Rising Electricity Demand : Exploring Carbon-Neutral Energy Solutions – The 9th TALK, TALK! Carbon Neutrality : Energy Technology
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On August 6, the 9th “TALK, TALK! Carbon Neutrality: Energy Technology” explored the technologies and systems needed to meet rapidly growing electricity demand driven by the expansion of AI and industrial electrification while still achieving carbon neutrality.
The event was jointly organized by the Climate Change Center and Seoul National University’s Energy New Industry Innovative Convergence University Project Group. Professor Jin-wook Lee of the School of Advanced Convergence and Professor Jin Soo Kang of the Department of Energy Resources Engineering at Seoul National University joined as speakers, sharing their insights into next-generation technologies for energy generation, storage, and utilization. Participants ranged from high school students preparing for university and current university students to members of the public and experts in related fields, joining both online and in person.
*TALK, TALK! Carbon Neutrality” is a dialogue-based public forum where future generations and experts explore carbon-neutrality issues that require social consensus. Through science-based information and open discussion, participants work together to identify possible solutions.
| Can We Still Achieve Carbon Neutrality in an Age of Rising Electricity Demand?
Before the main discussion began, the two speakers approached potential solutions from different but complementary perspectives: energy generation and energy storage.
In his presentation, “Next-Generation Solar Power Technologies for Carbon Neutrality,” Professor Lee introduced the current state of solar power and emerging solar-cell technologies such as perovskite solar cells. He also discussed the technological advances needed to expand where and how solar power can be used.
Professor Kang’s presentation, “Energy Storage and Utilization Technologies for Carbon Neutrality,” explained the role of energy storage systems (ESS) in storing renewable electricity so that it can be used when needed. He emphasized that making reliable use of variable energy sources such as solar and wind requires us to consider not only energy generation, but also storage and the wider power system.
Following the two presentations, the main TALK, TALK! discussion began, guided by questions from participants and real-time polls.
| Produce More Energy, or Change the System First?
At the beginning of the event, participants were asked, “To meet rising electricity demand, which should take priority: expanding the energy supply or innovating the energy system?”
In the first poll, 63% chose system innovation, while 37% selected supply expansion.
Professor Jin Soo Kang
Expanding the supply of electricity is necessary because, without sufficient power generation, it is difficult to move on to the stages of storage and utilization. However, the pace of power generation must be aligned with the development of systems that store and deliver that electricity. Ultimately, balance matters more than expanding one side alone.
Professor Jin-wook Lee
Simply installing more renewable energy facilities is not enough. Because solar and wind output varies depending on the weather, energy storage and power grids must be developed alongside generation facilities so that the electricity produced can be delivered where it is needed and used reliably.
After hearing from the two speakers, the question naturally shifted from “Which should come first?” to “How can the two advance together?”
The second and final poll also showed that participants viewed supply expansion and system innovation as complementary priorities rather than favoring one exclusively.
| Can Better Technology Alone Solve the Carbon-Neutrality Challenge?
The discussion soon expanded beyond technology to include the roles of policy and society. Although new technologies for carbon neutrality continue to emerge, both speakers stressed that technological progress alone cannot solve every problem.
Professor Jin Soo Kang
Rather than assuming that future technologies will solve all of today’s problems, we need to consider the changes and social choices required now. Another important question is how society will accept and share the costs and inconveniences that may arise during the transition to a new energy system.
Professor Jin-wook Lee
For new technologies to move beyond the laboratory and be put to practical use, technological development must be accompanied by public understanding and policy support.
Ultimately, the energy transition is not only about developing better technologies. It is also about how society accepts, supports, and scales them.
| Is There a Single “Right Answer” for Carbon-Neutral Technologies?
During the open discussion, participants also asked about carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), which involves capturing carbon dioxide and either storing it or putting it to use.
“Is it better to utilize captured carbon dioxide, or to store it?”
Professor Jin Soo Kang
Both converting carbon dioxide into other useful materials and storing it underground are possible, but each approach has its own advantages and limitations. Rather than treating one technology as the single right answer, we need to choose the most appropriate option based on regional conditions, the needs of the energy system, and the maturity of the available technologies.
Many of the day’s questions ultimately pointed to the same conclusion.
Neither solar power nor ESS alone can solve every challenge associated with carbon neutrality. What matters is how we connect power generation, energy storage, the power grid, resource circularity, and policy.
| Energy Transition: A Choice We Make Together, Beyond Technology
The 9th “TALK, TALK! Carbon Neutrality: Energy Technology” went beyond introducing technologies such as next-generation solar power and ESS. It invited participants to consider the roles these technologies can play in bringing a carbon-neutral society into reality.
Meeting rising electricity demand requires not only generating sufficient power, but also developing the systems needed to store and deliver it effectively. As new technologies are scaled up, the reuse and recycling of materials must also be considered. For these technologies to become firmly established in society, supportive policies and public understanding are equally essential.
Climatus College will continue to provide a forum where experts and citizens can ask questions, exchange ideas, and explore how technology, policy, and society can work together to shape the transition toward carbon neutrality.
#CarbonNeutrality #CCUS #RenewableEnergy #ClimatusCollege
