Potential of Space-based Applications

for Energy Markets

Dr. Pascal VinardGeospace Experts GmbH

Contents What we stand for Energy in the World: facts & global challenges Europe and Switzerland: trends and chances Space and Energy: mutual benefits? Preliminary Avenues of Investigation Preliminary Set of Recommendations

IAP Event – EPFL – 13 February 2013 – Page 1

What we stand for: An strong expertise in the fields of geosciences,

environmental applications, energy, space applications and industry

A long-year experience in project management, assessments and studies in the fields of energy (nuclear, solar, wind, geothermal), space (technology roadmaps, industrial surveys and analyses, applications, M&A) and R&D

An efficient bridge between the space and energy communities

A large network of cutting-edge companies and research institutions

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Energy in the world:facts & global challenges I

The carbon age is far from over! China, India, all Asia rely on carbon first, oil second

Overall, growth in energy demand is outside OCDE

OCDE member states may overcome the carbone age

In OCDE member states, renewables are spurring

Europe shall play a key role in export of solutions and technology

Climate change policies require innovation and drastic changes, also in Asia and the Americas

from WEO 2011

from IEA

Incremental primary energy demand by fuel and region in the reference scenario 2007-2030

Increase of primary energy demand 2000-2010

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Energy in the world:facts & global challenges II

OCDE countries decrease demand as a consequence of new technologies

Africa decreases demand as a consequence of failed development

China, the world Nr 1 manufacturer takes it all!

Africa may become the primary target for investmentSpace and energy solutions are best indicated!

Per capita primary energy demand by region in the reference scenario 2007-2030

from IEA

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Energy in the world:facts & global challenges III

Renewables, i.e wind and PV, are buzzing but lack the necessary base-load and energy density (EPFL-PV: 2 MWcr = only 5% of annual electricity demand of EPFL; > 850 2 MW wind turbines needed to replace a small NPP, etc.)

Renewables require smart grids, interim storage and decentralized solutions

Renewable production is not necessarily where and when you need it, this requires fine-tuning and timely management

Legend

PV Wind

Rolex Learning Center

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Europe and Switzerland:trends and chances I

• The Swiss mix is remarkably stable with a progressive decline in oil consumption• Electricity demand represents only 25% of total demand, i.e. the challenge is to

master transportation and reduce/modify demand for heat/cold• The Swiss Energy Strategy 2050 proposal is based on:

- energy efficency measures to reduce demand- growth of production from renewable ressources- progressive dismantling of nuclear power plants by 2035

How can this work with a strong demographic growth and a continuous trend towards increased use of electric power?

from BFE/OFEN

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Europe and Switzerland:trends and chances II

Energy policies are slow to bear fruits but there is need for an urgent paradigm change in the way we convert, distribute and consume energySwitzerland is becoming an interesting test bench for innovative energy solutions since: High technological level Strong export industry Challenging energy strategy (if endorsed!) Strong interdependency with European gas and electricity

networks

Future will tell if benefits outweigh economic risks

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Space and Energy: mutual benefits?Definitely YES, because: Energy conversion, distribution and demand require

global policies, i.e. global assessments and solutions, an inherent scale to space technologies and applications.

Energy markets require innovative technologies (materials, mechanisms, energy production and savings solutions, etc.) which are space industry‘s daily business.

To buid up a cleaner and more efficient energy market there is a strong need for smart solutions. Applications of space sensors and technologies are called to play a governing role in this respect.

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Preliminary Avenues of Investigation I EO + SatNav at the heart of GIS approaches to identifying, selecting

and targeting potential zones for a large variety of renewable energy technologies (solar concentrators, wind, geothermal, hydro, biomass)

Combination of space-based and airborne sensors for detection of pipeline integrity, grid construction and maintenance, fossile power plant immission, etc.

Change detection applied to urban areas (identification of current and future needs), to power plant projects, environmental assessments, decommissioning projects, etc.

Further development of integrated energy management solutions applied to transport, dispatching, energy networks, oil, coal and gas exploration and generation, nuclear safety

And many more…

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Preliminary Set of RecommendationsSpinning space technologies into the energy field is a good albeit limited idea since constraints and mind-sets are very different. What the energy community really needs are: Proposals and solutions based on a in-depth understanding of the

different aspects of energy cycles, their boundary conditions and evolution

Practical and affordable solutions with 1st objective building up test benches with innovative partners

Most of the energy market is driven by public-private partnerships (PPPs): this is the way to go for funding and partnership

With the exception of oil and NLG, energy generation, distribution and consumption are limited to neighbouring continental units: Europe and Africa offer the best opportunities for IAP projects and missions.

IAP represents ESA‘s best asset and opportunity to join forces with the energy community for contributing to a clean and sustainable

worldIAP Event – EPFL – 13 February 2013 – Page 10

Thank you for your attention!

Geospace Experts GmbHLa Grande Fin 16

CH-1784 CourtepinSwitzerland

pascal.vinard@geospace-experts.com-41266841800+41794448262