Graeme Cooper Global VP at Jacobs Discusses Energy Storage Solutions

In this episode of Rethink What Matters, Paul speaks with Graeme Cooper, a leading expert in energy transition, currently serving as Global Vice President at Jacobs. Graeme’s career spans disruptive industries from mobile networks to renewable energy, including a decade in wind power development and critical work on energy systems and decarbonisation at National Grid. 

His conversation with Paul delves into the future of energy storage and clean power, exploring the nuances of demand management and the movement towards an interconnected energy system that values sustainability and flexibility.

Key Points:

Understanding Energy Demand & Storage Needs

Graeme illustrates the challenges of balancing energy demand, using the “duck curve” to explain daily consumption peaks and troughs. As traditional power systems relied on fossil fuel-fired plants to manage this demand by simply “turning up or down,” renewables present a new challenge due to their dependence on weather conditions. Energy storage becomes crucial to manage renewable variability, but Graeme suggests it’s only part of the solution.

Interconnectivity Over Storage

Graeme highlights the need to prioritise energy flow between regions over storage. Projects like the UK’s Viking Link with Denmark and Morocco’s Xlinks solar initiative reflect this trend, enabling energy to move from regions with surplus to those in need. As Graeme points out, this approach could reduce storage requirements and improve efficiency, as energy losses occur with storage and conversion processes.

The Role of EVs in Energy Systems

Electric vehicles (EVs) offer a unique storage solution with bidirectional charging, allowing EVs to supply power back to the grid. Graeme notes that EVs are stationary 97% of the time, making them a practical and accessible storage option. He acknowledges challenges for those without driveways but points to innovations like kerbside charging and workplace solutions to broaden EV accessibility.

Energy Access and Social Equity

Graeme addresses the “haves and have-nots” divide, noting disparities in energy access and charging options. While those with driveways and solar panels can benefit from “free” power, many others cannot. Graeme stresses the need for equitable solutions, highlighting the importance of policy and infrastructure development to ensure everyone benefits from clean energy transitions.

Notable Quotes:

Graeme Cooper on energy democracy: “If you’ve got solar and storage, and you fill the battery up, then have spare, you might want to sell it very cheaply to your next-door neighbour…They get cheap clean power, short travel energy. That democratization will become, you know, really interesting over time.”

Graeme on EVs and their role in energy storage: “Cars are sat there doing non-car things 97% of the time. You charge whilst the car is stationary.”

Graeme on interconnectivity vs. storage: “Moving power around is actually more helpful than storing, because if you store energy, you lose some power storing, and then you lose some energy converting it back.”

Conclusion:

Graeme Cooper brings an innovative perspective to Rethink What Matters, illuminating the complexities of transitioning to renewable energy. His insights emphasise the need for a global, interconnected energy system and showcase how storage, transport, and power generation need to work in tandem for a sustainable future. Through Graeme’s vision, the potential for a democratised energy landscape becomes a shared endeavour, with the aim of making clean energy accessible, efficient, and equitable for all.