An exclusive illuminem interview with Max Masi, author of "Total Renewable Energy: A Tale of a Decarbonized World, empowered by AI", by Andrea Gori, CEO of illuminem

Massimiliano

Andrea

Andrea: Welcome, Max, and congratulations on your insightful new book, <a href="https://www.amazon.it/Total-Renewable-Energy-Decarbonized-Intelligence/dp/B0C6BSZFG8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">"Total Renewable Energy: A Tale of a Decarbonized World, empowered by AI"</a>. It's a riveting read - I was completely absorbed throughout the weekend! It would be great if you could share what drove you to pen down such a thought-provoking piece.
Max: Thank you, Andrea. My increasing concern about the escalating global climate crisis was the primary catalyst behind this novel. I start introducing the concept of the S curve in the book. Derived from the logistic curve, this idea illustrates how the initially inconspicuous impact of climate change could rapidly become exponential, leading to potentially catastrophic consequences, once a certain threshold is crossed. We are experiencing a kind of cognitive dissonance, underestimating or even overlooking the gravity of the climate crisis we are actively contributing to, and I felt the urgency to address this issue.
Andrea: That's a grim but compelling concept, Max. It underscores why it's crucial for us at Illuminem to spread awareness about global warming and the necessary steps we must take. Could you perhaps illustrate this S Curve phenomenon with some examples from recent history?
Max: Absolutely, Andrea. Look at the nuclear disasters of Chernobyl and Fukushima. Initially, the situation seemed under control, but as soon as the crisis reached a critical point, the nuclear reactors underwent a meltdown, leading to devastating long-term consequences. I fear we are nearing a similar tipping point with climate change. The impact of natural disasters like wildfires, hurricanes, floods, and droughts have always been there but now are intensifying. The proof is in the average temperatures that year after year increases. Just recently, in Northern Italy, we witnessed disastrous flooding due to unprecedented rainfalls over a few days. It's sobering to contemplate the potential devastation if such extreme weather lasted for weeks instead of days. This can be representative of moving from the base of the &lsquo;S&rsquo;, almost flattish, to the rollercoaster of the middle of the &lsquo;S&rsquo;.
Andrea: That's an alarming scenario, indeed. Given such escalating crises, why do you think people and institutions are failing to respond appropriately?
Max: There's a multitude of reasons, but a significant psychological element is the "normalcy bias". This bias is a tendency for humans to underestimate the potential impact of disasters, hoping that things will soon revert to normal. We've seen this during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic, when many perceived it as just a severe flu outbreak, until the reality of the global catastrophe fully unfolded. Covid was everything but a flu, as all of us in our heart and mind deeply hoped for at the beginning of what we lately metabolized was a severe pandemic.
Andrea: It's frightening yet illuminating how these concepts intertwine, underscoring the urgency of addressing global warming. Let's pivot towards the heart of your story. Can you share more details about your main characters - Ava, Jeff, Sofia, and Daniel, and how they contribute to the narrative?
Max: Each character is unique, with their own specialized fields - Ava is entrenched in climate science, Sofia is an ardent environmental activist, Daniel is an AI whiz, and Jeff excels in complex project execution. They band together in a common mission to revolutionize the renewable energy sector, creating a convincing case for a future where solar, wind, storage, and AI can entirely replace our reliance on fossil fuels. This echoes the broader message of the book, emphasizing the need for multidisciplinary collaboration to counter climate change.
Andrea: Interestingly, I noticed your narrative steers away from establishing a single hero or leader. What is the thought behind this approach?
Max: That's a very sharp observation, Andrea. It's a deliberate choice to highlight the importance of collaboration over individualistic leadership. Unlike conventional narratives where a single hero saves the world, "Total Renewable Energy" emphasizes equal contribution from all characters, who face victories and setbacks collectively. I believe that transitioning to renewable energy necessitates a unified effort, not a competition among technologies, individuals, or organizations. Resistance to change often stems from inflated individual egos, hence the introduction of AI characters, which are, at least for now, objective and untouched by personality biases.
Andrea: The integration of advanced AI in your narrative seems integral. Could you elaborate on the role AI plays in our quest for renewable energy?
Max: AI indeed plays a central role in the narrative and in our real-world efforts towards renewable energy. Renewable energy sources like solar and wind are intermittent, which presents a challenge in managing the energy grid. This is where AI comes into play - advanced AI systems are capable of forecasting weather patterns, balancing energy supply with demand, utilizing energy storage systems to fill any gaps, and ensuring a consistent, seamless flow of energy in real-time.
Andrea: That's fascinating. Your book also delves into the ethical implications surrounding AI. Could you shed some light on this?
Max: Indeed, the ethical dimension of AI is a recurring theme in the book. An AI managing energy distribution should be unbiased. It should not discriminate by routing electricity preferentially to wealthier neighborhoods over poorer ones. Similarly, it should prioritize critical infrastructures like hospitals during emergencies. This ethical dilemma surrounding AI's decision-making process is extensively discussed in the book.
Andrea: Your book introduces an AI entity acting in a coaching or mentoring capacity. Could you please elaborate on this novel character and for my understanding is it even more that a fictional character?
Max: I'd be happy to. As a certified professional coach with an evident passion for artificial intelligence, I was inspired to craft the character of CoachKing. This virtual AI coach aids renewable team members in maintaining their focus amidst very challenging circumstances. Yes, it is absolutely real! I've made CoachKing accessible to readers as well, offering them a taste of AI-based coaching, there is a link at the end of the book everyone can click to start having a conversation with their personal AI Coach!
Andrea: Great! Next level of the game triggered for the weekend! Your narrative spans numerous global locations. Could you explain the relevance of this international perspective in the context of your story?
Max: The global scope of the narrative serves to emphasize the universal applicability of renewable energy technologies. By situating the story in diverse geographical regions, such as Europe, California, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Australia, and other locations, I wanted to highlight that renewable energy can be viable and efficient anywhere in the world, provided there is unity and cooperation among stakeholders to surmount the inherent resistance to change, such as permitting, providing data, access financial resources to name a few.
Andrea: The narrative also involves conflict with an entity known as the SQ Foundation. Could you clarify what this represents in a broader context?
Max: Absolutely. The SQ Foundation stands as a metaphor for the entrenched resistance to change, particularly in relation to our dependence on fossil fuels. It is a reflection of the real-world hurdles we encounter in our push to transition towards renewable energy. The narrative asks us to question whether the energy industry's titans are truly prepared to invest wholeheartedly in renewables and abandon their firmly established fossil fuel assets.
Andrea: Innovation features prominently in your book. How does it tackle the contentious question of whether innovation should be open to all or remain shrouded in secrecy?
Max: This indeed is a challenging topic. On one hand, open innovation can catalyze collective progress, promoting shared knowledge and collaboration. However, it also leaves the process vulnerable to destructive and malevolent criticism and potential regulatory roadblocks. For instance, take the crypto ecosystem&rsquo;s experience whether you find it right or wrong. Conversely, maintaining secrecy allows for controlled innovation but inhibits wide-scale collaboration and necessitates a stringent observance of confidentiality, limiting 360 degrees contributions. This tug-of-war between openness and secrecy in the realm of innovation forms a recurring theme in the book.
Andrea: Totally, the role of information management is crucial for the success or sinking of any innovative initiative, therefore social media also seems to play a significant role in your book. Could you elaborate on its impact on the narrative?
Max: Yes, no doubt about it. In the book, reactions on social media platforms often lean towards hyperbole, reflecting real-life scenarios where sensationalism often prevails to capture likes or incite controversy. I intended to underline the importance of critically assessing and interpreting information in this digital age. As we all know, social media can both enlighten and mislead us. Hence, the ability to sift truth from fiction is a critical skill in any sphere of our contemporary society.
Andrea: Absolutely, and illuminem too is committed to providing accurate and transparent information on the most pertinent topics on sustainability. Your book doesn't shy away from delving into intricate descriptions of cutting-edge renewable technologies, notably energy storage, which is vital for the continuous operation of renewables. Yet, it's not just a technical manual; it's also a gripping read with a plethora of unexpected plot twists.
Max: I'm glad you found it engaging. My aspiration is for the book to inspire the younger generations to play an active role in the energy transition. Moreover, I hope it contributes to persuading those in decision-making roles to trial and scale up zero-emission energy systems. We can't afford to while away time on fruitless debates. The &lsquo;S&rsquo; shape is going to hit very hard in the next few years. Instead, we need to unite our efforts to make a decarbonized future a tangible reality in the next 2 or 3 decades.
Andrea: Max, our discussion today has truly been enlightening. We're excited to delve deeper into "Total Renewable Energy" and we eagerly anticipate engaging with you more in future blogs and forums.
Max: I appreciate your support, Andrea and Illuminem Team. My sincere hope is that the book sparks thoughtful discourse and disseminates meaningful dialogues about our shared renewable energy future.
<div class="css-16rcf8n">
<div>
<div class="css-16rcf8n">
<div>
<div class="css-16rcf8n">
<div>
<div class="css-16rcf8n">
<div>
<div class="css-16rcf8n">
<div>
<div class="css-16rcf8n">
<div>
<div class="css-16rcf8n">
<div>
illuminem Voices is a democratic space presenting the thoughts and opinions of leading Sustainability &amp; Energy writers, their opinions do not necessarily represent those of illuminem.
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>

Interview with Max Masi, on “Total Renewable Energy: A Tale of a Decarbonized World”

Viewing 250 years of history through the lens of the industrial revolution, we find ourselves at a pivotal point in time. TES technology has the potential to allow industries to move away from their passive reliance on fossil fuels and embrace a modern, more efficient renewable energy mindset for any industrial thermal need. 


<h1>From Flames to Electricity: the parabola of Heat in Industry</h1>
Our civilization has always been closely tied to fire. Since humans learned to harness fire around 40,000 years ago, heat has become one of our primary needs and a precondition for modernity.
We need heat to keep warm and to produce almost everything we consume.
Heat is the foundation of any manufacturing process&mdash;cooking, sterilizing, metal melting&mdash;and meets our daily requirements, from fertilizers to animal feed, steel and plastic for automobiles, and cement for buildings and structures.
Imagine traveling back in time to the middle of the 18th century, when the world was about to undergo a revolutionary change known in all textbooks as the Industrial Revolution. This period, powered by the non-human strength of fossil fuels, gave industries all around the world productivity and efficiency never seen before.
Coal was powering steam engines and machinery in textile mills, ironworks, and beyond. Thomas Newcomen's atmospheric engine in 1712 laid the foundation, but it was James Watt's 1769 steam engine that truly set the stage for coal's reign (which also initiated the black foggy London impression).
Fast forward to the 20th century, and oil-fired boilers enter the scene, offering superior energy density, easy transportation, and storage. Then, along came natural gas boilers, boasting &ldquo;cleaner-burning&rdquo; properties and even greater efficiency.
Now, 250 years after Watt's groundbreaking invention, it's time for another revolutionary shift: embracing the power of renewable electricity as the ultimate fuel for steam. And here's why...
<h1>Decarbonizing Industrial Heat: A Key to Unlocking Net-Zero Emissions</h1>
Energy-related emissions are a major concern, and 45% of them come from heat. Heating and cooling applications account for over 50% of global energy consumption in all sectors. Industrial heat demand, which makes up 40% of the total heat demand, includes uses ranging from low-grade heating to high-temperature applications over 1,500&deg;C.
The industrial sector depends heavily on fossil fuels, with most industrial heat demands involving direct hot air or steam for processes like drying, calcination, or chemical reactions. Fossil fuels, including oil/diesel, coal, and gas-fired boilers, provide almost all industrial heat around the clock.
To achieve net-zero emissions, decarbonizing industrial heat is essential and it will contribute to around 20% of the effort. How can we address one-fifth of the net-zero target?
In November 2022, the Long Duration Energy Storage Council published a report on achieving <a href="https://www.ldescouncil.com/insights/">Net-Zero Heat (NZH)</a>, emphasizing the importance of Thermal Energy Storage technologies.
The key strategy is to interconnect different energy types. To decarbonize industrial heat, consider using renewable power (in the short, medium, and long term) and green hydrogen (in the long term).
Since green hydrogen comes from renewables, it's more efficient to directly convert green power into heat through the joule effect, resulting in conversion efficiencies close to 100%.
Electro-technical engineers often argue for the superiority of electricity, noting that energy conversions can result in losses. However, industrial best practices based on the purity of conversion rates must evolve if we want to move beyond the anchor mindset of burning fossil fuels for heat production (i.e. accepting some auxiliary power needed for the conversion from power to heat).
The NZH study predicts that the overlap between power and heat will significantly increase in the next future, with TES reaching the efficiency peak after the year 2030<a href="#_ftn1">[1].</a>
<img src="https://illuminem.b-cdn.net/articlebody/1fea13fa7daf179522bc1dedb96c86d670f093e6.png" alt="undefined" />
&nbsp;
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://illuminem.b-cdn.net/articlebody/13523a8af2409f805d6c78f2d7e6314291ed2300.png" alt="undefined" />
From a different angle, collecting basic info on energy conversion rates and applying to normalized costs, while renewable energy sources have a clear advantage in terms of CO2 emissions, the cost of competing with gas remains a challenge:
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://illuminem.b-cdn.net/articlebody/69f22c02fb8c2ef4a81daa5592b8b9ad8585e689.png" alt="undefined" />
As renewable energy sources continue to grow globally, electricity prices are likely to decrease significantly or even become negligible in certain areas or timeframes with frequent curtailments.
However, when renewable energy penetration in an energy system exceeds 50%, extensive storage capacity is required to maintain grid stability and flexibility:
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://illuminem.b-cdn.net/articlebody/1299f41ff7b31f62767b5f4c4fdc892c0b8116ea.png" alt="undefined" />
The LDES 2021 report shows that the necessary storage duration will shift from hours to days or weeks when the 50% threshold is reached.
Although lithium-ion batteries are often seen as the ideal solution for addressing intermittency issues, they have inherent limitations and concerns:
<ol>
<li>Lithium-ion batteries rely on critical materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, which are subject to price fluctuations, supply disruptions, and geopolitical risks. Extraction and processing may lead to environmental and social issues, exacerbated by increasing demand.</li>
<li>Safety concerns persist with lithium-ion batteries due to the risk of thermal runaway, which might cause overheating, fires, or explosions. It is essential to ensure safety by properly operating, transporting, and disposing of equipment, which can be a complex and costly process.</li>
<li>Performance degradation over time affects lithium-ion batteries' capacity and efficiency, with factors such as temperature and charging rates impacting battery life. Energy density might be insufficient for certain applications.</li>
<li>End-of-life disposal and recycling challenges arise due to early-stage recycling technologies, high costs, and a lack of standardization. Sustainable solutions are essential as the number of spent batteries grows.</li>
<li>Lithium-ion batteries offer limited flexibility for grid-scale applications, being suitable for short-duration energy storage but less effective for long-duration or seasonal storage, as highlighted in the LDES NZP report.</li>
</ol>
Vis-a-vis heat decarbonization, Lithium-Ion batteries simply do not produce heat.
This highlights the need for an alternative energy storage technology that can either work independently or alongside battery energy storage systems (BESS) to address the mentioned challenges.
To decarbonize industrial heat processes, industrial players can follow these steps:
<ol>
<li>Use renewable energy to electrify the heat industrial process</li>
<li>Implement thermal storage to ensure 24/7 air/steam availability.</li>
<li>Close down fossil fuel-powered boilers.</li>
</ol>
Let&rsquo;s see why the thermal storage technologies will play a big role.
<h1>Thermal Energy Storage (TES) is the missing linchpin towards 24/7 heat decarbonization</h1>
Thermal energy storage (TES) is a flexible technology with three main types: sensible, latent, and thermochemical heat storage. These types store thermal energy by raising the temperature of a solid or liquid, changing a material's phase, or utilizing chemical reactions.
Various materials can be utilized within each category, resulting in diverse operating temperatures and durations. Consequently, the suitability of TES technologies varies depending on factors such as: temperature, scale, storage duration, heat form, footprint, and process integration.
The following charts from an IRENA study display a range of technologies, with solid-state TES being particularly promising:
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://illuminem.b-cdn.net/articlebody/b4b1e1351510ff25f8a14a7f0f6e73c467afc1f7.png" alt="undefined" />
TES technologies are capable of addressing a wide range of temperature and duration requirements for heat needs. Materials like sand, rocks, and water can cater to various temperature ranges and durations.
For instance, underground water systems can store heat from 0 to 100&deg;C for months, while sand systems can store heat at up to 1,000&deg;C. TES technologies are at different stages of development, with some being commercially tested, others in pilot setups, and some already deployed promising (i.e. at <a href="https://www.magaldigreenenergy.com/en/blog">Magaldi we are developing a TES</a> based on a multi-patented solid-state fluidized sand bed, which is reaching the commercial stage).
The chart below demonstrates a straightforward approach and trends for using Magaldi MGTES to replace heat generated by fossil fuels with renewable energy and thermal storage. The Levelized Cost of Heat (LCOH) break-even point is estimated to be around 60 USD/MWht:
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://illuminem.b-cdn.net/articlebody/adaafadc2c6988e2375fe2ebd30911638ac25c08.png" alt="undefined" />
The LCOH is the primary benchmarking metric used to assess the competitiveness of different steam decarbonization alternatives. The MGTES cost (LCOS) is predicted to be reduced by at least 50% in the next 5-7 years thanks to industrialization and large scale manufacturing.
In the LDES Net Zero Heat study it was found that the LCOH for an electric boiler with TES can be around USD 5 to 10 per MWh lower than for a gas boiler. This is mainly driven where lower capital expenditure (incentives) and potential differences in energy prices exist (i.e. charge TES when electricity prices are at the lowest during the 24h).
Now, going back to the constraints and BESS challenges, we could add that:
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://illuminem.b-cdn.net/articlebody/c488b408a125ea8d37ec593baea6a6d89fddd93c.png" alt="undefined" />
Thus, decarbonization using electrification and thermal energy storage (TES) is becoming financially viable. TES is more affordable than batteries and hydrogen options because of lower initial costs and higher efficiency throughout its lifespan, offering several strategic benefits.
But, what are the main obstacles TES must overcome to become a mainstream solution for the energy transition?
There is limited awareness and recognition among the industrial sector and energy managers about the potential of TES.
Additionally, TES technology providers need to address specific challenges:
<ol>
<li>Diverse heating requirements: TES adoption faces challenges due to the wide range of heating capacities and utilities needed for different industrial processes. Each process may require specific temperatures, storage durations, and heating forms, making it difficult to develop a one-size-fits-all solution.</li>
<li>Charging and discharging complexities: TES systems need to work with various charging methods, such as electric heaters, heat pumps, conventional fuels, and waste heat. These charging possibilities are often system-dependent and can be difficult to compare across different projects, adding complexity to the adoption of TES technologies.</li>
<li>Integration costs and site dependence: The integration of TES technologies into existing systems can be costly, as it requires site-specific adjustments and infrastructure investments. These costs can vary greatly between projects, making it harder to standardize and compare TES adoption across different applications.</li>
<li>Technical maturity and commercial availability: TES technologies are at different stages of development, ranging from research and development to commercial availability. The wide spectrum of technical maturity may hinder the adoption of TES, as industries may be hesitant to adopt technologies that have not yet been proven on a large scale or lack a track record of successful implementations.</li>
</ol>
Having said that, there are a number of ways stakeholders can support TES adoption:
Business leaders:
<ol>
<li>Implementing pilot projects: By deploying TES technologies in real-world settings, business leaders can identify critical factors for success and address potential challenges, ultimately promoting the technology's scalability and commercial viability.</li>
<li>Fostering collaboration: By working closely with industry partners, government agencies, and academic institutions, business leaders can support the development and diversification of the TES supply chain, driving innovation and strengthening the technology's market position.</li>
</ol>
Policymakers:
<ol>
<li>Creating market incentives: By establishing market mechanisms such as ancillary or balancing markets and supporting carbon pricing or taxation, policymakers can encourage businesses to invest in TES technologies.</li>
<li>Providing financial support: Offering investment guarantees, subsidies, or transition cost support can help businesses overcome the initial costs of implementing TES systems.</li>
<li>Updating regulatory frameworks: Incorporating TES into technical standards, heat-efficiency requirements, and decarbonization targets can foster a more favorable regulatory environment for TES adoption.</li>
<li>Developing decarbonization roadmaps: By including TES in long-term plans for reducing carbon emissions, policymakers can encourage businesses to consider TES as a viable option for achieving their sustainability goals.</li>
<li>Ensuring fair competition: By creating a level playing field for TES and other flexibility solutions, policymakers can promote competition and innovation in the market.</li>
</ol>
Investors:
<ol>
<li>Allocating capital: By directing funds toward TES investments and including TES in their portfolios.</li>
<li>Optimizing energy usage: By assessing TES-related opportunities in their existing portfolios, for instance, combining BESS with TES.</li>
<li>Enhancing investment strategies: Investors can increase their risk-return ratios and make better choices regarding their investments in the energy sector by including TES opportunities in their business cases.</li>
</ol>
<h1>Conclusions</h1>
By broadly adopting Thermal Energy Storage (TES) technology, the grid can be more flexible, energy costs can be reduced, and renewable energy resources can be utilized more efficiently, reducing curtailments.
TES contributes to a more stable and reliable energy system by storing excess electricity generated during low-demand periods and releasing it when necessary in form of steam or hot air.
Furthermore, TES plays a crucial role in the decarbonization of industries and the global energy sector, as it facilitates the transition away from fossil fuels and towards a more sustainable, low-carbon future, up to 20% of the total current global footprint.
Having viewed 250 years of history through the lens of the industrial revolution, we find ourselves at a pivotal point in time. TES technology has the potential to allow industries to move away from their passive reliance on fossil fuels and embrace a modern, more efficient renewable energy mindset for any industrial thermal need.
<h3>Footnotes</h3>
<a href="#_ftnref1">[1]</a> Other Long Duration Energy Storage technologies (i.e. chemical, gravitational, electrochemical) will navigate between 55-60% roundtrip efficiency (power to power)
<a href="#_ftnref2">[2]</a> Source: <a href="https://ourworldindata.org/emissions-by-fuel">https://ourworldindata.org/emissions-by-fuel</a>, conversion rates, for commodities average values
<a href="#_ftnref3">[3]</a>Coal = 100 Kg*40 USD/Tonn; Diesel = 70 Kg*500 USD/Tonn; Gas = 70 m3*0.3 USD /m3; Renewable = 0.9 MWh*60 USD /MWh. Market data will change however, renewable energy cost is predicted to decrease
illuminem Voices is a democratic space presenting the thoughts and opinions of leading Sustainability &amp; Energy writers, their opinions do not necessarily represent those of illuminem.

Massimiliano Masi

Massimiliano Masi

Interview with Max Masi, on “Total Renewable Energy: A Tale of a Decarbonized World”

Redefining Industrial Heat: The Crucial Role of Thermal Energy Storage in a Decarbonized Future

Recent publications

Readers also like

Want to know more about illuminem Voices?