The utility sector is grappling with soaring power demands, the swift integration of cutting-edge technologies and changing workforce dynamics.
This rapidly evolving energy landscape is tough to navigate, but also presents opportunities for innovation and growth. In this article, we explore how technologies are empowering utilities to thrive in this rapidly evolving landscape.
1. Transforming asset management
Utilities are increasingly adopting advanced technologies to improve efficiency and reduce downtime. One notable innovation is the use of drones equipped with infrared cameras to monitor solar fields. These drones can detect solar panels in failure mode by identifying temperature differences, since faulty panels run hotter than their functional counterparts.
By leveraging on-site electroluminescence imaging and machine learning to analyze the infrared data, actionable insights can be quickly generated, significantly speeding up the process of identifying and replacing defective panels. These assessments, which previously required extensive manual data review and inspections, now allow for near-instantaneous detection and response, optimizing asset management and operational efficiency.
2. Envisioning the future
One of the most surprising advancements in utility technology is the use of digital twins for distribution systems. These digital replicas allow utilities to run detailed analyses and predict loads on an hourly basis. By forecasting generation and identifying shortfalls, utilities can proactively prevent system outages.
Taking predictive capability a step further, some utilities are integrating weather forecasts and other factors into these models, enhancing their accuracy and enabling utilities to optimize system performance in real-time. This innovative approach not only improves efficiency but also opens new possibilities for future enhancements in utility management.
3. Improving regulation models
Utilities are working to address the energy requirements of hyperscalers and power-hungry heavy manufacturers that are driving up electricity consumption. These industries require vast amounts of energy to operate and the surge in demand can strain existing infrastructure and necessitate significant upgrades to power grids and generation capacity.
Adapting regulations to accommodate large energy requirements will be essential for future energy resilience. Reinventing energy strategies to manage the growing energy demands using grid enhancing technologies, emerging concepts such as “bring your own power” and behind-the-meter configurations is changing how energy intensive industries approach power.
4. Do more faster — and with fewer resources
The utility sector is experiencing shifts in workforce dynamics, including the need for new skill sets and changing work environments. Technology can help create customized development plans for employees, research available training information and generate tests to ensure knowledge transfer.
Digital tools can provide simulations and virtual reality environments to provide hands-on-experience in a controlled setting, allowing teams to practice scenarios without the risks associated with real-world operations. These techniques not only enhance the efficiency of training programs, but also ensure that staff are better prepared to handle the challenges of modern utility management.
Powering the future
Advancing energy resilience requires the courage to dream big and rethink how we plan, design and engineer our places and energy systems. By adopting new digital tools and technologies, utilities can overcome current obstacles and shape a world where communities thrive in the ever-evolving energy landscape.
Meet the Expert
Alan Sowell, vice president of project management, with decades of leadership experience for transmission, substation and distribution projects at POWER Engineers, a member of WSP. He serves on the workforce and development committee for DISTRIBUTECH, developing programing that explores innovations in electricity delivery, automation and energy efficiency.
