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- Creating a Future of Energy Resiliency and Sustainability with Smart Grids
Creating a Future of Energy Resiliency and Sustainability with Smart Grids
In an ever-evolving built environment where new technologies and services are emerging every day, the concept of smart grids have become a leader in new innovations to be embraced. Thanks to their forward-thinking design and connections, smart grids bring a spotlight to the transformative approach of shared electrification and how this approach can benefit the communities that are a part of them. When the right technologies are combined with an electrical grid, a more resilient, efficient and adaptable energy network is created and are able to meet the growing needs of the community it supports. But what is a smart grid really and what are the benefits of expanding the use of smart grids in more areas?
What is a Smart Grid
A smart grid at it’s core is an electrical grid that utilizes digital technology to create communication between the grid and facilities using it. This communication allows for facilities owners and operators to better understand the electrical needs of their facilities including managing electrical demand, reduce outages and integrate renewable energy sources as possible. For smart grids to operate at their highest standard, a variety of technologies are key:
- Advanced Metering Infrastructure: Smart meters that allow real-time data exchange between energy providers and users, ensuring more accurate energy management and billing.
- Sensors and Monitoring Systems: Advanced technologies that collect real-time data on energy flow, systems performance and environmental conditions.
- Load Control Switches: Devices that help automatically regulate electricity distribution, preventing overloads during high demand.
- Distributed Energy Resources: Energy generation and storage systems located close to where energy is consumed such as solar panels and wind turbines.
With these technologies, equipping and utilizing a smart grid has become more beneficial than ever. They are now able to adapt and evolve as needed, making them a crucial tool in creating a more resilient and sustainable energy ecosystem.
The Benefits of Expanding Smart Grids
As energy providers and municipalities start looking into their options of smart grid expansion, the benefits of this technology continue to grow. Significant benefits that owners can expect include:
- Increased energy resilience thanks to real-time data detecting allowing for early preparation and response to disruptions more quickly, minimizing the impact of outages caused by extreme weather events, equipment failures and cybersecurity risks.
- Efficiency and cost savings created by the smart grids’ ability to automatically manage load distribution, preventing overuse and reducing strain on the system.
- Integration of renewable energy sources due to the adjustments to fluctuations that smart grids are capable of handling, allowing for smoother transitions as new sources are added.
- Increased owner and facility empowerment gained through greater control over energy consumption.
The Houston Example
An excellent example of smart grid utilization can be seen in Houston, Texas. A city frequently impacted by hurricanes has adopted smart grid technologies to improve energy resilience. Following Hurricane Harvey, investments in smart grid infrastructure allowed Houston to recover more quickly from the storm’s devastating effects. By automatically rerouting power away from damaged areas, smart grid infrastructure enabled faster restoration of electricity to homes and businesses, reducing economic losses and improving safety during recovery efforts.
The Future with Smart Grids
As the world continues to grapple with climate change, population growth and evolving energy needs, expanding the adoption of smart grids is more critical than ever. For policymakers, energy providers, and communities, the opportunity to embrace this technology represents a clear path toward a more sustainable and resilient energy future.
At Viridis Initiative, we believe that the expansion of smart grids will play a foundational role in shaping the energy landscape of tomorrow. By investing in smart grid infrastructure, we can create systems that are not only more efficient but also more adaptable to future demands. As we continue to explore innovative ways to support the energy needs of modern society, we encourage industry leaders, governments, and stakeholders to join us in driving forward smart grid adoption.
Smart grids are not just an upgrade—they are the blueprint for a future where energy systems are resilient, sustainable, and capable of meeting the complex challenges of a changing world. Together, let’s harness the power of smart grids to build a more connected and empowered future for all.
