While the core mission of power networks has long been to keep the lights on, grid operators now face the challenge of keeping wheels rolling, as the decarbonisation of transport places more demand on electricity supplies.
Last year, the number of electric vehicles rose more than 40 per cent year-on-year to surpass 10m globally, according to the International Energy Agency. While that represents just 1 per cent of the total number of vehicles, electric car sales are accelerating: the IEA suggests that, under current policies to reduce carbon emissions, the world’s fleet of electric vehicles could expand to 145m by 2030.
Experts agree that the path to meeting “net zero” targets will require the widespread adoption of zero-emission vehicles, as well as re-engineering the way cleaner energy is delivered to the transport fleet.