The Virtual Grid transition

September marks a historic moment for the UK, and I'm not just referring to my 35th birthday (it's on 19th in case you were wondering). It marks the month we say goodbye to our last coal-fired power station. This closure is more than just a symbolic event - it's a pivotal shift towards a more sustainable and resilient energy future.

Gone are the days of towering smokestacks and sprawling coal-fired plants destroying our skylines as in the image of this post. The future of energy generation lies in a virtual network of distributed resources. Wind farms, solar panels, batteries, and electric vehicles will become the new powerhouses of our modern electricity grid.

Electric vehicles, in particular, will play a crucial role as we reach mass adoption. Equipped with bi-directional charging capabilities, they can both consume and store energy, acting as mobile energy storage devices. This flexibility will help stabilise the grid and even provide energy back during peak demand periods. 

As we transition away from fossil fuels, we're also entering a new era of energy management. Consumers and EV drivers like myself will become active participants in the energy market, optimising their energy consumption, storing excess energy, and potentially even selling it back to the grid. As a headhunter, I can envisage candidates of the future adding ‘Energy Management Specialist’ or ‘Energy Trader’ to their CVs as they become more accustomed AND obsessed with managing their green homes and making a few quid whilst they're at it.

The end of coal power is not just a milestone, it's a catalyst for innovation and a sign of the exciting times ahead. As we get used to a more sustainable and decentralized energy system, we're not just reducing our carbon footprint, we're also empowering ourselves to take control of our energy consumption and contribute to a more resilient and equitable energy system.

And just like coal power plants, petrol stations will be no more. EV charging hubs and destination charging networks will continue to grow to serve those who are unable to charge at home but with 80% of charging sessions happening at home, EV's will sit on our driveways or in our garages, serving as virtual power plants, keeping our homes warm, our cars charged and our air clean. What a time to be alive.