Potential of Space-based
Applications
for Energy Markets
Dr. Pascal Vinard
Geospace 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
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IAP Event – EPFL – 13 February 2013 – Page 1
What we stand for:
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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
IAP Event – EPFL – 13 February 2013 – Page 2
Energy in the world:
facts & global challenges I
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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
IAP Event – EPFL – 13 February 2013 – Page 3
from WEO 2011
Increase of primary energy demand 2000-2010
from IEA
Incremental primary energy demand by fuel and
region in the reference scenario 2007-2030
Energy in the world:
facts & global challenges II
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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 investment
Space and energy solutions are best
indicated!
Per capita primary energy demand by region in the
reference scenario 2007-2030
from IEA
IAP Event – EPFL – 13 February 2013 – Page 4
Energy in the world:
facts & global challenges III
Rolex Learning Center
Legend
PV

Wind
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.)
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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
IAP Event – EPFL – 13 February 2013 – Page 5
Europe and Switzerland:
trends and chances I
from BFE/OFEN
• 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
IAP Event – EPFL – 13 February 2013 – Page 6
towards increased use of electric power?
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 energy
Switzerland 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
IAP Event – EPFL – 13 February 2013 – Page 7
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.
IAP Event – EPFL – 13 February 2013 – Page 8
Preliminary Avenues of Investigation I
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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)
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Combination of space-based and airborne sensors for detection of pipeline
integrity, grid construction and maintenance, fossile power plant immission,
etc.
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Change detection applied to urban areas (identification of current and
future needs), to power plant projects, environmental assessments,
decommissioning projects, etc.
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Further development of integrated energy management solutions applied
to transport, dispatching, energy networks, oil, coal and gas exploration and
generation, nuclear safety
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And many more…
IAP Event – EPFL – 13 February 2013 – Page 9
Preliminary Set of Recommendations
Spinning 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 world
IAP Event – EPFL – 13 February 2013 – Page 10
Thank you for your attention!
Geospace Experts GmbH
La Grande Fin 16
CH-1784 Courtepin
Switzerland
[email protected]
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