The innovation story behind today’s solar power boom

Invented at the turn of the 20th century to control humidity at a New York printing plant, the air conditioner has reshaped the economies and societies that have had access to it. Today, more than 1.5 billion AC units are in use around the world – and as incomes and temperatures rise, demand continues to grow rapidly.   But there are challenges associated with this air conditioning boom. If a city’s residents all turn on their ACs at the same time, the resulting surge in electricity consumption can strain power grids. Growing electricity demand from air conditioning also contributes to higher energy sector emissions. That’s why innovators are working to improve cooling technologies, be it by making air conditioners more efficient or by developing entirely new systems to help people stay cool.   This is the final episode in a three-part miniseries on energy innovation stories that changed the world. It is hosted by Dan Hewitt and produced by Dan Hewitt and Julia Horowitz. Guests include IEA analysts Chiara Delmastro and Simon Bennett; Eindhoven University of Technology Professor Daniel Barber; Blue Frontier Co-founder and CEO Daniel Betts; and University of Cambridge Professor and Barocal CEO Xavier Moya.

Technological advances in drilling have had a profound impact on our economies and societies, unlocking vast energy resources underground. The first commercial oil well in 1859 paved the way for the modern oil industry, and more recent breakthroughs have repeatedly reshaped global energy dynamics.  Innovation in drilling technologies continues today. Some of these technologies have helped lay the basis for next-generation geothermal energy projects, which could unlock heat as a reliable and low-emissions energy resource in many parts of the world. This episode is the second in a three-part miniseries on energy innovation stories that changed the world. It is hosted by Dan Hewitt and produced by Dan Hewitt and Julia Horowitz. Guests include IEA energy analyst Courtney Turich; Sjoerd Brands, technical manager in Europe for well construction at SLB; Iain Hutchison, Chief Executive Officer of Merlin Energy; and Kristie McLin, Principal Investigator of the Utah FORGE project.

Amid the disruptions resulting from the conflict in the Middle East, energy systems have come under significant pressure – compounded, in some parts of the world, by record-breaking heatwaves. But one of the most effective tools for easing these strains – and energy costs – remains underutilised. In this episode, we speak with Brian Motherway, who leads the IEA’s work on energy efficiency and affordability. He explains why we often fail to make use of the world’s “first fuel” – energy efficiency – and discusses practical steps governments can take to help consumers save energy and money, without compromising economic growth or their quality of life.