Editorial

There has been much good news lately that will have a positive effect on the energy industry. Around the world, decisions are being made, and legislation is being passed into law that will heavily rely on the energy sector for success.

The COP26 summit that has just concluded in Glasgow is reinforcing, while maybe not as much as we could have hoped, the efforts put forth in the Paris Climate Agreement. The primary goal of COP26 is the secure global net zero by mid-century. Countries are focusing on 2030 emission reduction targets. To deliver these targets, all industrialized countries will need to:

• Accelerate the phase-out of coal
• Reduce deforestation
• Expedite the switch to electric vehicles
• Encourage investment in renewables

To do many of these important things, electrical infrastructure must be reinforced to handle heavier loads, reduce long-distance losses, and increase electric power use to replace industrial processes that contribute excess CO2.

Cybersecurity, one of the focuses of this edition, is going to be a very important factor. Energy sharing will continue to grow between regions and countries and renewable energy integration will take on an ever-increasing share of the market.

The $1.2 trillion dollar United Stated Infrastructure Bill is a major milestone. Of the total re-investment plan, $65 billion will be devoted to rebuild the country’s aging electric grid, calling for the creation of thousands of miles of new power lines and expanding renewable energy capacity. $7.5 billion alone has been dedicated to build a nationwide network of plug-in vehicle chargers.

Other incentives are being put into place in Europe. China has been discussing the construction of 150 nuclear power plants, in and outside of China in the next 15 years.

As we approach the end of 2021 and look with anticipation to 2022, please ensure that you have the CIGRE Session on your calendar for next summer from August 28 - September 2, 2022, as always, at the Palais des Congrès in Paris.

From the Central Office staff and all of the CIGRE Team, I send you our best wishes for a very healthy and happy holiday season and I look forward to seeing you all in Paris next summer, in person!

Best regards,

Michel Augonnet