As the need for new measures to combat climate change becomes more urgent, electrification and decarbonisation are gaining momentum as potentially transformative strategies. Currently, most energy produced from fossil fuels is wasted before it reaches end users. According to a recent report by experts at the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), almost two-thirds of primary energy from fossil fuels is lost in conversion, distribution, and consumption processes, highlighting major inefficiencies in our energy systems. However, transitioning to electrified, decarbonised systems could significantly reduce these energy losses, providing the same, or greater, energy services while using a fraction of the primary energy we use today.

Electrification: The Key to Energy Efficiency

Electrification is already considerably more efficient than traditional fossil fuel-based energy systems. Here are some statistics from the report: 

- Electric vehicles (EVs) use three to four times less energy than conventional cars. 

- Electric heat pumps are three times more efficient than gas boilers.

Electrification also enables renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, to generate power cleanly and efficiently. However, the transition to electrification requires substantial investment in things like electricity storage as well as new policies and incentives. Currently, China is leading the way in electrification, with the high price of natural gas creating strong incentives to adopt new electrification technologies.

Decarbonisation of Transportation: The Next Major Challenge

While sectors like buildings and industry have made progress in shifting to cleaner energy sources, the transportation sector remains relatively unchanged. Combustion engines still dominate the market, and emission reductions are lagging behind other sectors. 

Therefore, electrification of transportation is a top priority; the report identified EVs, e-bikes, and electrified public transport systems as key components of a sustainable future. 

The Role of Carbon Nanotubes in the Clean Energy Revolution

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have the potential to play a huge role in supporting the clean energy revolution. Their unique properties make them highly suited to applications requiring durability and efficiency, which could help them maximise the performance of electrified technologies. 

CNTs could enhance the energy density of EV batteries, extending their lifespan and reducing their weight. Moreover, they could improve the efficiency of grid components, reducing energy losses during transmission and storage.

Looking Towards a Sustainable, Electrified Future

The global energy landscape is shifting rapidly, with electrification and decarbonisation leading the way. By enhancing the efficiency of energy systems, CNTs can help support the transition to a more sustainable future. 

TrimTabs’ CNT technologies could unlock greater potential savings for electrification projects, for example, through their use in batteries, and we can’t wait to see the difference this makes. 

To read the full report, click the link below. 

Full report