Lisbon Future Dialogue

I’m use to talking numbers, but it’s stories that rule society.

At the Lisbon Future Dialogue hosted by Global Renewables Alliance (GRA) people from many backgrounds came together to talk about how we tell the clean energy story. Many great stories, here’s my memories of a few.

My message was that we need to hammer on clean energy being cheap, secure and reliable – ultra cheap solar and batteries delivering near 24/7 power will change the world. That’s the story.

Michael Liebreich gave a tour de force. Highlighting the relentless march of clean power. But also pointing to the coordinated backlash from incumbents. He reminded us that we need a new set of market rules and price signals to guide us to cheap clean power. For example, zonal electricity prices so consumers get direct access to cheap renewables not expensive gas or preventing companies claiming to be solar powered at night so they address the real challenges of grid decarbonisation. Good incentives matter, but they are not always popular.

Julia Souder reminded us of the critical role of storage as a transition linchpin. This Time Machine shifts renewables from when they are produced so it can be delivered when the consumer needs it. Storage also reduces strain on strained grids.

Bruce Douglas called on us to imagine the opportunities of a world powered by renewables. Futureproofed from volatile fossil fuels imported from erratic countries. But the battle is on for this future – hope is not a strategy, we need to fight to win.