Societal challenges of the energy transition

The energy transition is in full swing and this has major consequences for electrical engineering and the electricity grid. While our energy system was centralized, predictable, and relatively stable for decades, a more intricate and dynamic system is now emerging. Maintaining power quality and managing electromagnetism are key issues. But what else is happening, and what challenges await the sector? It's time for innovation and collaboration.

Today, homes and businesses generate their own power, electric cars are being charged on a large scale, and new technologies are placing increasing demands on the grid. This decentralization and electrification are putting rapidly increasing pressure on existing infrastructure - an infrastructure that wasn't designed for this.

Grid overload
One of the most pressing consequences is grid congestion. The grid is becoming overloaded in many places, leading to postponed projects, restrictions on solar power feed-in, and even the suspension of sustainable initiatives. This sometimes leads to frustration among citizens and businesses seeking to make their transitions more sustainable and raises questions about the speed and direction of the transition. At the same time, the gap between policy ambitions and technical feasibility is growing.

Increased risk of disruptions
The quality of the power supply – power quality – is also under pressure. Disruptions such as voltage dips and asymmetries are increasing, especially in areas with extensive decentralized generation and large peak loads. These disruptions can cause significant damage to sensitive equipment in hospitals, industrial processes, or office environments and lead to higher maintenance and failure costs.

Electromagnetism
Social complexity is also increasing. The increase in electromagnetic fields (EMF), for example, from charging infrastructure or 5G cell towers, is raising concerns among citizens. Despite the lack of evidence of health risks within established standards, this requires transparent communication and involvement in design and installation. Citizens want to be heard and professionals must be prepared for this.

Furthermore, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is crucial. In a world where virtually everything is electronically controlled, devices must be resistant to external interference and not disrupt other systems. The increase in electronic components, both in households and in vehicles and infrastructure, only increases the tension between innovation and reliability.

What does this mean for professionals?
For technicians, designers, engineers, and policymakers in electrical engineering, it is essential to be not only technically skilled but also socially sensitive. Innovations must not only work but also align with societal expectations and concerns.

Professionals would do well to:
- Think systemically: Don't view the energy supply as separate components, but as a coherent system of technology, behavior, regulations, and environment.
- Invest in knowledge of EMC and power quality: Trouble-free, stable installations are crucial – both in homes and in critical infrastructure.
- Actively capture societal signals: Consider concerns about electromagnetic fields, noise, spatial use, and safety.
- Collaborate with other disciplines: Consider urban planners, communication professionals, sociologists, and policymakers.
- Design flexibly: Develop adaptable systems that can evolve with changing loads, technology, or regulations.

Contribute to the future!
The energy transition requires more than just technology. It requires professionals who bridge the gap between infrastructure and society – professionals who not only understand the tension on the grid technically, but also know how to interpret and shape it socially. Are you also involved in electrical engineering or the energy transition in your work? PAOTM offers a wide range of courses in your field where you can gain the latest postgraduate knowledge and apply it directly in practice. View our courses below. Or subscribe for one of the master lecture series at Delft or Eindhoven University of Technology, specifically open to PAOTM participants.