With global electricity consumption expected to rise by more than 70
percent by 2035, utilities face the task of satiating consumers’
increased energy demands. Their ability to meet these demands, however,
can be impeded by obstacles that accompany an aging infrastructure such
as grid congestion and the optimization of existing grid assets. The
intensification of extreme weather events—which nearly tripled worldwide
between 1980 and 2014—adds to these challenges with utilities often
limited in their ability to anticipate, communicate and therefore
prepare for unplanned outages.
At this year’s DistribuTECH
Conference and Exhibition, taking place Feb. 3-5 in San Diego, GE’s
Digital Energy business (NYSE:GE) will address these key challenges,
helping utilities keep the lights on as demand, stress and major events
continue to proliferate.
“The world and its appetite for electricity are moving at lightning
speed,” said John McDonald, director, technical strategy and policy
development, GE’s Digital Energy business. “It’s critical for utilities
to keep up with this rate of change in order to meet both current
challenges and what lies ahead. At GE, we’re committed to equipping
utilities with the end-to-end technology and knowledge they need to
adapt and proactively combat obstacles.”
Relieving Grid Congestion
Global grid systems are becoming congested and cannot support current
demand generated by the integration of low-carbon technologies. The
change in generation profile from centralized power stations to smaller
distributed systems is a culprit of this congestion with upgrades
required to manage the new power flows.
Understanding these challenges, GE technology is making it possible for
electrical network operators to upgrade their infrastructure in order to
deliver reliable power and effectively manage grid congestion
challenges. This technology includes GE’s smart meters—which provide
utilities with information on customer energy consumption patterns—and
software innovations, including advanced distribution management systems
to increase productivity and efficiency.
Optimizing Existing Assets
Around the world, utilities are experiencing challenges optimizing their
existing grid infrastructure while adding more renewable
resources. Diverse generation and load centers also are increasing the
already high demands placed on an aging infrastructure.
To help utilities capitalize on their existing assets and enable more
renewable generation, GE has created solutions that provide custom
analysis and tailored technology. Its next-generation SmallworldTM
and Orbit solutions, which will both be on display at DistribuTECH,
allow customers to extend existing capabilities, supporting productivity
improvements in electric, gas, water and beyond.
Building a More Resilient Grid
Superstorm Sandy. Hurricane Katrina. The polar vortex. The dust
continues to settle from recent storms that caused problems across
entire distribution networks. Preparing for these events requires basic
infrastructure hardening as well as improved outage response and
planning processes—including better damage assessment practices that
more effectively employ utility resources.
GE has the software capabilities and smart grid solutions to improve the
resiliency of the grid. This includes a broad portfolio of interoperable
outage restoration solutions—from intelligent controls, sensors and
automation to visualization, field-force automation and communications
infrastructure—that work in tandem to help identify changes in the grid
and prepare for unplanned outages, ensuring power is restored as quickly
as possible. At DistribuTECH, GE also will be introducing technology
that allows utility personnel to assess damage in the field right from
their mobile devices.
“With a modern, connected grid, utilities will be able to do more with
less, optimize renewable energy sources and empower their consumers with
energy usage information—ultimately helping to fulfill the needs of the
21st century,” added McDonald.
To learn more about how GE is solving customers’ toughest problems, stop
by booth #2113 at DistribuTECH or visit http://www.gedigitalenergy.com/.
GE’s Digital Energy business is a global leader in transmission and
distribution solutions that manage and move power from the power plant
to the consumer. Its products and services increase the reliability of
electrical power networks and critical equipment for utility, industrial
and large commercial customers. From protecting and optimizing assets
such as generators, transmission lines and motors, to delivering
analytic tools to help manage the power grid, GE’s Digital Energy
business delivers industry-leading technologies to solve the unique
challenges of each customer.
About GE
GE (NYSE:GE) works on things that matter. The best people and the best
technologies taking on the toughest challenges. Finding solutions in
energy, health and home, transportation and finance. Building, powering,
moving and curing the world. Not just imagining. Doing. GE works. For
more information, visit the company's website at www.ge.com.
Follow GE’s Digital Energy business on Twitter @GEModernGrid,
LinkedIn
and on YouTube.
Copyright Business Wire 2015