Many companies talk about it and surely you have heard the term; so if you are curious to know what Energy Transition is and how we are implementing it in our company, read on.
First, let's understand the concept: Energy Transition is a long-term structural change of energy systems or energy sources that the world uses for its development.
Energy Transition is part of human history; as man has evolved and discovered new technologies, he has sought and developed resources to feed these discoveries.
Reviewing modern history, in the First Industrial Revolution, which occurred in the late 18th century and throughout the 19th century, coal was the source for the steam engine; and during the Second Industrial Revolution, in the mid-20th century, oil moved the engines of cars, planes, ships, and machinery.
We are currently living the Third Industrial Revolution, in which nuclear energy came to play a leading role and where fossil fuels such as oil and natural gas continue to be the main energy sources in the world.
However, their excessive use, the high levels of pollution they generate, global warming and the greenhouse effect, as well as the increase in world population and the overpopulation of cities, have made the use of sustainable and renewable energies such as wind, electric, photovoltaic, biomass, etc. imperative.
The good thing is that these types of energy are beginning to displace the previous ones, giving rise to a new Energy Transition. The historical moment demands it and if governments and companies around the world do not become aware of the climatic changes that we are experiencing, our planet will continue to suffer irreversible deterioration.
Betting on energy efficiency
For some time now, we have been working in Colombia and its Energy Transition, with our commitment to change the structures and operating models that are transversal to the entire company.
Thus, among our Energy Transition projects, the first energy storage battery in Colombia in the Termozipa Power Plant stands out, a system that has increased its net effective capacity by 7 MW and is providing the plant with the reserve capacity required by the country's electrical system.
Similarly, at EnelX we have Photovoltaic systems for companies to produce their own solar energy, reducing the carbon footprint, as well as receiving tax exemptions and savings on their energy bill.
Another success story is Smart Meters. A system that allows monitoring the amount of energy consumed. A technological innovation that, by incorporating data measurement and analysis equipment, improves network operation and optimizes the quality of service.
At the same time, for some years we have been working in Cundinamarca 100%. A plan through which we have connected 40 kilometers of electrical networks and installed 600 new posts.
Its goal is that, within the next 5 years, more than 8,500 homes in the region have quality service with technologies such as energization and connection of conventional networks, installation of solar panels and use of micro grids.
Part of the Energy Transition is investing in process improvement and maintenance. Live line work, predictive maintenance and the use of drones to minimize the risk of accidents and obtain better yields, all form part of this ambitious plan.
To this we add, the digitalization of our processes such as the operation of the online billing APP that allows payment and consultation about the service.
Moving towards sustainability
Without a doubt, one of the great stars among our Energy Transition programs is Electric Mobility. A theme that ceased to be simply fashionable to become a change in lifestyle and habits, in which the use of means such as electric vehicles reigns, as well as electric bikes and walking.
We help improve mobility with programs inside and outside the company. Within the organization, we have ‘ECOCAR,’ through which 20 employees acquired an electric vehicle; ‘MoverNos,’ to promote transportation habits such as walking and cycling; and ‘E Bike to work,’ for our employees to get around the city.
Outside of it, we launched the first 100% electric articulated #Enel-Colombia bus together with the Mayor's Office of Bogotá and Transmilenio. At the same time, we have a fleet of 40 electric taxis with 4 charging stations for 308 vehicles. And for individuals, 15 charging points and an electric bike sharing program.
This transition does not stop
Boarding the Energy Transition train is a one-way trip. We know this, that's why our digital transformation goes hand in hand with the implementation of network technology, and operations to digitalize and simplify processes with our customers. We are heading towards a good destination: A future where the planet and human beings live together in full harmony.