DiscoverThe Intelligence from The EconomistCurrent affairs: how batteries will green the grid
Current affairs: how batteries will green the grid

Current affairs: how batteries will green the grid

Update: 2024-09-051
Share

Digest

This episode of The Economist Intelligence podcast delves into three key topics: the rise of energy storage, the tourism boom in Asia, and the implications of artificial intelligence for children. The podcast begins by discussing the increasing importance of energy storage as a solution to the intermittency of renewable energy sources like solar and wind. The discussion highlights the recent surge in battery storage innovation, driven by the overcapacity of lithium-ion batteries from the electric vehicle industry. Next, the podcast explores the booming tourism industry in Asia, with a particular focus on India. The discussion examines the factors driving this surge, including pent-up demand after the pandemic, the strength of the US dollar, and the increasing desire for experiential travel. Finally, the podcast addresses the question of how parents can educate and guide their children about the possibilities and challenges of artificial intelligence. The discussion highlights the potential benefits of AI for children, such as creativity and exploration, but also emphasizes the risks, including addiction, misinformation, and deepfakes.

Outlines

00:00:00
Energy Storage and Tourism in Asia

This episode explores the growing importance of energy storage as a solution to the intermittency of renewable energy sources, driven by the overcapacity of lithium-ion batteries from the electric vehicle industry. It also examines the booming tourism industry in Asia, particularly in India, driven by pent-up demand, a strong US dollar, and the desire for experiential travel.

00:17:23
Navigating AI with Children

This segment addresses the question of how parents can educate and guide their children about the possibilities and challenges of artificial intelligence, highlighting both its potential benefits and risks.

Keywords

Energy Storage


Energy storage refers to the ability to store energy for later use, particularly important for renewable energy sources like solar and wind, which are intermittent. Recent innovations in battery technology, driven by the electric vehicle industry, are making energy storage more affordable and scalable.

Intermittency


Intermittency refers to the variability of renewable energy sources like solar and wind, which are not always available when needed. Energy storage is crucial to address this challenge and ensure a reliable and clean power supply.

Tourism


Tourism is a major industry, particularly in Asia, where it is experiencing a boom driven by pent-up demand, a strong US dollar, and the desire for experiential travel.

Experiential Travel


Experiential travel focuses on immersive experiences and authentic interactions with local cultures and environments, rather than simply visiting tourist attractions. This trend is driving the growth of tourism in Asia, as travelers seek unique and meaningful experiences.

Artificial Intelligence


Artificial intelligence (AI) is a rapidly developing field with both potential benefits and risks for children. Parents need to educate their children about AI, encouraging critical thinking and skepticism while establishing ground rules for its use.

Deepfakes


Deepfakes are synthetic media, often videos, that use artificial intelligence to create realistic but fake representations of people. They pose significant risks, particularly for children, as they can be used to spread misinformation, create harmful content, and violate privacy.

Q&A

  • What are the key factors driving the recent surge in energy storage innovation?

    The overcapacity of lithium-ion batteries from the electric vehicle industry has led to a dramatic drop in battery prices, making grid-scale batteries more affordable. Additionally, the increasing adoption of renewable energy sources, which are intermittent, has created a strong demand for energy storage solutions.

  • How can parents effectively educate their children about the potential benefits and risks of artificial intelligence?

    Parents should engage in open and honest conversations with their children about AI, explaining its capabilities and limitations. They should encourage critical thinking and skepticism, emphasizing the importance of verifying information and being aware of potential biases. It's also crucial to establish ground rules for using AI tools, such as avoiding the sharing of personal information and recognizing the limitations of AI-generated content.

  • What are some of the challenges and opportunities facing the tourism industry in Asia as it experiences a surge in visitor numbers?

    While the tourism boom in Asia presents significant economic opportunities, it also raises concerns about overtourism. Destinations need to invest in infrastructure, manage crowds effectively, and ensure that tourism benefits local communities. The rise of experiential travel offers an opportunity to promote sustainable and responsible tourism practices that preserve cultural heritage and natural environments.

Show Notes

Though we use more renewable energy than ever before, electricity grids need ways to cope with intermittent wind or solar power. Innovations that make batteries to store that energy bigger, cheaper and more efficient can help. Why tourists are flocking to Asia (9:41 ). And a listener asks how we should talk to our children about AI (16:59 ).


Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+


For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account. 

Comments 
00:00
00:00
x

0.5x

0.8x

1.0x

1.25x

1.5x

2.0x

3.0x

Sleep Timer

Off

End of Episode

5 Minutes

10 Minutes

15 Minutes

30 Minutes

45 Minutes

60 Minutes

120 Minutes

Current affairs: how batteries will green the grid

Current affairs: how batteries will green the grid