Visualizing the 21st Century Electricity Industry
Some background on the U.S. Department of Energy’s Vision:
Some months ago, several electricity-related offices in the U.S. Department of Energy undertook to develop a shared vision of what the U.S. electricity industry is likely to look like in 2035, in order to better plan and coordinate DOE’s electricity-related activities and programs. The latest version of the Vision is here for your review.
Although the Vision was first developed primarily for intra-DOE use, it has become clear to DOE that collaborating with stakeholders to develop the Vision further will make the Vision stronger and more useful as a framework for broader collaboration among many parties to address shared concerns and pursue common goals. Therefore, the Vision will continue to evolve as the national dialogue moves forward. National Electricity Forum attendees are asked to review the draft Vision and are encouraged to discuss it so that DOE can benefit from thoughtful analysis. Updates to the draft Vision will be posted as they become available.
TWO WORKING DEFINITIONS:
21st Century – For purposes of discussion at the 2012 National Electricity Forum, time period is through 2035.
Electricity Industry – Includes all aspects of electricity generation, transmission and distribution. Also includes demand impacts through energy efficiency and demand response programs, integration of new sources of generation, smart system tools and devices, dynamic pricing programs.
Theme
Visualizing the 21st Century Electricity Industry
Critical public policy issues will be discussed and debated – among panelists and with the audience – including:
- What changes in society, culture, the economy, technology, policy, population, demographics, among other factors such as energy resources and climate will significantly shape the requirements for and structure of the 2035 energy system? What implications do these changes present for where and how electricity will be generated?
- What do you see as the critical requirements of a vision for the 21st Century electricity industry? Does the vision presented by DOE have the potential to achieve those requirements?
- How do business leaders perceive the long-term vision for the 21st Century electricity industry? What are the successful business models that can help achieve the transformed electricity industry?
- What "transformational" technologies are likely to be available to help secure the 21st Century electricity industry? What are the R&D needs to ensure their availability? What are the most likely game-changers?
- What will customers need and want from the 21st Century electricity industry? Will customers see value in the long-term investments in modernization efforts if there are higher short-term costs?
- What are the optimal roles, respectively, for the states, regional entities, and the federal government in carrying out the public policy and regulatory changes needed to achieve the desired industry transformation?
- What are the key factors and scenarios addressing future generation needs? What transmission planning tools and procedures will be needed in 2035?
- How will plug-in electric vehicles, grid-scale electricity storage technologies, energy efficiency, demand response, distributed generation, and micro-grids impact transformations to the 21st Century electricity industry?
- What is the "right" balance between regulation and market structures to incentivize and facilitate the development of the most flexible, environmentally benign and cost-effective electricity system for our future?