The electrical sector is undergoing a significant change. An increasing number of developments are geared towards obtaining more sustainable methods of generating, distributing, and storing energy.

This shift to “green energy” has forced many industries to adopt environmentally friendly technologies. Below, we take a look at some of the key trends that will dominate the electrical sector in 2021 and beyond.

#1 Smart Grids

In the past, consumers had to rely solely on their energy suppliers. Today’s customers have the option to generate their own energy through solar panels, wind turbines, and much more. As a consequence, many consumers are generating a surplus of energy which they will eventually sell to other consumers.

Energy departments across the globe have responded by installing smart grids, which collect valuable data from homes, factories, and other establishments. The smart grid provides crucial information regarding energy usage which, in turn, can help to predict power surges.

#2 Electrical Vehicles

It is expected that by 2030, electric vehicles (EVs) will cost the same as gasoline-powered vehicles. This means that there will be an influx of electric vehicles on the road, perhaps even accounting for 28% of global car sales, as projected by Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF).

Considering that the United States saw 296,000 sales in plug-in electric vehicles in 2020, this trend isn’t a long shot. Many electric vehicle manufacturers are already focusing their efforts on improving sustainable transportation, especially with the global goal of reducing carbon emissions by 45% before 2030.

#3 Renewable Energy

Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydro are expected to take the lead in 2021. Although many PV (photovoltaic) and wind installations were severely hit in 2020 due to the global pandemic, most projects have already resumed construction. For instance, China’s massive Wudongde hydropower plant is already well on its way and is expected to be complete halfway through this year.

#4 Global Energy Demand

In 2021, the global electricity demand is projected to grow by three percent according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). Although it is significantly lower than the demand of seven percent in 2010, it is still an impressive rebound, considering that the global electricity demand in 2020 declined by 2%.

China will account for the majority of this growth, while the rest of the globe is likely to experience a decline in demand for the entire year.

#5 Wireless Power Transfer

Wireless power transfer has a long way to go, but it will soon be the primary mode of charging for smartphones, smartwatches, earphones, and laptops. This, however, is just the beginning. In the near future, we will be seeing the same technology applied to electric vehicles. Many experts believe that in a few years, users will be able to charge their electric vehicles while on the go.

Conclusion

The energy sector is definitely seeing tremendous changes. The trends above are just some of the notable ones that will be leading industries across the globe. As more innovations arise, consumers can expect a more reliable, renewable, and affordable source of energy.