AI Takes Over: Nobel Prizes, Clean Energy, and Supply Chain Wins

Read to the end to hear what Peter O'Toole wanted on his tombstone

Author

Tom Raftery
October 18, 2024

Hi everyone, it’s been a while! Welcome back to FutureProof - Tom's Tech and Sustainability Digest. I know it's been a while, and I apologise for the absence. Life and projects took me off track, but I’m excited to be back and reconnecting with all of you.

The tech world, particularly AI, hasn't slowed down at all, nor has the progress in sustainability. So, without further ado, let's catch up on what's been happening, and dive into the latest insights and stories I've come across.

But first some Star Wars humour to put a smile on your face!

In the News:

Artificial Intelligence

Electromobility

  • EV Batteries Can Outlast A Vehicle’s Lifetime With Minimal Degradation, Study Finds - We're all used to the batteries in our phones losing steam over time, but the batteries in electric vehicles (EVs) are a whole different story. This recent study of over 5,000 fleet EVs by telematics firm Geotab reveals that EV batteries typically outlast the vehicle itself, with degradation rates of around 1.8% per annum. Many EVs retain significant battery capacity even after 200,000 kilometers of driving. It’s another reminder that battery longevity in EVs is much more robust than the everyday tech we carry around, making the shift to electric motoring even more compelling.

  • Norway: electric cars outnumber petrol for first time in ‘historic milestone’ - Norway has reached a major milestone: for the first time, there are more fully electric cars on its roads than petrol-powered ones. As of mid-September, 754,303 electric cars were registered compared to 753,905 petrol cars. This progress shows Norway’s rapid embrace of electrification—helped along by generous incentives—putting it ahead of the rest of the world in EV adoption. Unfortunately, diesel cars still dominate the fleet, though their numbers are are decreasing steadily.


Renewable Energy

  • Massive global growth of renewables to 2030 is set to match entire power capacity of major economies today, moving world closer to tripling goal - The IEA reports that renewable energy capacity is set to grow massively by 2030, adding over 5,500 GW—equivalent to the current power capacity of China, the EU, India, and the US combined. Solar is leading this surge, accounting for 80% of growth, and pushing renewables towards meeting half of global electricity demand. Though progress is impressive, the world will need further action to fully achieve the goal of tripling renewables by the end of the decade. It’s clear that renewables are now outpacing expectations—and even governmental targets.

  •  Installing solar panels between train track rails - I thought this was a nifty idea: Swiss startup Sun-Ways has come up with a clever solution for placing solar panels in often-overlooked areas: right between railway tracks. These removable solar panels are designed to harness otherwise wasted space, generating renewable electricity that can feed the grid or directly power the railway. If scaled up, Sun-Ways estimates these panels could provide up to 30% of the energy needed for public transport in Switzerland. It’s an inventive approach to maximising land use and driving the energy transition forward.

  • Solar Farms Have a Superpower Beyond Clean Energy - This is awesome too - Solar power projects are increasingly being designed to benefit pollinators and wildlife, not just generate clean energy. Solar farms are now integrating native plants and wildflowers to create habitats for bees, butterflies, and other species, turning these sites into dual-purpose spaces. It’s a brilliant example of how renewable energy can support biodiversity—harnessing the power of the sun while providing a boost to local ecosystems.

These are just a small selection of the fascinating stories I have come across in the recent weeks. I post most of the stories I come across on Threads and/or on LinkedIn (I’m using Twitter less and less), so if you want to see more stories like this, follow me on those platforms (if you’re not already).

Blog posts

Some of my latest writings

  • Cloud and AI: Powering a New Era of Innovation in the Utility Sector - Cloud computing and AI are reshaping the utility sector, driving new levels of efficiency and innovation. My latest blog post explores how cloud platforms help utilities adapt to renewable integration, while AI is being leveraged to enhance grid management and customer services. Utilities are increasingly tapping into these technologies to not only meet regulatory demands but also deliver more sustainable and personalised energy solutions. It’s an exciting time for the sector, with cloud and AI opening up possibilities we couldn't have imagined even a few years ago.

  • Why the 2024 US Election Could Decide the Fate of Global Climate Action - The upcoming 2024 US election could be a pivotal moment for global climate action. In this recent, very topical post, I explore how the election outcome might shape America's climate policy and, in turn, influence global climate efforts. A shift in leadership could either bolster international collaboration on emissions reduction or stall progress when time is of the essence. This election isn’t just about US domestic policy; it's about the fate of the planet and whether we’ll see more ambitious climate initiatives or a setback in global climate momentum.

  • PFAS in Supply Chains: Health Risks, Regulations, and How to Stay Ahead - PFAS, often called "forever chemicals," pose significant health risks and are now being heavily scrutinised in supply chains. In this piece, I discuss the dangers of these persistent chemicals, evolving regulations aimed at controlling them, and practical steps companies can take to stay compliant while reducing their PFAS footprint. With stricter regulations on the horizon, understanding and mitigating PFAS risks isn’t just about compliance—it’s about protecting health and future-proofing supply chains.

Video interview

I recently had a sit down with Bilal Khursheed, Worldwide Leader for Power & Utilities at Microsoft, where we discussed the evolving landscape of the utility industry, emphasizing the role of cloud technologies and AI in driving digital transformation. He highlighted the challenges utilities face, such as regulatory barriers and cybersecurity threats, while showcasing the potential of cloud solutions to enhance operational efficiency, integrate renewable energy, and increase resilience. Bilal also stressed the importance of a cultural mindset shift within organizations to fully leverage technology innovations and remain competitive in the changing energy market. It was a fascinating conversation. Check it out here on YouTube.

Podcast Highlights

  • Climate Confident

    •  Revolutionising Battery Technology: Dragonfly Energy's Dry Electrode Innovation with Dr Denis Phares - In this episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I chat with Dr. Denis Phares, CEO of Dragonfly Energy, about their game-changing dry electrode technology for batteries. We discuss how this innovation is not only transforming battery production by eliminating the use of toxic solvents, but also paving the way for cheaper, more sustainable energy storage solutions. It’s a fascinating look at how advancements in battery technology can significantly drive us towards a greener, more resilient energy future.

    • Climate Week Highlights: How Data and Tech Drive Corporate Sustainability - In this episode of Climate Confident, I dive into the key highlights from Climate Week, focusing on how data and technology are reshaping corporate sustainability. From tracking emissions to implementing efficient energy practices, tech is enabling companies to take bigger, faster steps toward sustainability. I explore inspiring examples of how businesses are harnessing data to tackle climate challenges and improve their environmental impact. It's all about turning ambitious climate goals into concrete action—and tech is at the heart of that transformation.

  • Sustainable Supply Chain

    •  AI-Powered Supply Chain Sustainability: Transforming Procurement with Robobai - In this episode, I sit down with Julian Harris, founder and CEO of Robobai, to explore how AI-driven data analytics is transforming procurement and supply chain sustainability. We discuss how Robobai helps major brands like Coca-Cola and MasterCard achieve better spend visibility, reduce emissions, and identify risks such as modern slavery. Julian shares insights on navigating the challenges of complex ERP systems, enhancing supplier diversity, and the increasing influence of regulatory pressure on sustainability. If you’re interested in the intersection of AI and ethical supply chain management, this one’s a must-listen.

    • AI, Real-Time Visibility, and Sustainability: The Future of Supply Chains! - In this episode of the Sustainable Supply Chain podcast, I chat with Krenar Komoni, CEO and founder of Tive, about how real-time tracking is reshaping supply chain sustainability. We discuss Tive’s tech, which helps reduce waste by monitoring shipments—especially temperature-sensitive ones like perishables and pharmaceuticals. Krenar shares success stories of how their real-time insights have saved shipments, and we talk about the surprising use of outdated systems in big operations. We also look to the future, considering the role of AI and how practical solutions can drive change.


      In upcoming episodes of the podcasts I will be talking to Lew Blaustein from Eco Athletes, Ralph Loura from SustainableIT.org, Joanne Flinn from the ESG Institute, and Karl McDermott from DeltaTrak.

    • Follow the podcasts in your podcast app of choice to ensure you don’t miss any episodes.

  • If you’ve been seeing headlines, or hearing pundits say that the sales of electric vehicles are slowing down, don’t believe them. These stories are being spread by fossil fuel companies, their proxies, and credulous journalists. The data begs to differ!




  • Data from the International Energy Agency’s report that I linked to above shows that solar as a form of electricity generation is surging. Solar is now the lowest form of electricity generation to rollout, which means it is being deployed in record numbers, which because of economies of scale, and the learning curve, means the price falls further, making it more attractive to install. it is a beautiful virtuous circle!

  • A similar phenomenon is happening to batteries for energy storage. This is resulting in electric vehicles falling in price year on year, and in utilities increasingly installing battery storage to back up intermittent electricity generation from renewables.

Misc stuff

I came across this and thought it was funny - I’d certainly refuse, wouldn’t you?

This was the state of my email inbox a couple of weeks back - I may be a bit behind!!!

Engage

  • If you made it this far, well done! If you liked this newsletter, or learned something new, feel free to share this newsletter with family and friends. Encourage folks to sign up for it.

    Do please get in touch with me with your thoughts and suggestions on how I can improve the newsletter, or with any other suggestions you may have.

  • Finally, since being impacted by the tech layoffs, I'm currently on the market for a new role. If you know someone who could benefit from my tech savvy, sustainability, and strong social media expertise, I'd be grateful for a referral.

Here’s the interview with Peter O’Toole where he tells us what he wants on his tombstone, and why. Not to be missed!

*** Be aware that any typos you find in this newsletter are tests to see who is paying attention! ***

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