FIVE MINUTES WITH ...
CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR PROJECT WITH HIGHWAYS ENGLAND ?
As demand for EV charging begins to exponentially increase into 2030 and beyond , so too will the need to reinforce the National Grid in high-use areas and extend capabilities to remote locations . With these upgrades commanding costs into the multi-millions , but with predictions on the precise locations of that demand also highly uncertain , the risks associated with the development of this essential infrastructure is , therefore , a significant barrier to mass EV adoption . IPG , Highways England , and Innovate UK have partnered on this project to address some of these infrastructure and investment challenges of decarbonising our transport network . The proposal to develop , deploy and test the IPG Flameless Generator technology for clean , efficient , off-grid EV charging will enable rapid EV charging where highcapacity grid connections and on-site wind and solar are not viable . In this project , IPG is working to deliver the first fully integrated 100 kW generator to supply power for EV charging through a local mini-grid at Cranfield University .
HOW LONG WILL IT BE BEFORE DISTRIBUTED FUEL-BASED POWER IS IN LINE WITH OUR CLIMATE AMBITIONS ?
To date , innovation in the energy sector has primarily focused on wind , solar and energy storage . The challenge we now face is to develop the supporting infrastructure that enables an energy system that is not only sustainable and affordable but secure .
The IEA is projecting that in 2040 53 % of our global energy will continue to come from oil and natural gas . Much of this demand will come from developing economies , where power is more distributed and therefore dependent on the diesel generator . Until there is a true replacement to the diesel genset , the progress we are making with wind , solar and battery storage will be undermined . The timeline , however , to decarbonising this distributed fuel-based power is entirely dependent on the timeline for fossil-fuel alternatives being abundant and economically viable . But how do we create demand , and therefore increase supply of
18 September 2021