We are heading towards a smart energy system with a user experience

MeguMethod is closely involved in finding solutions in the field of energy, where the end-user, as an individual with a smartphone in hand, plays a significant role. Within the context of the future, we clearly perceive that we are entering a new era in the energy field, where everyone can become part of this major change. Already, the original consumer is transforming into a producer, and this overall fact will influence the future perspective on the need to be informed, data-connected, and economically involved. Considering technology's development, the advancement of intelligent microgrids will be crucial.

We perceive this framework as a concise list of trends:

1. Renewable Energy Sources

There is growing interest in renewable energy sources such as solar energy, wind, hydropower, and biomass. Efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels are driving the development and investments in renewable energy sources.

2. Energy Efficiency

Increased attention is being given to energy efficiency in buildings, industry, and transportation. Efficient use of energy is crucial for reducing consumption, costs, and environmental impact.

3. Electrification of Transportation

The growth of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure is driving the electrification of transportation. Efforts to reduce vehicle emissions have led to an increasing interest in electromobility and the development of batteries with greater capacity and lower costs.

4. Smart Grids and Digitization

Technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, and automation are becoming crucial elements in energy grids. Smart grids enable better management and monitoring of energy, optimization of distribution, and utilization of resources.

5. Batteries and Energy Storage

The growing importance of batteries and energy storage is evident in areas such as renewable energy sources, energy peak shaving, emergency backup, and ensuring grid stability.

6. Decentralization and Microgrids

The concepts of decentralized energy production, such as microgrids and home solar panel systems with energy storage, are gaining significance. These systems allow users to generate, store, and share energy at the local level.

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The future is shifting towards intelligent microgrids, as recognized by the German startup tadoº, who is also our client for whom we develop a smart application to control thermostats in households. The mobile application plays a critical role in interacting with consumers' data, allowing control over automated actions while still keeping the customer informed. Surprisingly, certain functions are even monetized separately. The entire ecosystem thus becomes part of the intelligent network within households and will undoubtedly be part of decentralized solutions in the future.

We see that digitization is slowly permeating into other areas, often catching manufacturing companies off guard in terms of processes and competencies, or more precisely, personnel readiness. However, from the perspective of physical products, they are fully functional, such as our customer, Atrea. Their smart air conditioning heat recovery units save up to 90% of heat expenses. But the fact that the future lies not in wall displays but in mobile environments is gradually emerging. Nevertheless, the digitization of the environment is gradually accelerating.

In the field of decentralization, we perceive pressure for rapid adaptation and progress. Community energy and the involvement of every household are undeniable future trends. Smart grids fall under community energy solutions and represent a modernized, intelligent, and communicative version of traditional energy infrastructure.

Our other customer, Woltair, exemplifies the industry's dynamics and pressure for modernization. We are preparing a mobile communication interface for users of solar panels or heat pumps, both as individuals and, in the future, as communities. CEO Jan Hanuš personally confirms that the German market predestines our path. "Everyone is going crazy now and wants both solar panels and heat pumps. Partial self-sufficiency in family houses is becoming necessary. And yes, we are heading towards community energy."

Investments in this field will undoubtedly increase.

The reason behind this is the clear trend of reducing the carbon footprint, which accounts for over 80% of energy production from fossil fuels. However, publicly available data suggests that it constitutes up to 36% of the energy produced. This must inevitably change, ushering in a new era in energy production.

In this new era, end-users will play a significantly different role than before.

To get a perspective on the carbon footprint of the Czech Republic, you can refer to app.electricitymaps.com.

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