The internal and external clamour for all things sustainable will doubtless build towards a climax in November , with Glasgow hosting the UN Climate Change Conference . Energy and the environment are now two sides of the same coin , and it promises to be a pivotal year for all suppliers , irrespective of their hitherto green credentials .

Driving the changes are two words – ‘ Net Zero ’ – and we shine the spotlight on digital ’ s key role in reducing carbon emissions and outline how technology can join the three big dots , from macro government policies and corporate strategies , to consumers on the ground .

Sceptics may doubt whether the myriad government targets will be met but they serve as vital signposts , on the rapidly advancing horizon , and we must all join the journey .

In tandem with the sustainability push , we report on the growth in electric vehicles ,

aided by advances in battery technology , and reflect on how infrastructure charging concerns are being addressed – as illustrated by Gridserve ’ s electric forecourt at Braintree in the UK .

These are exciting times and the potential for increasing renewable energy demand , combined with the electrification of transport and industrial and oil and gas companies ’ increased participation in the electricity value chain , is accelerating industry convergence , notes Deloitte .

Changes are coming thick and fast . Apple Co-Founder Steve Wozniak is bringing his technological expertise to Efforce , a new blockchain platform in which contributors will benefit from savings generated by energy efficiency projects worldwide .

Elsewhere we consider the public-privatehybrid benefits of Cloud technology as more companies conduct business remotely , highlight the Top 10 Women in Energy , and profile leading industry figures who are embracing digital transformation .

Dominic Ellis dominic . ellis @ bizclikmedia . com

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