Matthew Williams, Systems-design engineer and founder, IONATE energy, giving a talking about how we can future-proof our power grid, on the Technology Stage, at New Scientist Live 2019
The ways we use and generate energy are fundamentally changing. But without an accompanying technological shift in the power grid, the blackout that hit 1 million British homes in August will be the first of many. How can a network of such enormous complexity be optimised, so that it can both withstand present challenges and enable limitless future innovation? In this talk, Matthew Williams explores the principles of system design and applies them to the biggest machine ever built. He delves into what our energy future could hold: energy consumers turning into prosumers, trading electrons using smartphone apps, connecting devices in the Internet of Things and more. Finally, he will answer the question: what type of system do we need to enable all of this? Systems architect by nature, mechatronic engineer by education, design leader and facilitator by passion. Having been in the front seat of global systems-engineering companies for the past decade, Matthew provides a conduit of understanding between complex interdependent dynamic systems and the world. A native of Australia, he recognised the technological disconnect between the capabilities of power grids and the predicted transition to renewable energy and electric vehicles, and set out to tackle this challenge. He is the founder of energy technology company, IONATE, working on a new underpinning technology for electricity grids and designing the energy ecosystem that enables a truly sustainable energy future.
Size: 4562px × 3469px
Location: ExCel London, One Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock,
Photo credit: © John Gaffen / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: 2019, architect, company, design, electric, energy, engineer, founder, future-proofing, grid, internet, ionate, leader, live, matthew, mechatronic, power, renewable, scientist, stage, sustainable, systems, systems-design, technology, vehicles, williams
