Blogs

The energy sector is infamously jargon-heavy, and even with a handy glossary of terms at your fingertips it can often be a tough slog reading about developments and issues in the energy industry. One rather abstract term cropping up more frequently is the ‘duck curve’ – but what is a duck curve? And what does it have to do with energy? Duck tales – the history on the ‘duck curve’ In 2013, the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) – the organisation that oversees California’s electricity generation and transmission network, much the same as AEMO oversees Australia’s NEM – published a now-famous chart (PDF)* that showed the energy demand over time on a spring day, and how that was anticipated to change in the future. The 2013 chart produced by the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) predicts electricity demand over time on a typical spring day in California As we’ve marked up below, as small-scale solar generation increases through the day, demand for electricity from the network drops as there is excess energy from rooftop solar. Then, once the sun begins to set and people return home in the evening, network demand begins to peak. See that duck curve now? Grid demand falls in the day, and then rises again in the evening The line of the chart – particularly the increasingly pronounced shape of the predictions as the years go on – was noted to resemble the outline of a duck. Hence, this phenomenon was dubbed ‘the duck curve (PDF)’** – and the name stuck. Quack It’s important to note that the way we consume energy hasn’t changed dramatically over the years - on the whole, people still leave the house to work or study during the day (with correlating declines in demand) and then they spend their evenings in (with a correlating increase in demand), which is then followed by a decrease in demand, as everyone heads off to bed The duck curve is overlaid on this pattern of consumption and was predicted based on increasing levels of rooftop solar. Those predictions have been borne out over time, particularly in sunny markets with a high level of rooftop solar adoption, like California – and Australia. An energy mix The surge in energy demand in the evening, especially in the sunnier months in Australia, means that both traditional baseload sources of power and intermittent renewable energy, need to be supported by flexible firming energy generation. Response to the increasingly steep duck curve demand profile is the development of technology and generation that can cater to these peaks and troughs, like firming supply and energy storage. Firming capacity is generation that can ramp up and down Firming supply is capacity that is agile and has the ability to ramp up generation quickly. It’s a role filled in today’s energy mix by modern peaking gas power stations like the new Barker Inlet Power Station (BIPS) in South Australia, which can ramp up to full power in timeframes measured in minutes. This means that gas peakers can sit at a low-level (or even offline) during periods of low demand during the day, and then rapidly ramp up to meet peak demand in the evening. Energy storage can take excess supply in the day, and save it for use when it’s needed most in the evening. Energy storage, like batteries and pumped hydro also have an important role in the context of the duck curve. An enormous amount of energy is produced by renewable generation – primarily rooftop-solar, in this case – every day. But if that energy is not immediately used or stored, it is lost, and this is where energy storage can help by storing that excess energy and dispatching it when it’s needed most. And like firming power stations, energy storage has the flexibility to ramp up quickly to meet changing demand but unlike firming power stations, that ramp up is measured in milliseconds, not minutes. Both pumped hydro and batteries are incredibly effective at frequency response – with the ability to smooth out the peaks in supply by storing excess energy, or otherwise responding to peaks in demand with flexible generation - in turn making the network more reliable and effectively lengthening out the duck’s neck and flattening the demand curve. Steps we’re taking For these reasons, we’re investing in flexible generation and energy storage, to best meet the needs of the current and future energy market. AGL is making broad investment in firming capacity across Australia for a more reliable supply into the future. In total, AGL has about $1.9b of new energy supply projects completed or in construction, with a further $2b in the pipeline. Of these projects, close to 1,000 MW of supply will provide some of the firming support that the National Electricity Market needs. 1 California Independent System Operator 2013, California ISO Demand Response and Energy Efficiency Roadmap: Maximizing Preferred Resources, December 2013, accessed 27 February 2020, https://www.caiso.com/documents/dr-eeroadmap.pdf 2 California Independent System Operator 2016, What the duck curve tells us about managing a green grid, accessed 27 February 2020, https://www.caiso.com/Documents/FlexibleResourcesHelpRenewables_FastFacts.pdf

Voice assistants are making it easier Using your voice you can set a timer while you're cooking, set the mood with smart lighting, and get restaurant recommendations. And now, when you connect AGL, you can do a whole lot more.     Arrange a payment extension with just your voice     Set energy usage alerts hands-free (available to digital meter customers)     Instantly check your account balance and bill due date Get connected with the Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa Connect AGL to your voice assistant and you'll be able to manage your account without lifting a finger. Instantly check your account balance, set energy usage alerts (digital meter customers only) or extend your bill due date - all from your smart device or smart speaker.   The Google Assistant Link and manage your AGL account with the Google Assistant today and get things done, hands-free. Available on compatible Android™ and iOS devices. Connect now, opens in a new window More info   Amazon Alexa Download the Amazon Alexa app, then enable the AGL skill to start managing your energy account hands-free. Available on compatible Android™ and iOS devices.

Usability in technology can make all the difference when nurses distribute their time on patients. Read on to learn more about how user-friendly software affects the healthcare industry. In November each year, we celebrate World Usability Day (WUD) which promotes usability and users’ responsibility to ask for technology that works better. Demanding improved products leads to better processes both in our personal lives and at work. This year, the theme of WUD is “Our Health”. The aim is to explore and promote systems that provide healthcare in all of its forms within physical and mental health.  Over the last decades, life expectancy has been steadily increasing all over the world. As people are getting older than ever before, more healthcare workers will simultaneously be retiring. This leaves a bigger part of society in need of medical care and assistance, with fewer healthcare workers available to cover that need. In addition, many are lacking the right tools to meet the current and future demand. An electronic patient journal (EPJ) is a tool that could contribute to simplifying the work days of the healthcare professionals available. The challenges of an increased lifespan A common issue is that many healthcare workers don’t have time to build their competence while also treating patients. This deteriorates the quality of the treatment they’re able to give.  Remaining in the current situation may increase stress, frustration and unhappiness at work for healthcare professionals, leading more of them to change professions. Some examples of the consequences that will follow include less time for documentation and follow-ups of patients, more overlooked medical issues, and more incorrect medical decisions.  Technology for a better healthcare system The changes happening in the healthcare system demand new ways of working. Electronic patient journals (EPJ) offer a possible solution. Such digital tools ensure a better flow of information and quicker access to assistance from colleagues and management. By making documentation and reporting easier, other types of tasks can be done more efficiently. This helps healthcare workers to work more preventatively, while also releasing more time for each patient, including care, guidance and trust building.  EPJ software contributes to: Faster documentation of higher quality You’ll be able to report and document properly in real-time through a phone or tablet. It saves time and prevents inaccurate documentation. This enables healthcare workers across different disciplines to cooperate, track and assist with a patient matter. Integrated help centre and e-learning Enables healthcare workers to get the onboarding and training they need to do their job properly, without having to spend their personal time on work related training. Easier management of time and resources By diminishing time spent on reporting and documenting, an EPJ system will release more time for other responsibilities. Easier to evaluate patient matters with coworkers and managers It’ll be easier to discuss and collectively evaluate matters internally, due to quicker access to support from managers and coworkers in demanding situations. Better follow-ups of patients and their next of kin Efficient registration practices ensure less time spent on administrative tasks and more time for the patients and their next of kin. Most importantly, healthcare workers will have more time to show compassion in their work. Improving user experience is key for the future of the healthcare industry. By delivering products that serve a clear purpose while meeting the needs of the end-users, the work of healthcare professionals will be simplified, which also benefits society at large. EPJ software is just one example of a digital solution improving the user experience of an entire industry.

The story of our Team Jumbo-Visma sponsorship Published  January 24, 2023  in Sponsorships by Anne-Grethe Thomle Karlsen   Team Jumbo-Visma reached new heights in 2022, setting a new standard for elite road cycling. At Visma, we reached new heights, as well — from sky-high internal pride to increased brand awareness in our markets. To celebrate, let’s take a look back at where it all began — and then look ahead to all the exciting opportunities yet to come. Since our inception in 1996, Visma has prided itself on providing core business software. We began the millennium in the Nordic markets of Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland. But with a number of strategic acquisitions, we began cementing ourselves as a multi-continental software provider, highly sought after by private and public sector entities to run their businesses smoothly and efficiently. Take a peek behind the scenes of Team Jumbo-Visma A healthy foundation for expansion Today, Visma is a leading provider of mission-critical software in Europe and Latin America. Our company is structured as a collection of autonomous software companies supported by an infrastructure of world-class technical and business competence. As we expanded into new markets, we used our centralised expertise to support new companies by increasing brand awareness. The Team Jumbo-Visma sponsorship was a great opportunity to increase brand awareness. The team shares our same values like teamwork, dedication, and hard work – all the things that have accelerated our company to where it is today. Joining forces At Visma, our interest in sponsoring the team was piqued when Lotto decided to hang up their click-shoes as title sponsor at the end of 2018. Our then-CEO, Øystein Moan, had a meeting with Jumbo’s top management, setting in motion our eventual decision to join Jumbo as title sponsors. The rationale was simple: not only is cycling one of the most popular sports globally, but it also shares many parallels with business – cooperation, innovation and drive to name a few. Meeting the CEO of Team Jumbo-Visma, Richard Plugge, we were immediately impressed by the organisation he had built up. They operate with very strong business principles, and they have a great combination of structure and individual autonomy. They get the best results out of available resources and collaborate extremely well as an organisation. The team’s goal was to be the world’s best road cycling team and win the Tour de France. That was something we could stand behind. At the outset, each side agreed that they should play to their strengths. In addition to capital, we would provide critical software and business expertise so that the team could focus on performing at the highest level. And so the Team Jumbo-Visma sponsorship was born. Here to win – from Day 1 From very early in the partnership, Team Jumbo-Visma made use of Visma technology. The team’s financial processes, business leads, signing of contracts, and recruitment are all handled by Visma software. This meant that with our support – both financially and technologically – the team’s administration could dedicate itself to running the team. This became even more crucial during the Covid pandemic. Having access to efficient cloud software that could be used anywhere at any time meant that the team could maintain its high pace of operations without slowing down. In just under 4 short years, we have supported the team in a myriad of other ways, as well. Talent Development In 2019, Visma and co-sponsor Jumbo extended our sponsorship by supporting the Team Jumbo-Visma Talent Academy, an initiative to connect youth to the sport of cycling. With obesity on the rise around the world, the program promotes the benefits of physical activity while providing an avenue for future cycling stars to develop. Visma also supports the Team Jumbo-Visma Development Team, with the aim to train and develop cycling talents into professionals. The riders participate in both national and international races accompanied by staff from the professional team. Women’s team In 2020, Team Jumbo-Visma established their first-ever women’s team, which we wholeheartedly supported. Backing the creation of the women’s team was a very easy decision for us. It is important that women have the same opportunities as men. For women to have their own team, and to be able to sustain their career financially, and inspire young women to do the same – this is in line with our values here at Visma. Improving nutrition Over time, we have found new ways to support the team with technical know-how. In 2019, we launched an exciting project that used AI to optimise performance – helping decide what, when, and how much food each rider should consume. They started with a nutrition prediction accuracy of 50%. After implementing our Visma AI solution, they reached 80%. This was a huge win for the team – using data insights to eliminate guesswork and improve rider performance. The Next Top Mechanic In 2022, the team needed help finding skilled mechanics that could rise to the challenge during the highest-level races, such as the Tour de France. At Visma, we work behind the scenes for our customers, just like mechanics do. So we supported the team with a first-of-its-kind recruitment campaign, where candidates competed for a one-year contract with the team. We fully financed the campaign and, of course, recruitment was handled by our software. Chapeau! The 2022 Tour de France Team Jumbo-Visma’s 2022 Tour de France victory was the culmination of years of hard work. The meticulous race strategy, the rider development, the streamlined administration, the data insight, the collaboration and partnerships. The preparation and dedication had paid off. Jonas Vingegaard took the yellow and polka dot jerseys in heroic fashion, with an inspiring performance backed by strong teamwork. Overall the team had 6 stage wins, and Wout van Aert also took the green jersey and was chosen as the most combative rider as well. The extensive TV and media coverage beamed the Visma brand into millions of homes around the world. Our Visma logo was exposed to over 150 million TV viewers during the three-week event, while a whopping 684 million people were reached online via social media. Our websites also had a surge in visitors and engagement, with some pages reaching nearly 20x their normal web traffic during the event. When the year was said and done, Team Jumbo-Visma’s World Tour riders had jointly cycled 233,749 kilometres in their races, amounting to over 70 times the distance of the Tour De France. Three separate riders – Gijs Leemreize, Sam Oomen and Pascal Eenkhoorn – each accounted for over 10,000 kilometres in 2022. The team also had their first win just 11 days into the year, the earliest ever – showing they hit the ground running and kept the pedal to the metal all year long. Infinite brand possibilities Through our four-year journey of title sponsoring the team, Visma has shown that the sky’s the limit when it comes to branding opportunities. We want to be the leading European cloud software company. Acquiring great companies is one way to do that, and being title sponsor of the world’s best cycling team is yet another advantage in the toolbox. There are a multitude of brand benefits internally, as well. Our employees have so much pride in working at a company that sponsors the best cycling team in the world. And, because of that, we have the opportunity to activate and engage them in new ways.  Keeping the wheels turning In 2023, the Tour de France will kick off in Bilbao, Spain. Visma entered the Spanish market in 2021, with the landmark acquisition of leading ERP and accounting software company Holded. We are seizing on the Tour de France opportunities in Spain to attract both customers and rising software entrepreneurs. This coming year will be extremely exciting as Visma further expands in Europe. Our company will continue to focus on raising awareness and look for new ways to help the team with business expertise and software.