• CERAWeek
  • March 18 - 22, 2024

Sam Wilkinson

S&P Global

Director, Solar & Energy Storage Research

Sam Wilkinson is a Director in the Clean Technology & Renewables research team at S&P Global. Upon joining the team in 2008, Mr. Wilkinson was responsible for researching the photovoltaic (PV) inverter market and the PV module and polysilicon supply chain, working closely with leading global suppliers to develop detailed analysis on these markets. He has also been responsible for establishing primary research reports focusing on solar demand and policy, complementing IHS Markit extensive research of the complete PV supply chain. Building on his experience in the solar research team, Mr. Wilkinson established the team’s coverage of energy storage in 2012, covering a a variety of topics within this fast-developing sector, including the development of battery technology and the battery supply chain. In addition to a continued contribution to the team’s syndicated research products, he also coordinates and contributes to custom research, consulting, and advisory projects. Mr. Wilkinson’s analysis and commentary is regularly published by leading energy industry media and the global press. He has also presented at many leading industry events and conferences. Mr. Wilkinson holds a bachelor’s degree in math and engineering from the University of Nottingham, United Kingdom, and previously worked in structural engineering.

Sessions With Sam Wilkinson

Thursday, 14 March

  • 10:30am - 11:15am (CST) / -

    The Quest for Better Batteries

    Panel Power Technology/Innovation

    Batteries will clearly play a fundamental role in the electrification of the transport system. Equally, they will also play a growing role in adding flexibility into the electricity system to cope with the potential impacts of rising electric vehicle charging infrastructure as well as increasing levels of renewable generation. A flurry of innovation is underway to develop next generation battery technology that seeks to addresses challenges of cost, supply chains, safety, and energy density How will battery technologies evolve in the future? What roles will they play? Will stationary battery energy storage help defray infrastructure costs for additional charging infrastructure?

  • 06:10pm - 06:40pm (CST) / -

    Solar & Storage: Exploring cost trends & business models

    Panel Power Climate/Environment/Sustainability

    Solar and wind power costs globally have dropped rapidly during the past decade. Renewable project tender prices and feed-in tariffs are also dropping across the world. Many believe aggressive cost declines are still possible and will likely allow renewables to reach parity with conventional power very soon. How will technological development, scale of manufacturing, and local development experience build-up continue to affect costs for wind and solar? When should we expect renewable costs to become competitive with thermal generation costs? Will storage cost fall fast enough to allow system-wide costs of firm renewable power also reach parity with conventional power?

  • 09:00am - 11:50am (CST) / -