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Despite the fine words and commitments made by many countries at COP28 in Dubai, the truth is that the planet is dangerously close to a level of warming that scientists predict will be catastrophic for life on Earth. This limit has been set at 1.5 degrees Celsius above the average temperature before the industrial era; currently, we are at 1.2 degrees.

What can be done to reverse this process, or at least to halt it? Continued economic development is imperative, so action must be taken to prevent energy wastage, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, boost the use of renewable energy sources and raise efficiency. With regard to the latter point, the International Energy Agency estimates that energy efficiency must double from current levels by 2030.

Technology to the rescue

Faced with a challenge as daunting as doubling energy efficiency, there can be no doubt that technology has a vital role to play. The rise of electrification brings power electronics to the forefront of our efforts as the branch of electrical engineering responsible for handling high voltages and currents and supplying them to meet all kinds of residential, commercial and industrial needs. Power electronics is the cornerstone enabling technology for the efficient use, distribution and generation of electrical energy.

For example, power electronics can play a crucial role in significantly reducing energy losses in DC/AC conversion processes. In power supplies, efficiency improvements will come hand in hand with reduced standby consumption and improved digital control techniques. Smart power management will also help to optimise consumption.

Motors account for around 60% of energy consumption in industry, so any advances in this area have a hugely significant impact. In particular, electronically controlled drives can cut consumption by 20-30%. For motors installed in refrigeration system compressors, the combination of electronics and three-phase permanent magnet DC (PMDC) motors can reduce consumption by 20% in addition to the contribution made by electronic thermostats.

Power electronics can also make lighting more efficient, generating energy savings of 20% or more, and the addition of light and movement sensors can add to this.

Connecting renewable energy sources such as wind and solar to the grid is only feasible thanks to the contribution of power electronics. And photovoltaic electronic converters and inverters continue to incorporate technologies that enhance their efficiency. An excellent example of this is the use of silicon carbide (SiC) in the semiconductors used in PV inverters.

SiC offers considerable advantages over silicon, the material traditionally used in electronic components: reduced energy losses, higher switching speed, greater efficiency, less heat dissipation, smaller size, lower weight and superior high-temperature stability. As a result, it’s not surprising that leading manufacturers in the sector, such as Salicru, are turning to SiC for their solar inverters.

Power electronics, therefore, look set to play a pivotal role in efforts to reduce and eventually eliminate carbon emissions in order to mitigate climate change. However, making this priority goal a reality will require significant investment and collaboration from both governments and businesses.