As President Rudy Provoost had his book Energie 3.0 published by Le Cherche-Midi, Rexel launched a specialized web magazine in order to help readers – and anybody who is interested – follow the evolution of the fast-changing energy sector.
Energie 3.0 depicts the future changes in the energy sector and the formidable driver for growth they are expected to represent. While “energy 1.0”, i.e. the current energy system, focuses on delivering the cheapest possible gross output regardless of the impact on the environment and each user’s specific needs, “energy 2.0” is now emerging, placing an emphasis on distribution rather than production. Similarly to web 2.0, this new system involves final users and improves energy distribution by fostering data exchange between producers and users. Energy is moving away from a centralized to a decentralized approach.
This paradigm shift, however, is still insufficient, for although users are involved, they are not made aware of their responsibilities. In an “energy 3.0” system, user demand and consumption will become the driving force behind production. Thanks to interactive communication, supply will be based on experience. Some clients will be able to generate their own power thanks to energy-positive buildings, thus actively managing their consumption. Tailor-made energy systems will be adapted to each consumer, each room and each use. This control of energy will be made easier by the many different terminals now available to a wide public, namely personal computers, tablets and cell phones which will enable users to manage their energy needs in real time.
Energie 3.0 explains how the convergence between the energy and digital sectors is going to provide users with adequate energy solutions that suit their personal needs, while actually helping them reduce their consumption. Our web magazine was conceived to establish and enrich dialogue between players in this emerging sector.
