to coal , oil and gas .
Growth in the solar sector Within the wider renewables sector , solar energy has seen high adoption rates over recent years , which can be attributed to cost reduction , policy support and environmental awareness , alongside technological advancements and improvements in energy storage and grid integration . The solar PV market alone is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of more than 20 % by 2026 , compared to a 2021 baseline .
As the renewables sector grows , the focus is shifting from traditional hardware solutions to comprehensive energy optimisation strategies that leverage software and AI , ensuring a more sustainable future for the energy landscape .
One such company demonstrating this is SolarEdge Technologies , a prominent player in the renewable energy sector that specialises in smart energy solutions that optimise energy usage for residential , commercial , and utility-scale customers .
Speaking with Energy Digital at Intersolar Europe in Munich , Christelle Barnes , UK Country Manager at SolarEdge Technologies , shares how the company has evolved from a hardware manufacturer to a leading smart energy solution provider . Not only
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