Discussing the role of Digital Technologies in enhancing grid resilience, addressing challenges posed by extreme weather events and other disruptions

Addressing climate change is one of the most critical challenges we face today - decarbonising the energy system and moving from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources is essential while making sure our system is secure and affordable for everyone. However, grid resilience is significantly impacted by climate change, both from extreme weather events and challenges around grid formation.   

In recent years, the world has witnessed a surge in extreme weather events driven by climate change. Hurricanes, cyclones, heatwaves, wildfires, and floods are becoming more frequent and severe, posing significant challenges to grid infrastructure worldwide.  

There are also now many more critical points of failure on the grid. As the proportion of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind grows, the variability in their output can pose challenges for grid stability. Increased surges of demand occur with the electrification of transport and heating and as heat pump and EV (Electric Vehicle) adoption ramps up, energy consumption will increase making the grid less stable and flexible, particularly if the infrastructure isn’t adequately prepared to handle the increased load.  

The fundamental grid formation becomes an increasing challenge as the grid becomes more   complicated, coordinating the operation of different energy sources, storage systems and demand-response mechanisms adds layers of complexity. To enhance resilience amidst these challenges, smart grid technology plays a pivotal role. Smart grids enable real-time communication of electricity usage patterns from homes and businesses, allowing for dynamic distribution control during extreme weather events.  

The integration of sensors and monitoring devices across network provides real-time data on factors such as temperature, humidity, wind speed and power flow, facilitating speedy responses to weather-related challenges. 

Additionally, advanced weather forecasting algorithms enables prediction of severe weather events and their impact, and to adjust operations accordingly. Grid automation, powered by sophisticated control systems, re-routes power flow, isolates damaged sections, and prioritises critical infrastructure during emergencies. Energy storage systems, such as batteries, are crucial in stabilising the grid, storing excess energy during normal conditions, and releasing it when demand peaks or renewable generation dips. 

Robust communication networks ensure seamless information exchange between grid components, even in the face of extreme weather, while artificial intelligence algorithms optimise grid responses by analysing historical data and making real-time decisions to prevent potential damage. However, with the increasingly extreme changes in weather patterns, historical data may not predict unprecedented situations. That’s where predictive analytics comes in. Driven by advanced analytics, machine learning, and AI algorithms, predictive maintenance is enabled by identifying potential failures before they occur – by modelling storms and power girds they can identify critical lines whose failure can trigger large blackouts. This proactive approach provides vital information, minimises downtime during disruptions and enhances resilience. 

Smart grid technology has gained substantial government support. In 2022, the Biden administration's Infrastructure Enhancement Bill allocated $27 billion towards bolstering grid resilience, with $3 billion earmarked for the deployment of smart grid technology. Meanwhile, in the UK, the National Grid unveiled plans in 2021 to construct a real-time digital replica of the nation's entire power infrastructure, aimed at enhancing grid flexibility. 

As the energy system evolves, digital twin technology offers a holistic view of electricity transmission and distribution networks, enabling energy operators to identify opportunities for renewable energy integration and is a tool to identify effective adaptation options.  

Digital technologies offer unprecedented opportunities to enhance grid resilience during extreme weather events and other disruptions. By embracing smart grid solutions, predictive analytics, and digital twin technology, energy operators can navigate the complexities of modern grid systems while delivering resilient, reliable, and affordable energy in a rapidly evolving landscape.  

At Camlin, we recognize the necessity for a holistic approach to managing the grid of the future. This approach integrates network operations and asset management, breaking down silos between distribution, transmission, and generation. What sets us apart is our expertise in sensing technology, network and asset monitoring software, data engineering, data science, and deep domain knowledge of the grid and its operation. Our capability spans across generation, transmission, and distribution, integrating next-generation software capabilities into end-to-end solutions.  

Sapient is our suite of powerful software applications for Asset, Fault and Networks underpinned by the Sapient data management platform, designed for enterprise-level performance. Sapient has been tested and proven to work effectively at scale, delivering increased reliability and operational efficiency for our global customers. 

Internationally, our focus in the energy sector lies in asset monitoring solutions, Sapient Asset Insights, for power transformers, generators, circuit breakers, and more. We offer innovative sensing technology alongside software, data solutions, and expert services. Asset management ultimately revolves around understanding and managing risk; however, this risk profile is changing along with the changes in the grid. This is often not understood and is signifying a fundamental shift in the asset management landscape.  

In the UK, we've transformed one of the world’s most highly regulated distribution networks with our network and fault management solutions, Sapient Network Insights. We boast an unparalleled depth of knowledge in network operations worldwide, actively supporting utility partners in their journey to net zero.  

The necessary and inevitable transformation towards the 'grid of the future,' means network operations and asset management need to be manged increasingly holistically. New and deeper insights into network and asset operation, condition, and risk are needed as the grid changes. These insights must be developed faster than ever before to mitigate the impact of the accelerating pace of change. These new ‘insights’ need to be deployed to both the edge and to the cloud, ensuring the right information gets to the right people at the right time.  

This necessitates new methodologies, new technologies, and new ways of thinking. To borrow a phrase, what got us here, won’t get us there. 

Our aim is to ensure secure power and IT networks where data is seamlessly transformed into actionable insights. By aligning our end-to-end capabilities with our concept of the 'vertical data pipeline,' we're constructing a portfolio of hardware, software, and data solutions to address these challenges.  

Collaboration between utilities and technology partners is essential to tackle these emerging challenges and accelerate the transition towards a sustainable energy future. We have a history and culture of fostering successful collaborations and stand ready to support our customers in their decarbonisation journey, ensuring a seamless transition to a cleaner and more resilient energy system. 

Thanks,

Peter

To learn more about our holistic approach to managing the grid of the future visit camlingroup.com/en-us/software