Taking the next leap together
The Sustainable Laptop Battery Solutions Hackathon on 4-5 December 2024 was another reminder of the power of collaboration to make breakthroughs and unlock new potential. This event was not only an enjoyable, inspiring and informative two days. It has become a critical milestone for Atos and our partners.
Three key takeaways
The chance to be at the table together, with space to reflect, share and think creatively, has delivered a major leap forward. Every single participant played their part. Now, building on the two initial proofs of concept we brought to the event, we have strong consensus and a clear development roadmap to launch an initial service.
Here are my three key takeaways from the hackathon.
Small steps really can make huge impacts
We now have evidence to prove how small changes in laptop behaviour can – together – have a strategically significant effect on the green energy balance of the UK grid. Until now, there may have been some surprise at the initial concept. In comparison to, say, an electric car, the power of a laptop to influence the grid might appear negligible. Yet our research shows that the cumulative impacts are substantial– as is the scope to make a difference. With around 40 million laptops in use across the country, approximately 22.5 million of those are used by the UK workforce. We’ve calculated that around 16% are used like PCs and remain plugged in at all times. If we could implement this service across 20 million laptops – that’s 50% of the total UK laptop estate – we could save the equivalent of electricity consumed by the city of Liverpool in one day. I believe these figures make a compelling argument for any stakeholder now and in the future.
We now have evidence to prove how small changes in laptop behaviour can – together – have a strategically significant effect on the green energy balance of the UK grid.
The capabilities for a game-changer are within all of us
The second takeaway is that existing data and capabilities within our partner ecosystem already hold the keys to design, develop and deliver the service at pace. Drawing on our collective resources and expertise, we can enable better decision-making and outcomes both at individual and corporate levels. Using existing power management services within our ecosystem, we can realistically turn an ordinary laptop into a device that prioritises green charging and reduces grid load at peak times. By integrating with NESO data, we now have a way to respond to grid conditions in real time. We also know how to engage laptop users in a motivational way – similar to the experience that any mobile phone user can access today.
Strong shared vision and commitment is essential
My third key takeaway is that, while baby steps are important, a strong shared vision is critical to maintain our momentum and accelerate sufficiently on the drive to net zero. Now that we have encapsulated our vision in a practical way, the formation of the new Sustainability Board will be key to direct progress and ensure that we always keep our north star in mind. The opportunity to work with National Grid, NESO and all our partners on this is hugely important to everyone at Atos and will remain so. By communicating our mission in a meaningful way and delivering a service that saves money and makes people’s lives better, we can build an ever-bigger community.
Our path forward
We now have a realisable route forward. The next steps are to further develop our initial proofs of concept along the lines we have identified in our outputs. Early in 2025, we can launch the service – initially with a population of 10,000 employees in Atos UK&I. At this scale, we have calculated that we can save the equivalent of the electricity used by around 50,000 homes.
The vision we all share is within reach. If we can nudge small adjustments to the way large numbers of people behave every day, we can make a giant leap of progress at a national level. This is truly an inspirational mission – for the UK economy, for a safe and affordable green energy supply, and ultimately for the planet.
Posted on: 01/02/2025
Ash Hardman
Client Executive Partner, UK
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