Title

AWS re:Invent 2022 - Cutting carbon where it matters the most: How SDG&E innovates with AWS (ENU306)

Summary

• Maggie Powell from AWS Security Assurance introduces the session, highlighting the energy sector's role in climate change and the need for transformation towards clean energy.
• Gabe Micah from San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) discusses the challenges and innovations in energy transformation, focusing on carbon reduction and the electrification of society.
• The talk covers the increase in electricity demand due to electrification of vehicles and the decentralization of the electric grid with renewable energy sources.
• Digital technologies, such as IoT and edge computing, are enabling data analysis from consumer to grid-scale resources, with AWS data centers playing a key role in this transformation.
• Examples of companies using AWS for energy innovation include Greenco in India, Vector in Australia and New Zealand, and Angie, which built a centralized data lake.
• The concept of "two-way door" decisions is introduced, encouraging a culture of innovation and calculated risk-taking to accelerate change.
• Gabe Micah presents SDG&E's approach to innovation through their "learn, prove, scale" framework and the use of AWS services for projects like fleet decarbonization and the Community Impact Platform.
• The Community Impact Platform aims to integrate internal and external data to make informed decisions that benefit underserved communities and drive equity.
• SDG&E's digital twin technology is used to simulate business operations and optimize decision-making for investments in fleet electrification and other initiatives.
• The session concludes with a call to action for businesses to prioritize decarbonization and sustainability efforts, leveraging AWS technology for community and system value.

Insights

• The energy sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and there is a global push towards decarbonization and renewable energy sources.
• Electrification of transportation is a growing trend, increasing the demand for electricity and necessitating the modernization of the electric grid.
• Data analytics and digital technologies are critical in managing the transition to clean energy, with AWS providing the infrastructure and services to support this transformation.
• SDG&E's "learn, prove, scale" framework exemplifies a structured approach to innovation, focusing on rapid learning, business case development, and scaling successful technologies.
• The Community Impact Platform developed by SDG&E is a data-driven approach to ensure that investments in clean energy and infrastructure have a positive impact on underserved communities, promoting equity and social good.
• Digital twin technology is a powerful tool for simulating and optimizing business decisions, which can be applied to various aspects of energy management and decarbonization efforts.
• The "two-way door" decision-making approach encourages agility and innovation within organizations, allowing for faster adaptation to changing market conditions and technological advancements.
• The session highlights the importance of integrating and leveraging data to make informed decisions that align with sustainability goals and community needs.