Here's how you can balance traditional practices and innovative technologies in energy engineering.

In Japan, the country has historically relied on coal due to its reliability and established infrastructure. To address environmental concerns, Japan introduced the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) system, promoting the adoption of renewable energy like solar and wind by guaranteeing fixed prices for energy production. This led Japan to become a leading solar energy producer. While coal remains part of the energy mix, Japan has implemented carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies in newer coal plants, reducing emissions. By modernizing traditional practices with innovations like CCS and renewables, Japan maintains energy security while advancing environmental sustainability.

As and Industrial Engineer, at the beginning or mid career, it'd seem that energy is an area of expertise that you have to study and have a degree, this is partly true. It's almost a fact that you'll face, no matter the field, with energy. So, we always need to be aware of the energy sector: What's the history of energy generation in your country, in other countries, the planet? What has happened since the implementation of the Project Manhattan? Lessons learned? Best practices? I think that the most important is really understanding the process of thinking of all people that have participated and contributed to the energy sector. Read biographies of the minds behind great discoveries, find your own thinking and apply it.

Germany’s "Energiewende" initiative illustrates how evaluating current energy practices can lead to a balanced energy mix. Traditionally dependent on coal, Germany shifted towards renewable energy like wind and solar to reduce environmental impact. Despite the higher costs and intermittency of renewables, Germany invested in energy storage and grid modernization to enhance reliability. Natural gas remains a bridge fuel as Germany phases out coal and nuclear power. By assessing efficiency, cost, and environmental impact, Germany has crafted a sustainable energy portfolio that meets both economic and environmental goals.

As Industrial Engineers, we can assume that we are a link of sorts between science and the rest of the world, including management. This means the we have to be very precise when we assess anything, for this I have find that the most effective method to assess the energy state of the art in a region or country is the scientific method. With hard evidence on hand, we need to figure out the best outcome for all, being very precise and practical when presenting the findings. Then, we must also present an action plan, also very precise in nature and practical.

Greater energy efficiency is essential for a secure and sustainable future, which is why engineers working with energy systems continue with innovative developments. Engineering disciplines in recent decades have produced exemplary thought leaders with inclusive and sustainable approaches, which is a continuing tradition in the field of energy and low-energy architecture. The big, multidimensional energy challenge of today, to meet CO2 reduction targets and the settings for increased comfort, health, and resilience, must be based on energy strategies that combine cutting-edge technology with local climate, materials, and community attributes that capture the empirical local wisdom and knowledge of former practices.

Denmark exemplifies how embracing innovation in energy engineering can transform an energy system. Traditionally dependent on fossil fuels, Denmark shifted to renewable energy by adopting smart grid technologies and advanced energy storage solutions, like large-scale batteries, to manage intermittency. The use of advanced materials in wind turbines further boosted efficiency. By fostering a culture of innovation and being open to new ideas, Denmark successfully integrated cutting-edge solutions with traditional practices, creating a resilient and sustainable energy system that supports both environmental and economic goals.

The trending energy solutions are not the sole answer. It's necessary to conduct research that contemplate past, present and potential sources of energy. Everything is on the plate. This contemplates looking for energy solutions that are already out there, why are succeeding, looking for people and companies that are innovating in the sector, see if these are applicable in the case you're working, and also create your own solutions, experiment, use your imagination and talk to experts. If you do this, you'll probably find that the ideal and most innovating answer is probably right in front of you. Multiple solutions is also a solution, maybe the best.

The increasing proportion of electricity that is generated by renewable sources adds a greater level of uncertainty into the grid system. Both in terms of the variable nature of wind and solar generation and in the changing demand levels, which requires an immediate response in the case of a surge in demand. To deal with this, not only do renewable technologies need to have greater degrees of dispatchability, but the grid needs to become smarter and able to manage it better. More sophisticated software that can predict future weather conditions is becoming more desirable as well, in order to compress the time between final generation forecasts and eventually delivery; sometimes down to an hour or less in time separations.

The United Kingdom illustrates effective system integration by combining traditional and renewable energy sources. As the UK increased its use of wind and solar power, it invested in smart grid technology to manage these variable inputs. For instance, wind farms in the North Sea are connected to the national grid via smart grids that balance supply and demand. Energy storage solutions, like batteries, help store excess renewable energy and release it when needed. This approach ensures that new technologies enhance, rather than disrupt, grid reliability and performance.

The Netherlands exemplifies effective stakeholder collaboration in energy. Through the Energy Agreement for Sustainable Growth, utility companies, technology developers, policymakers, and consumers work together. This collaboration led to the successful integration of wind farms and smart grid technologies, balancing traditional and renewable energy sources. Coordinated efforts across these groups ensure that innovations are implemented smoothly and that the energy system remains reliable and sustainable.

The effectiveness of the traditional shareholder model of corporate governance (which includes a largely transactional engagement model) is challenged by the increased focus on long-term value creation. The success of this model of engagement is largely dependent on good governance frameworks supported by a global corporate culture with values based on integrity and respect for human rights. In the absence of an established government partnership framework, traditional models can present management-driven obstacles, legal constraints, or an outright shareholder-propelled resistance to meaningful engagement, creating an environment where poor governance and weak company relationships enable abuses of human rights and environmental damage.

These are great times in the energy field, so, keep up, even when you don't have something to solve right now. Everyday we have news and articules provided by governments, people and companies related -directly or indirectly- to energy, see what's up, the news, imagine what is happening, ask questions, find your own questions. Also, recur to that historic figure that lights your curiosity, start that experiment you always wanted to conduct, reach to professors, experts on the field to solve your doubts. And when in doubt, read the basics, always the basics, be sure to understand everything, scratch and dive to the bottom.