What relevance does the "All Electric Society" hold for each of us in terms of sustainability?

Guest post  Prof. Dr. Anabel Ternès von Hattburg

Mr Schade, Ms Maxina and Mr Mufat are standing together during a conference on corporate sustainability. Mr. Schade, managing director of an automotive company, emphasises how electromobility not only benefits the environment, but also attracts customers looking for green solutions. Ms Maxina, head of a fashion company, talks about creating sustainable supply chains that respect both social responsibility and environmental standards. Mr Mufat, who works in the technology sector, brings up the importance of innovative energy storage technologies that enable a seamless transition to renewable energy. In this discussion, the CEOs not only exchange arguments, but also show how different sectors can work together towards achieving a sustainable energy future.

In times of growing environmental problems and worsening climate crises, the need forsustainable energy supplies has become a top priority worldwide. The German Commission for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies (DKE) has dedicated itself to this vision and set out its commitment to an "All Electric Society" in its Commitment 2030. This commitment to support the transformation towards carbon neutrality is not only groundbreaking in terms of technology developments, but also essential for the sustainability of our planet and the well-being of every individual.

The All Electric Society is in line with global climate protection goals and relies on renewable electrical energy sources to replace fossil fuels and achieve the urgently required reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. DKE acknowledges the All Electric Society as a benchmark for future action and is committed to aligning all activities and standardisation processes with these aims and objectives.

Electrical and information technology is seen as the key to solving the global energy and environmental crisis. The transition to regenerative electrical energy sources not only requires the electrification of industry, mobility, buildings and infrastructure, but also the intelligent networking and controlling and management of these sectors.

Sector coupling is a key concept driving the All Electric Society. This entails linking different sectors of the economy and society to increase energy efficiency and balancing out fluctuations in the availability of renewable energy. For example, controllable consumers such as charging stations for electric vehicles can contribute to stabilising the energy supply. The "All Electric Society" holds the promise of a profound transformation of our way of life
by envisaging a complete switch to electric energy in all aspects of daily life.

What are the benefits and the opportunities?

• The transition to renewable energies and electromobility will drastically reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and pollutants. This will not only help to combat climate change, but also improve the air quality in urban areas. Clean air leads to better health for people and a reduction in respiratory diseases.

• Over the long term, electrical energy from renewable sources such as solar and wind is less expensive than fossil fuels. The use of solar energy on house roofs and the switch to electric vehicles can lead to lower energy costs for households and businesses.

• By tapping solar energy and other renewable energy sources, people can generate and use energy in a decentralised manner, meaning that individuals gain greater control over their energy supply and are less dependent on large energy companies.

Are there also challenges to face?

• While the All Electric Society will create new jobs, some fossil fuel-related industries may suffer job losses. Retraining and support for workers in these sectors is crucial.
   
• The production of electric vehicles and batteries necessitates the mining of raw materials such as lithium and cobalt. Sustainable procurement channels need to be developed to minimise environmental impacts and the social problems associated with raw material extraction.
   
• The transition to an "All Electric Society" must not result in a further divide widening between high-income and low-income communities. Everyone should have equal access to the benefits of sustainable technologies.

Summary: The future of the All Electric Society is in our hands

The idea of an "All Electric Society" is not only a technology vision, but also a social and ecological necessity. The shift to renewable energy and electromobility offers tremendous opportunities to reduce environmental impact, improve people´s health, reduce costs and drive innovation. At the same time, we are facing challenges such as infrastructure expansion, retraining of the workforce and ensuring social justice and equity.

What relevance does the All Electric Society hold for me personally?

The vision of the All Electric Society gives me a hopeful vision of a world where the energy that powers our lives is generated exclusively by renewable electrical sources. This idea is not just an abstract dream, but a concrete roadmap that can guide our global action towards climate protection and sustainability. By abandoning fossil fuels and relying instead on renewable energy sources, we can take a huge step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions – and this is urgently required to curb the threatening effects of climate change.

DKE´s commitment to aligning all activities and standardisation processes with the aims and objectives of the All Electric Society demonstrates a clear commitment to change and the promotion of sustainable technologies. This approach impresses me because it shows that industry has the power to initiate positive change and shape a sustainable future.

For me personally, the All Electric Society holds tremendous relevance. It embodies a future in which our energy consumption no longer comes at the expense of our planet. This reminds me of the amazing developments of solar energy. Once considered expensive and inefficient, it is now a prime example of how a given technology has the power to improve and revolutionise the way we generate energy. This power of innovation and the opportunity to make a big difference to our environment makes the vision of the All Electric Society an extremely compelling one for me.

I regard the concept of decentralisation as a particularly important aspect of the All Electric Society. The use of renewable energies makes it possible to shift energy sources closer to consumers. I am thinking of local solar energy plants on roofs or wind farms near communities. This decentralised energy generation can not only reduce dependence on large, environmentally harmful power plants, but also strengthen local economies and promote energy justice.

Overall, I perceive the All Electric Society as an inspiring blueprint for the future. It shows that by making a comprehensive shift to renewable energy, we can not only protect our environment, but also build an economically stable, just and equitable society. It is time for all of us to commit to this vision and harness the power of technology to shape a genuinely sustainable and liveable future.