[INFOGRAPHIC] Electricity and Energy: An Industry Outlook
In recent years, electricity and energy consumption has been a hot topic of discussion in terms of use and its impact on the environment. While electricity consumption in the United States and Europe represents about 40% of global demand, energy consumption in the rest of the world grew by 5.1% from 2007 to 2012.
Global CO2 emissions have more than doubled from 15. 6 thousand metric tons in 1973 to 31.7 thousand metric tons in 2012. Of this total, two thirds generate greenhouse gas emissions and 75% still depends on nonrenewable sources as coal, oil and natural gas.
Despite this, renewable energy has become a viable alternative: investments in solar and wind power totaled $7.6 billion between 2012 and 2015. Startups such as Sunrun and SolarCity represent the rise of non-traditional energy companies that can disrupt traditional utility business models.
The rise of the modern energy companies goes hand in hand with the rise of the digital energy grid and ‘smart utilities.’ Connected devices allow energy companies to optimize asset lifecycle management and optimize energy storage in order to better match supply-and demand without wastage.
