In an article authored by Michael Sheppard, PTR’s CEO, explains the Biden-Harris administration’s energy goals, including achieving 100% clean electricity by 2035 and cutting greenhouse gas emissions by half by 2030, with a target of net zero by 2050. This ambitious transition demands a major overhaul of the US power grid, shifting towards renewable energy, distributed energy resources (DER), and electrification, requiring nearly 3 TW of capacity. To meet these targets, the US power grid must double its renewable generation capacity by 2030. Given current congestion in power transmission, this is a significant challenge. Electric utilities are focusing on automating distribution feeders and substations to improve grid resiliency, reliability, and visibility. Programs like the Smart Grid Investment Grant (SGIC) and the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships Program (GRIP) have been pivotal in promoting such automation. Key technologies driving this transformation include:

Key technologies in this transformation include:

Dynamic Line Rating (DLR): Enhances the efficiency and capacity of existing transmission lines in real time, addressing congestion and supporting renewable integration.

Volt/VAR Optimization (VVO): Improves voltage and reactive power regulation, minimizing line losses and enhancing power quality.

Substation Automation: Integrates advanced control and monitoring technologies to manage the influx of EVs and renewable energy.

These technologies will see significant growth over the next decade as utilities continue to invest in and expand their capabilities to meet decarbonization goals. Major utilities are planning to enhance their DLR, VVO, and substation automation projects to support renewable energy integration and grid modernization.

Follow this link to learn more: Substation Solutions & Power System Dynamics 

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