What this domain covers
Energy systems are being reshaped by electrification, battery storage, renewable generation, distributed resources and smarter grids. At the same time, environmental pressures are creating demand for technologies that reduce waste, improve efficiency and redesign infrastructure.
What belongs here
- Electrification
- Battery and energy storage
- Renewable generation
- Grid decentralization and microgrids
- Smart grid technologies
- Climate-positive technologies
- Water and resource efficiency
Why it matters
Energy is an enabling system. Changes in storage, generation, distribution and control can alter the economics of transportation, buildings, manufacturing, cities and agriculture at the same time.
The global power grid is being rewired. You can either argue about the old outlets or help connect the new ones.
— Jim Carroll
In Jim’s words
From “Decoding Tomorrow: 30 Megatrends - #6 Electrification Revolution: ""The global power grid is being rewired. You can either argue about the old outlets or help connect the new ones.”” (July 2025)
Then there is corporate More than 400 major U.S. companies have committed to using 100% clean energy. These corporate climate goals are creating a “bullwhip effect” of decarbonization that cascades through their global supply chains. They are moving away from using the shift as a pure PR play to a real commitment based on economics. Money talks. There are BIG system costs - including expenses for grid reinforcement and balancing supply and demand. However, these very costs create the market opportunity for enabling technologies like batteries, smart grid software, and demand response services.
From “From NASA to Nestlé: 250 Customized Keynotes, One Futurist!” (July 2026)
In roughly his 20th engagement for SAP since 2003, Jim addressed about 500 energy utility executives on the disruptive change occurring in energy, water and wastewater, including grid parity, micro-grids and intelligent grids. He also covered the acceleration of renewable generation methods and battery storage technologies reshaping the sector. Speaking to this Roto-Rooter-affiliated organization’s franchise contractor representatives, Jim covered trends redefining the home contracting business — smart home technology, intelligent wastewater and water treatment systems, and energy generation and battery grid storage. His message: the future belongs to those who are fast, and opportunity flows to organizations that align skills, marketing and capabilities to the speed of these emerging technologies.
Explore Jim’s writing in this domain:
Decoding Tomorrow: 30 Megatrends - #6 Electrification Revolution: ""The global power grid is being rewired. You can either argue about the old outlets or help connect the new ones.”
From NASA to Nestlé: 250 Customized Keynotes, One Futurist!