Energy Transition: Evolution, Resistance and What Comes Next?
Key points
TL;DR:
The global energy transition – from fossil fuels to renewables, nuclear and hydrogen, is more than a trend. It’s a structural shift with massive implications for industry, transport and policy. But confusion around what “transition” means still lingers and public opinion remains divided.
In preparation for this column I was wondering where I could explore. Several articles have been citing issues with energy transition.
What does ‘transition’ mean?
According to the Oxford Dictionary there are several meanings.
In 1545 one definition is
‘A passing or passage from one condition, action, or (rarely) place, to another; change.’
In 2013 a new definition was added
‘A movement advocating the transition from oil dependency to sustainable living by building self-sufficient communities with limited impact on the natural environment.’
The numerous definitions are all driving towards the same aim, that of CHANGE.
Is It Really New – or Just the Next Cycle?
One thing has become clear in recent times that there are definitely more decisive decisions being made as this massive change in energy efficiency and types of energy moves forward. The fact that someone decided that we needed a new definition for movement away from oil-based fuels is testament to the fact that there are groups on both sides of the divide.
The EV Debate and Public Perception
I have ‘transitioned’ from a petrol car to a battery electric vehicle. Now there are people who have taken the same move and see the benefits of such a move (and disadvantages). Yes, I know that the grid has not fully moved away from hydrocarbons for production. Whilst writing this article the grid carbon intensity is moderate.
Others are completely against the move; a car show event has very prominently advertised the event with a ban on any Electric vehicles as the event is only for car enthusiasts! Well can’t we be both?
Energy Efficiency in Industry: A Constant Evolution
A gloomy day in the UK means that renewables are less efficient, but there is still 574 MW from Solar and 10.3GW from wind whilst I’m writing this at 20:45.
Image from NESO Carbon Intensity Dashboard
So, why am I waffling about this energy transition and vehicles. Well, this is one area that we can relate to.
In industry we have always been transitioning when it comes to energy. I live in a chemical industry town where chemicals have been around since 1847. The town has changed significantly even since my parents grew up in the town with heavy ‘smog’ now having clean air most of the time (unless the animal rendering plant is having an issue). Believe it or not the first electric vehicle was the Flocken Elektrowagen in 1888, much before the electric vehicles of today.
Energy has always been evolving, mainly due to external factors.
- Availability
- Cost
- Laws
- Public reaction
Companies haven’t stood still with this either. Improving energy efficiency changes the costs to the business.
Moving between fuels has even made a difference:
- Furnaces / heaters working on fuel oils moving to natural gas hasn’t only changed costs but reduced the fouling issues, black smoke and interruptions when systems clogged up.
Is the move away from oil-based power a challenge?
Absolutely we only must see what is happening in the steel industry moving from blast furnaces to electric arc furnaces, much more energy efficient and less labour intensive. Resulting in changing how the companies work with fewer people.
Hydrogen: The Next Big Industrial Shift?
The next industrial challenge – Hydrogen. There are many initiatives to try and harness the switch to hydrogen-based systems.
- Furnaces
- Home heating
- Transportation
- Transmission
I’m fortunate to have been working on some projects from research and development to more full-scale projects all at various stages of implementation. All of these projects are wanting to be the first to get a fully operational system to reduce carbon emissions in the cleanest possible way and for the infrastructure to be ready for when it arrives.
I am watching with bated breath where this ends up. There has to be compromise between renewables (Solar, Wind, Hydroelectric), Nuclear, Biomass / Energy from Waste and new Hydrogen based systems. Putting all our eggs into one basket I’m sure will lead to lots of broken eggs and black outs. The transition continues …………
FAQs: Understanding the Energy Transition
What does ‘energy transition' actually mean?
Energy transition refers to the global shift from fossil fuels (like coal and oil) to cleaner energy sources such as renewables, nuclear, and hydrogen.
Is energy transition really new?
Not entirely. Industry has always adapted to energy availability, cost, and regulation. The difference now is the urgency driven by climate change and carbon reduction goals.
Why do people disagree about energy transition?
Public opinion varies due to concerns over grid reliability, cost, cultural identity (e.g. car enthusiasts vs EV users), and trust in new technologies.
What role does hydrogen play in energy transition?
Hydrogen is emerging as a key solution in decarbonising industrial heating, transport, and energy storage. However, infrastructure and cost remain challenges.
Will we rely solely on renewables in future?
No single source can meet all energy needs. A balanced mix, including wind, solar, nuclear, biomass and hydrogen, will be essential for stability and resilience.
How is industry adapting to the energy shift?
Industries are upgrading to more energy-efficient systems, shifting from oil to gas, investing in electric arc furnaces, and testing hydrogen for heat and power.
