New kid on the block' knows how to future-proof the grid

Layla Sawyer, secretary-general of the trade association currENT, talks about the ‘miracle’ of the grid, diversity – or not – at COP, and the ‘man on the moon moment’ for energy policy

“It’s not a matter of technology – it’s organizational,” says Layla Sawyer when asked about the challenges facing the European grid.

“The kind of renewables targets we are setting now is unprecedented. When you look at the pipeline, you have to conclude that the grid needs much more attention than it is currently getting," says the secretary-general of currENT.

Read: Gridlock: how the Netherlands hit capacity
Watch: How Elia Group is driving grid innovation
Listen: System flexibility as an alternative to new grid investments

Watch my exclusive interview with Sawyer to discover what she believes needs to be done in terms of long-term, pan-European planning for the grid and where the low-hanging fruit is to make it ready for renewables.

She also gives insights into the “many worlds within COP” and why it’s a good-COP-bad-COP in terms of diversity.

And when you have, why not watch more Connect Interviews:
Meet the energy lawyer bringing renewables aid to Ukraine
World Energy Council on the challenges of balancing the energy trilemma

Meanwhile, on our sister site Power Engineering International:
Exclusive: Safeguarding the stability of the grid