As the world moves further away from fossil fuels and sets ambitious carbon neutrality goals, the importance of renewable energy has never been clearer. With over 130 countries committed to carbon neutrality, the need for sustainable energy solutions is urgent.
Huawei is at the forefront of its Digital Power division, which integrates advanced digital and power electronics technologies to drive the clean energy revolution. Their innovations, from smart photovoltaics to ultra-fast liquid-cooled charging systems, are making a big impact, generating billions of kWh of green power and drastically cutting CO2 emissions.
Nixiaopeng (Liam), director of Huawei’s South Asia Digital Power Department, the company’s strategies for achieving a greener future, including the critical role of policy and technology in accelerating the transition to renewable energy in an interview with The Business Standard.
Why is renewable energy important? What is Huawei’s role in the global push for sustainable energy solutions?
Our dependence on fossil fuels is outdated, and with finite reserves, the transition to renewable energy has become essential. Carbon neutrality is now a global goal, with more than 130 countries setting deadlines to achieve it.
To reach carbon neutrality, we need to reduce energy use and lower carbon emissions. Huawei is leading this shift with its Digital Power division, which combines digital and power electronics technologies to promote clean energy and energy efficiency.
In 2023, Huawei made major strides in renewable energy, introducing innovations such as smart photovoltaics and ultra-fast liquid-cooled charging systems. These advances support a variety of energy needs — from large utility plants to residential setups — helping to build new and sustainable energy infrastructure. In the past year, Huawei solutions generated 997.9 billion kWh of green electricity, saved 46.1 billion kWh of electricity, and reduced CO2 emissions by 495 million tons.
What are the main steps towards ‘Go Green’ with renewable energy?
Carbon neutrality is supported by policy, and enabled by technology. So, having a strong policy is the first. Then we need to opt-in for the right technology and innovation.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the power sector itself accounts for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions and accounts for the largest share of carbon emissions than any other industry. To reduce carbon emissions from electricity generation, we need environmentally friendly technologies that also generate renewable energy.
For example, we can use technologies like AI and Smart DC System (SDS) to improve PV energy yield and O&M efficiency, making power generation more economical. We can also use smart PV + storage generators to build grids and increase the proportion of renewables in energy consumption by 30%. Additionally, we can use arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) to implement intelligent arc protection.
PV is a dominant player in renewable energy. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimates that renewable energy will account for 86% of global power generation by 2050; of this, PV will have more than 25%, becoming a major source of energy. So, we need more focus on PV.
According to the GSMA, by 2030, the ICT industry will account for only 1.97% of global carbon emissions. Diving deep, ICT infrastructure — such as data centers and telecom sites — consumes nearly 4% of all global energy. Computing is a key driver of the digital economy, putting data centers at its core, which consume more energy.
So, having the right technology and adaptation is very important for carbon emissions. Similarly, telecom sites deliver stronger connections while consuming large amounts of energy. Replacing lead-acid batteries with lithium batteries is another way.
Huawei to sign contract with Walton for Lithium Battery Production. How can this help?
For years, BTS (Base Transceiver Stations), mobile network towers have typically relied on lead-acid batteries as a backup power source even though these batteries have limitations in terms of friendliness environment and performance. Our recent collaboration with Walton Digitech, aims to boost the production of environmentally sustainable lithium batteries for BTSs. Huawei will contribute to this with technical support, design expertise, and raw material, and guidance. Walton Digitech, on the other hand, will oversee the actual production and ensure the high quality of the lithium batteries produced.
Lithium-ion batteries boast nearly 100% efficiency, longer life, and require less maintenance. They are also more environmentally friendly to recycle. This will greatly help the telecom industry by saving costs, improving operational efficiency, and saving from risks. In addition, it will help Bangladesh meet the global target of reducing carbon emissions.
Can Bangladesh find growth in renewable energy production? How can Huawei help?
By 2021, renewable energy will account for just 0.4% of Bangladesh’s energy production, with solar leading the way. With countries around the world increasing their investments and policies in renewable energy, China has become a major player in Bangladesh’s energy sector. The Chief Adviser recently called for more Chinese support to enhance the country’s solar energy capacity.
Bangladesh is naturally positioned to excel in solar energy. Its ample sunlight and geographic advantages make it ideal for solar power. Factories can use rooftop solar panels to meet their energy needs and even sell excess energy to the national grid, boosting business growth and addressing energy shortages. Additionally, the country’s vast coastal and riverine areas offer additional potential for solar energy projects.
Huawei aims to help Bangladesh become a leader in renewable energy. The company has implemented more than 72 solar projects in the country, including its second largest solar power plant. Huawei also introduced new smart power solutions tailored to local needs, deploying 132 MW of solar projects using its FusionSolar Inverter technology.
Looking forward, Huawei is committed to supporting Bangladesh’s renewable energy ambitions and reducing carbon emissions. We also believe in developing local talent and are establishing a digital solar lab at United International University to encourage youth participation in this growing field.
How do Huawei’s smart products and solutions differ from others?
Huawei has a track record of successfully building such ecosystems. Our smart energy solutions are diverse.
Huawei’s smart string and grid-forming ESS solution significantly improves the power grid’s ability to integrate renewable energy by changing voltage, frequency, and power angles. We have also integrated IoT, big data, AI, and other new ICT solutions to improve O&M by automating the fault diagnosis process for smart power plants.
Safety is the foundation of high quality development within the PV industry. Huawei has implemented a four-dimensional safety solution to ensure the long-term safety and stability of power systems. Energy producers can use Huawei solutions to benefit energy production and power transmission.
Our iPV intelligent optimization technology can increase energy yield by around 20%. Our smart algorithm for PV and ESS synergy can increase green electricity usage rates while reducing the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for green site power.
Huawei’s main smart PV products have received both IEC 62443 and ETSI EN 303 645 certifications. Additionally, our PV Inverters equipped with remote and smart O&M, arcing extinguishes in 0.5s, AFCI function with 100% accuracy, overheating and weatherproof device, and IP66/IP65 rating with anti-corrosion technology.
We also provide Energy Storage solutions that are 40% more usable, with 15s quick fire extinguishing, 40cm underwater protection, fast charging and discharging, and resistance to extremely low temperatures .
Furthermore, our Data Center Solutions are 30% more energy efficient, 20% higher resource utilization, and equipped with auto fault locating and shutdown protection.
Additionally, our AI-driven Energy Management Assistant, known as EMMA, further improves energy efficiency by providing real-time monitoring and management, ensuring optimal use of energy resources. These features of our products provide a refined advantage over other products and solutions available in the market.
Can you tell us more about EMMA?
EMMA is designed to revolutionize how energy is managed in both residential and commercial properties. By providing real-time monitoring, EMMA can predict energy demand, reduce waste, and significantly improve overall energy efficiency.
It also identifies potential issues, such as overheating or system errors, and can perform immediate corrections. This proactive approach not only improves energy efficiency but also ensures the reliability and safety of energy systems.
How do you serve the residential and commercial sectors?
For residential scenarios, we have created a Residential One-fits-all Solution with a “1 + 4 + X” design that can help users increase their PV power usage and transform households from consumers of energy towards energy prosumers. This solution includes an inverter (“1”), optimizers, ESS, chargers, and management systems (“4” core products), and the ability to power an unlimited number (“X”) of household furniture.
For C&I scenarios, we have developed a one-stop C&I Smart PV & ESS Solution that delivers active safety, optimal power costs, long-term reliability, simplified O&M, and optimal profitability. This solution includes optimizers, smart PV controllers, ESSs, chargers, electrical loads, smart microgrids, and smart PV management systems. The solution is designed to support sustainable business operations and help industries become green and low carbon.
#Huawei #promoting #renewable #energy #South #Asia