IEF highlighting the importance of smart grids in supporting the energy transition

Published
March 14, 2023
Last Updated
March 15, 2023
Smart grids enable efficient energy transition

In recent years, extreme weather events have tested the limits of energy infrastructure all over the world, pushing power grids to the limit. The urgent need to address climate change is driving various transformations such as the swift adoption of electric vehicles and a significant increase in renewable energy capacity. According to the latest article written by International Energy Forum (IEF), these changes require a fundamental shift in the infrastructure of electricity grids to support a vastly different energy landscape than what we currently have.

Smart Grid - a grid fit for 21st century

IEF explains a smart grid is an advanced electricity distribution system that incorporates digital communication and sensing technologies to monitor, control, and optimize the flow of electricity from power plants to consumers. Electricity grids have conventionally been designed to facilitate only a one-way flow of power from the utility company to the customer. However, with the growing trend of household solar panels and other changes, this distinction is becoming less clear. A smart grid enables two-way communication between electricity providers and consumers, allowing for more efficient management of energy supply and demand. it also supports the integration of renewable energy sources and improve the reliability and resilience of the power grid. Smart grid technologies include advanced metering infrastructure, demand response systems, energy storage, and electric vehicle charging stations.

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Smart grid with renewable energy source
Smart grid with renewable energy source

Smart Grid - a grid fit for 21st century

IEF explains a smart grid is an advanced electricity distribution system that incorporates digital communication and sensing technologies to monitor, control, and optimize the flow of electricity from power plants to consumers. Electricity grids have conventionally been designed to facilitate only a one-way flow of power from the utility company to the customer. However, with the growing trend of household solar panels and other changes, this distinction is becoming less clear. A smart grid enables two-way communication between electricity providers and consumers, allowing for more efficient management of energy supply and demand. it also supports the integration of renewable energy sources and improve the reliability and resilience of the power grid. Smart grid technologies include advanced metering infrastructure, demand response systems, energy storage, and electric vehicle charging stations.

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Broadband over power lines technology enables smart grid functionalities

According to International Energy Agency (IEA), the need for hour-to-hour flexibility will be four times higher in scenarios that fulfil the aims of the Paris Agreement, meaning real-time grid monitoring will be essential.

Why do we need a smart grid?

To mitigate the impacts of climate change, there is a pressing need to transition from fossil fuels to cleaner, more sustainable energy sources. Digitalization of energy grids is an essential part of this transition as it can help to increase the efficiency and flexibility of energy systems. Modernizing energy grids through digitalization can provide several benefits, including improving grid stability, reducing energy waste, and enabling the integration of renewable energy sources. With real-time monitoring and advanced analytics, energy companies can identify and address issues more quickly, reducing the likelihood of blackouts and other grid failures. Moreover, smart grids are more resilient to extreme weather events because they are decentralized and flexible. Comparing to tradition al centralized energy grids, smart grids can automatically reroute power around damaged areas and leverage distributed energy resources, such as solar panels and batteries, to maintain power supply during emergencies.

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Grid modernization requires grid digitalization
Grid modernization requires grid digitalization

Why do we need a smart grid?

To mitigate the impacts of climate change, there is a pressing need to transition from fossil fuels to cleaner, more sustainable energy sources. Digitalization of energy grids is an essential part of this transition as it can help to increase the efficiency and flexibility of energy systems. Modernizing energy grids through digitalization can provide several benefits, including improving grid stability, reducing energy waste, and enabling the integration of renewable energy sources. With real-time monitoring and advanced analytics, energy companies can identify and address issues more quickly, reducing the likelihood of blackouts and other grid failures. Moreover, smart grids are more resilient to extreme weather events because they are decentralized and flexible. Comparing to tradition al centralized energy grids, smart grids can automatically reroute power around damaged areas and leverage distributed energy resources, such as solar panels and batteries, to maintain power supply during emergencies.

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Broadband Over Power Lines addresses key digitalization problems

As we transition to modernizing energy grids through digitalization, we can expect a continuation of the immense increase in the number of generation plants, storage devices, and large additional consumers at the lower voltage levels. These changes are increasingly leading to capacity bottlenecks in the distribution grids. Enabling decentralized control with automated control units in the local network stations could be the solution, however, it requires real-time, high-speed communication among the local consumption, generation units, and control units. This is where Broadband Over Power Lines (BPL) technology shows its full potential. With it's capability to enables real-time data flow with persistent connection to the power line, reliable communication with edge computing capabilities, and best-in-class network and energy security, BPL-enabled solutions can help address challenges of digitalization grid transition.

About International Energy Forum (IEF)

The International Energy Forum (IEF) is a non-profit international organization made up of 71 Member Countries that seeks to promote greater awareness and mutual understanding of shared energy interests. As a signatory to the IEF Charter, each member is committed to engaging in the global energy dialogue facilitated by the Forum.

The IEF serves as a neutral facilitator for open, informed, and ongoing discussions surrounding energy matters on a global scale. With recognition of the interdependence of its member countries in the energy field, the IEF promotes cooperation and a greater understanding of shared interests through its neutral framework. By doing so, the Forum aims to ensure global energy security and foster mutual understanding among its member nations.

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