TL;DR:
- Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) will stabilise grids and reduce pollution
- Smart grids will enhance cybersecurity and resilience against threats
- Community-based energy infrastructure will democratise energy distribution
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Advanced Grid Innovation (AGI) are set to revolutionise the energy sector in Asia. Smart grid technologies, which use digital communication to monitor and manage energy flows, will transform the way energy is produced, distributed, and consumed. In this article, we explore 14 ways smart grid technologies will reshape Asia’s energy landscape by 2030, based on predictions from experts in the field.
- Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) for Grid Stability VPPs will play a crucial role in maintaining grid stability during extreme weather conditions and evolving consumption patterns. By leveraging smart grid technology, VPPs will balance the grid and reduce the need for polluting peaker plants. (Michael Smith, CPower)
- Enhanced Cybersecurity and Resilience Smart grid technologies will bolster cybersecurity and resilience against physical and virtual threats. Advanced sensors, monitoring systems, and data analytics will enable utilities to detect and respond to potential security breaches or equipment failures promptly. (Naresh Kumar Miryala, Meta)
- Community-Based Energy Infrastructure The rise of home-installed solar panels and other renewable resources will enable individuals to supply excess power back to the grid. This shift toward community-based, sustainable infrastructure will democratise energy distribution. (Viktor Trón, Swarm)
- Balancing Energy Generation and Storage Improvements in smart grid technologies will lead to better integration of battery technology. This will result in a harmonious relationship between energy generation and storage, helping to decentralise energy production. (WaiJe Coler, InfoTracer)
- Improved Fault Detection and Restoration New technologies will improve fault detection and restoration, allowing for rapid identification and isolation of issues to minimise power interruptions. Smart grids will also facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources. (Roman Reznikov, Intellias)
- Integration of Renewable Energy Sources Smart grid technologies will enable the efficient and reliable distribution of energy, allowing for real-time monitoring and management of energy usage. This will support the transition to more sustainable energy systems. (Adrien Nejkovic, Hearst Capital)
- Real-Time Energy Management AI-powered smart grid technologies will enable real-time pricing, generation, storage, and maintenance management. This will transform the energy landscape and address challenges related to renewable energy integration. (Gladwin Mendez, Simplyai)
- Unified Utilities for Efficiency Smart grid technologies will unify diverse utilities such as electricity, water, and gas into a single system. This will optimise energy usage, balance supply and demand dynamically, and boost efficiency. (Jabin Geevarghese George, Tata Consultancy Services)
- Better Demand Forecasting and Response AI-driven tools in smart grid technologies will aid in demand forecasting, preventative maintenance, and response to dynamic conditions impacting energy supply and grid resilience. (Merav Yuravlivker, Data Society)
- Lower Costs and Improved Reliability Smart grids will enable more efficient and resilient energy distribution, reducing outages and seamlessly incorporating renewable energy sources. This will lead to lower costs and improved reliability for consumers and providers. (Miguel Llorca, Torrent Group)
- Cybersecurity Technology Integration Smart grid technologies will integrate cybersecurity technology to ensure robust defence mechanisms are in place, protecting against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. (Dan Sorensen, Air National Guard)
- Preemptive Fault Identification and Correction Smart grid technologies will enhance energy efficiency by enabling predictive maintenance, identifying and fixing faults preemptively, improving reliability, and reducing outages. (Andres Zunino, ZirconTech)
- Microgrids for Resilience and Sustainability Climate change and natural disasters will increase the need for microgrids, which function independently of the national grid. Microgrids using alternative energy will help achieve net-zero goals and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. (Simon Bennett, AVEVA)
- Decentralised Energy Production Smart grid technologies will empower consumers to become active participants in the energy market, enabling them to produce, store, and sell energy. This will increase the adoption of renewable sources and create a more resilient energy system. (Jo Webber, Pod)
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