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How Technology Is Driving A Sustainable Future

Forbes Technology Council

Ron Nersesian is Chairman and CEO of Keysight Technologies

More than ever, technology is driving exciting breakthroughs to help sustain our planet. Disruptive innovations in clean transportation, smart cities and renewable energy are enabling better resource management and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. But overcoming the engineering challenges of high performance, interoperability and security is critical to delivering next-generation solutions for decreasing emissions, minimizing waste and preventing pollution.

Ensuring Safety And Performance In Electric Vehicles

The automotive industry is accelerating the electric vehicle (EV) revolution. Governments around the world are offering incentives and establishing regulations to encourage businesses and consumers to invest in EVs. In fact, the EV market is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of more than 21% between 2019 and 2030. While this growth is promising, scaling the EV market brings new design and manufacturing challenges.

One challenge for the EV industry is managing interoperability between various manufacturers of vehicles and chargers. Organizations like the CharIN are working toward creating a global standard for EV charging by bringing together experts from automakers, charging station providers and energy suppliers. Establishing industry standards is a critical step for any technology rollout, but particularly for EVs, which have the potential to revolutionize our way of life. Standardization across key stakeholders will make EVs accessible and affordable while ensuring a positive experience for end users.

Another challenge for manufacturers is high-voltage, high-power batteries. EV systems are typically 300 volts or more, compared to a gas-powered car’s 12-volt system. Going from low to high voltages brings additional costs and risks — from site preparation to safety requirements to high-power test equipment.

A key element of safe, efficient EV manufacturing is incorporating testing early in the product development life cycle. For example, proper testing helps engineers regenerate power efficiently and safely during EV design qualification and manufacturing while helping to save costs on energy consumption and cooling. While testing may seem like a small part of the EV ecosystem, it helps deliver on the promise of clean transportation by protecting both the devices powered by high-voltage batteries and the engineers working on them.

Reducing Resource Consumption With 5G-Enabled IoT

5G’s faster data speeds, lower latency and increased connectivity will play an important role in addressing environmental challenges. By accelerating the Internet of Things (IoT), 5G will power innovative use cases to conserve natural resources.

For example, a 5G-enabled IoT network allows smart cities to automatically monitor and manage utility systems, helping conserve water, combat pollution and reduce energy consumption. Smart cities will also enable dynamic traffic management systems that continuously collect and process data from thousands of vehicles to reduce traffic congestion and pollution. Additionally, smart agriculture will allow the industry to minimize their use of water, fertilizers and pesticides through a more precise application. This is a significant opportunity, as agriculture irrigation currently accounts for 70% of water use worldwide. Finally, 5G-enabled smart buildings and homes will be equipped with sensors that react to environmental conditions and occupancy to reduce energy consumption caused by lighting, heating and cooling.

Maximizing The Power Of Solar Energy

The renewable energy market has grown in recent years thanks to increased accessibility and affordability of alternative energy sources. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, "The cost to install solar has dropped by more than 70% over the last decade." Additionally, the solar energy market is forecasted to increase at a 20.5% CAGR from 2019 to 2026 — accounting for $223.3 billion by the end of 2026. As traditional energy companies continue to diversify into solar and other renewable energy sources, we’ll see improvements in conserving our planet’s natural resources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and lowering our collective carbon footprint, getting closer to carbon neutrality.

In order to keep solar power’s cost the same as (or lower than) the traditional electrical grid, performance is critical. Today, from what I've seen in the industry, the average solar panel operates at less than 19% efficiency. But R&D engineers are working hard to improve solar’s output — just last year, a new solar technology reached 40% efficiency in a real-world environment, breaking a world record. We’ll continue to see improvements in solar power, efficiency and reliability with innovative technologies that better capture the sun’s rays.

Building A Better Planet With Technology Innovations

In the coming years, companies across industries will continue to prioritize environmental issues and design, test and manufacture technologies that support them. As a result, we’ll see first-to-market hardware and software solutions that conserve natural resources, reduce carbon emissions and minimize reliance on fossil fuels. By forging partnerships with industry leaders and investing in technologies that power electric vehicles, 5G-enabled IoT, solar energy and more, we can create the foundation for a more sustainable future together.


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