Innovating for a sustainable society
How do we meet Sustainable Development Goal 7 “to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all”? Or double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency by 2030?
If we welcome the political engagement, civil society support and the emerging business commitment to the SDGs, we can truly advance the state of world affairs.
In June, I joined 300 leaders from all parts of society in Norway and globally to discuss how we can lead on SDGs. As the UN leader for SDGs, David Nabarro, said at the meeting “there is no plan B — there is no planet B” — so we need to act now! (Follow the conversation on Twitter #SDGLead)
It is time for us to create a new energy industry that disrupts status quo. I believe that bright minds working in business are some of the best problem solvers. Last week I spoke at RWE Innovation Hub in Berlin on how we have brought 250 colleagues together to make the energy market better. By using big data, advanced technology and software we can help customers be accountable for their energy choices. By ensuring accountability and awareness at the consumer level, we will see new and more responsible consumer patterns.
Enoro started in the mountains and fjords on Norway’s west coast. A very rural setting. The mountains have reminded us to think big. And the fjords reminded us to take care of our beautiful planet. Between the fjords and the mountains we have innovated at the edge of the market and at the edge of the industry network. We continue to expand. We brought 20 new colleagues on board last year. And are hiring 20 new colleagues this year.
We innovate by taking opportunities. Decades ago, when we first started, we came across a farmer with a river running through his land. He used the river to generate his own hydropower. He was a prosumer before the word was coined. So how would the utility provider calculate his electricity bill? Our geography and conversations with the consumer helped us see a need, and it gave us the opportunity to develop new software.
We innovate by understanding the customer. Younger generations are increasingly emission conscious and demand more choice and information.
The new energy consumer:
1. Carries a phone 24/7 and expects real time information
2. Is cost conscious
3. And is concerned about climate change.
So what the market is demanding, we are developing.
We innovate by understanding the market. The market is demanding access to real-time data. The market is demanding accurate bills. The market is demanding that the Internet of Things and Big Data are used to create value and make the utility companies relevant.
Prosumers and big data are two big picture trends that combined will drive change.
We innovate by asking the right questions. The brightest minds find the right questions to ask. Traditionally, our industry has been too scared to ask questions.
● What will tomorrow’s grid look like?
● Who will be our customer?
● What services, beyond infrastructure, will we offer to remain a leading company tomorrow?
We need to never stop asking questions. Curiosity is what fuels innovation.
I’m actually going back to university for a week as my summer holiday. It is a new type of University — the Singularity University in Mountain View, California. It might seem odd that a CEO is taking holiday to do that, but it will help me ask the right questions and learn from other industries that previously the utilities, software and technology companies in the Nordics have not learnt from.
So as we continue to innovate at the edge of society. Here is to the crazy ones. Let’s all continue to embrace those who think differently. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-z4NS2zdrZc
