by Ann Withanee — September 27, 2010—The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) called for a global taskforce to coordinate technology-based energy efficiency initiatives in an effort to increase coherence, and reduce duplication and wasted time. The group launched its white paper, “Coping with the Energy Challenge,” at the World Energy Congress in Montreal.
The report attempts to outline how the energy chain needs to be altered to achieve ambitious carbon emission reduction targets of 20 percent by 2020. In light of its findings and with the demand for electricity expected to triple by 2050, it also identifies areas offering highest potential for short and medium term energy efficiency results and their underlying standardization needs.
The white paper proposes that electric energy is the most versatile and controllable form of energy, the easiest and most efficient to distribute, with little wastage and the potential to be produced cleanly. Through its assessment of the entire energy chain—from generation to distribution, consumption and storage—the IEC uses a projection model to identify future standardization needs over the next 20 years.
Major conclusions include the redesign of the energy chain, the need for greater efficiency in how raw energy is used; technology coordination to ensure technical feasibility is guaranteed globally and standardization consistent internationally.
As the result of the findings of the white paper, the IEC will now develop necessary reference and systems architectures to achieve a smart-electrification future, and seek greater collaboration and co-operation with international organizations, governments and regulatory bodies.
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