We dive into the tech shaping the evolution of the power grid, from virtual power plants to remote drone monitoring to energy storage.
The power grid of the future will be built on key technologies such as:
- Virtual power plants to increase grid flexibility during peak demand and reduce the need for distant, centralized power stations
- Microgrids to increase power reliability and security
- Remote drone monitoring to reduce operational costs for maintaining grid assets such as power lines and substations
- Grid storage to increase grid sustainability and reliability by storing renewable energy until it is needed
- Blockchain technology to help track renewable energy credits and facilitate peer-to-peer energy trading
Below, we dive into these technologies: how they work, who has an edge, and how they’re shaping the future of the power grid.
What’s at stake?
WHY IT MATTERS
From phones and computers to air conditioning and lighting, a reliable source of electricity is the backbone of modern society. And with the widespread adoption of electric vehicles on the horizon, a reliable power grid will become even more important.
Spurred by the shift toward sustainable (yet intermittent) energy sources like wind and solar, governments and businesses are investing in smart grid tech to boost power reliability and energy security while at the same time driving down costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
Once based around centralized fuel-burning power plants, the power grid of the future leverages new tech like virtual power plants — which aggregate resources like rooftop solar and batteries — as well as emerging tech like blockchain to help manage resources. Meanwhile, expanding the use of remote monitoring hardware like drones will also increase the reliability and security of grid infrastructure.
