IERE | Archives: Technology Foresight

Technology Foresight

The Technology Foresight project was launched in 2016, following the Technology Leaders Meetings, to examine the current status and future developments of technologies crucial to the electric power industry. Its goal is to provide valuable insights to support members’ strategic planning.

Archive List

2022–2023: Technology Foresight 2023 (TF2023)

: The project examines the feasibility of technologies expected to emerge in the 2030s and significantly impact the electric utility industry. The primary focus is on technologies currently at the demonstration stage. The approach involves identifying major developers and refining the classification of these technologies. Initially, 100 technologies were selected for a broad overview. Based on member questionnaires, 20 high-interest technologies were then investigated in greater depth for their feasibility. The final report also incorporates expert perspectives from IERE members. Project Details

: Executive Summary (October 2023)

: Main Report (October 2023) Members Only

: Interim Report—100 File Cards (Revision, June 2024) Members Only

: Presentation Videos & Slides: “Disruptive Technologies in the 2030s (TF2023)” Members Only
—Subbu BETTADAPURA, Frost & Sullivan, Singapore Forum (November 2023)


2020–2021: Technology Foresight 2021 (TF2021)

: Various organizations have published numerous analyses and perspectives on the energy and electric power industries. Building on these, the IERE Central Office identified ten trending keyword sets. Using these as a framework, the electric power industry was categorized into three key business sectors: (a) Generation, (b) Transmission/Distribution (T/D) and Retail, and (c) Strategic Management. A survey was then conducted among IERE members to evaluate the priority of related technologies, their implementation and planning status, as well as specific technologies and challenges within each sector. Project Details

: Executive Summary (October 2021)

: Main Report (October 2021) Members Only

: Appendices (October 2021) Members Only

: Web-Conference "Technology Foresight Activities 2021” (March 16, 2021)Members Only

2019–2020: In-depth Research on Hydrogen (Leader: RWE TI)

: Based on a questionnaire conducted as part of the IERE Technology Foresight project in May 2019, about ten IERE member companies expressed interest in hydrogen technologies. Key areas of interest included long-distance hydrogen transport and storage, Solid Oxide Fuel Cells / Solid Oxide Electrolyzers (SOFC/SOEC), and biological hydrogen production from biomass and waste. Consequently, hydrogen technologies were designated as a focus area for in-depth research within the IERE member community. The primary objective of this project is to share hydrogen-related information and promote collaboration among members. Specifically, it aims to provide an international perspective on the current status of technologies, markets, and Collaborative Research, while identifying the most relevant technology–market combinations. Project Details

Summary Report Slides (March20, 2020) for Public and IERE Members Members Only

（Participating members have already received the report individually.）

Presentation Videos & Slides: “IERE-RWE Technology Scouting project on Hydrogen” Members Only
—Max VOSS, RWE Generation, 1st IERE Webinar (September 23, 2020)

Newsletter No. 103: Summary of 20th General Meeting and 1st Webinar on Hydrogen
Members Only

2017–2018: In-depth Research on Artificial Intelligence (AI) (Leader: Professor TERANO of Tokyo Institute of Technology)

: Based on feedback from the TF2017 initiative, the IERE Board recommended undertaking in-depth research on Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, entrusting this work to young engineers and researchers within the IERE community. The selected participants engaged in discussions on AI, examining available tools, current limitations, and related challenges. They also provided recommendations on the most effective ways to apply these technologies in relevant fields. Project Details

: Executive Summary (April 16, 2019)

: Main Report (March 5, 2019) Members Only

: Supplementary Part (March 5, 2019) Members Only

: Presentation Videos & Slides: “In-depth research on Artificial Intelligence (AI)” Members Only
—Chuk Wing, CLP, Kyoto Forum (May 2018)

2016–2017: Technology Foresight 2017 (TF2017)

Identifying key future technologies and forecasting their development are vital for IERE members’ strategic planning. The Technology Foresight (TF) project, launched in 2016, leverages members’ expertise to identify opportunities for collaboration. The project selected 20 emerging technologies—new or alternative solutions already commercialized and increasingly adopted in the energy sector—together with five fringe (“black swan”) technologies that, while unlikely, could disrupt the industry. These technologies were reviewed in terms of their characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, market potential, status, and economic implications. Project Details

: Outline (September 2017)

: Main Report (2017) Members Only

: Presentation Slides: “IERE Technology Foresight 2016”
—Wei Fun KEE, Frost & Sullivan, Hong Kong Workshop (November 2016)

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