Latest news with #smartgrid
Forbes
26-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Unlocking Grid Capacity: Advancing Net Zero, Deferring $2 Million/Mile
Worker holding a Heimdall Power 'neuron', the smart sensor supporting dynamic line rating for ... More high-voltage transmission lines. The energy transition is accelerating—but the infrastructure that delivers electricity isn't keeping pace. As electric vehicles, heat pumps, and AI-driven data centers push demand to record highs, the grid is being pushed to its limits. Transmission lines are congested, interconnection queues are growing, and new infrastructure isn't arriving fast enough. While policymakers focus on long-term expansion, emerging technologies offer faster, more flexible ways to ease pressure. Advanced conductors, grid-enhancing technologies (GETs), and intelligent control systems are helping utilities increase capacity, reduce congestion, and improve reliability—often without laying new wires. These innovations won't replace the need for long-term investment, but they can buy time, reduce costs, and accelerate the energy transition by making better use of the infrastructure we already have. The grid we rely on was built for a different era—centralized, fossil-fuelled, and one-directional. Today's energy system is decentralized and dynamic. Rooftop solar, wind farms, EVs, and digital infrastructure are transforming how—and where—power flows. This shift to two-way, variable energy movement demands a grid that's smarter, more flexible, and more resilient. Meeting this challenge requires more than new generation—it demands significant upgrades to the grid itself. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), achieving climate and energy goals will require adding or refurbishing over 80 million kilometers of grid infrastructure by 2040—effectively doubling the global grid. A 2023 analysis from the Energy Transitions Commission estimates the world will need to invest $1.3 trillion annually in zero-carbon power and another $0.9 trillion in transmission and distribution to reach net zero. Put simply: for every $100 spent on renewables, about $70 needs to be invested in the grid to ensure that clean energy actually reaches end users. While this buildout is essential, smarter grid management can relieve pressure in the near term. Unlocking hidden capacity in the current system offers a faster, more efficient way to keep the energy transition moving. Despite serving as critical infrastructure, most high-voltage lines still lack the sensors needed to understand real-time operating conditions, leaving utilities reliant on outdated static line capacity ratings. Instead of adapting to real world conditions, they must operate under worst-case assumptions. On a cool, breezy day, a line may be capable of carrying 30–40% more power than assumed, safely and reliably. The result is artificially constrained capacity, renewable energy curtailment, and mounting congestion. Without accurate, real-time data, grid operators are left estimating rather than optimizing and the financial impact is staggering. U.S consumers are paying $20 billion in congestion costs while in Europe that figure is over €4 billion. Meanwhile, more than 80% of renewable energy projects sit idle in interconnection queues—waiting not for permits or panels, but because the grid can't accommodate the power they produce. This isn't a hardware problem—it's a data problem and solving it starts with seeing what's already there. Installing sensors has historically been slow, costly, and disruptive though—often requiring taking lines offline. Now, new sensor technologies are offering a breakthrough—giving utilities real-time insight into grid performance and revealing hidden capacity already built into the system. In a world running short on time, capital, and carbon budget, this could be a game-changer. Norwegian scaleup Heimdall Power is pioneering a smarter, faster approach to grid intelligence, using technology that enables safe, cost-effective deployment of sensors on live transmission lines. This opens the door to Dynamic Line Rating (DLR), a powerful way to unlock hidden capacity in the grid. Heimdall's solution? Small compact sensors called 'Neurons', which can be rapidly deployed onto high-voltage lines using autonomous drones, enabling installation in under 60 seconds without line shutdowns. These smart devices measure real-time environmental and line conditions, like wind speed, temperature, and line sag—the invisible factors that determine how much electricity a line can actually carry at any given moment. By continuously analyzing these inputs, DLR calculates a line's real-time capacity—often allowing it to safely carry more power than outdated, worst-case static ratings would suggest 'Think of our sensors as speedometers for the grid,' CEO Jørgen Festervoll said in an interview. 'Right now, most utilities are driving blind—and slow— just to be safe. We give them real-time visibility.' The pitch is bold and simple: with smarter technology, we can safely increase transmission line capacity by up to 40% and accelerate the clean energy transition all without laying a single new wire. 'We're the Apple Watch of the power grid,' Festervoll said. Heimdall's edge is not just its sensors, but how fast it can be deployed. According to Festervoll there is no need for shutdowns, nor for heavy equipment. Entire transmission corridors can be digitized in days, not years—a seismic shift from the traditional infrastructure timeline. This means, says Festervoll, that utilities can defer up to $2 million per mile in new line construction, boost dispatch efficiency by 20%, and accelerate renewable integration by 40%. This is grid modernization that's fast, flexible, and economically compelling. 'We're solving visibility in the most under-instrumented trillion-dollar asset class on the planet,' Festervoll says. Grids are the backbone of modern life—powering everything from industry and infrastructure to homes and hospitals. Yet for systems so complex, the real surprise isn't that they sometimes fail—it's that they don't fail more often. Trying to manage a modern grid without real-time visibility is like trying to direct air traffic without radar: it works—until it doesn't. And when it doesn't, the consequences ripple far beyond the power sector. Grid failures can disrupt supply chains, halt public services, and cost economies billions. The recent blackout in Spain and Portugal, triggered by what appears to be a single line failure, revealed just how vulnerable the system can be. That event highlighted a growing challenge: as power grids become more complex, our ability to manage them with outdated tools is rapidly eroding. Early reports point to failures in voltage control and chronic underinvestment, and the final analysis is expected to include a familiar set of technical recommendations—greater inertia to support renewables, improved trip settings, faster black-start capabilities, stronger cross-border coordination, and sharper attention to cyber risks and early warning signals. Rather than simply revisiting familiar failures, this moment underscores the need to look forward—and adopt smarter tools. One utility, equipped with Heimdall's real-time data, avoided a similar outcome entirely. When a storm brought down a transmission line, the system showed that cooler temperatures had boosted capacity on a nearby line. Operators rerouted power in real time — and kept the lights on. That's not just smart tech — that's economic resilience. Heimdall's technology is part of a much larger opportunity to transform how we manage and optimize the grid. The shift toward smarter, more responsive infrastructure is gaining momentum—and it's not just a niche trend. The global smart grid market is expected to deliver $290 billion in global energy savings by 2029, according to Juniper Research. The International Energy Agency (IEA) echoes this, identifying real-time grid intelligence as essential for decarbonization, electrification, and the coming surge of EVs, heat pumps, and data centers. But unlocking this potential requires more than just better technology—it demands smarter regulation. Today, most utilities are financially incentivized to build more physical infrastructure, not for using existing infrastructure better. Festervoll explains it bluntly: 'You get paid to pour concrete, not optimize electrons.' To truly modernize the grid, the IEA is calling for a shift in how utilities are rewarded—focusing on outcomes like visibility, flexibility, and efficiency rather than traditional capital investment. The smart grid revolution isn't just about deploying sensors and software. It's about aligning technology and policy to build a system that's not only bigger, but fundamentally smarter. In a world where electrification is accelerating, capital is constrained, and climate stakes are rising, knowing what you already have—and using it smarter—may be the most valuable energy asset of all. As Festervoll says, 'If you don't know what you have, you'll overbuild.' And in today's economy, overbuilding isn't just inefficient — it's unaffordable.
CNA
22-05-2025
- CNA
Commentary: Spain power outage is a case study for countries switching to clean energy
SINGPORE: On Apr 28, swaths of Spain and Portugal suffered a power outage that ground life to a standstill. The blackout knocked out communication and transport systems, shut down industries and halted commercial services. Power was only restored ten hours later. The Spanish government ruled out the possibility of a cyberattack on its national power grid. After preliminary investigations, it found that a sudden loss of power generation at a Granada substation triggered the blackout. Efforts to determine the events leading to the blackout are ongoing, but experts have alluded to grid instabilities arising from the Iberian Peninsula's reliance on renewable energy. GRID INSTABILITY FROM RENEWABLES Spain's push towards green energy has led to an ambitious phase-out of fossil fuel as well as nuclear power plants. As of 2024, the nation generates almost 60 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources - wind, solar and hydropower. By drawing power from different resources, particularly households running solar power, the grid becomes less robust. In the week leading up to the blackout, Spain's electricity grid had experienced several imbalances. A few minutes prior to the power outage, data showed the grid experienced a surge in wind power supplies. Hence, other resources such as nuclear, hydropower and solar were reduced to even out the supply to the grid, thereby optimising the cost of electricity produced in the market. It was tracked that the smart grid system blocked out a significant supply of solar power due to the increase in wind power. Data showed that the sharp decline in solar power, from 18 gigawatts to 8 gigawatts in just a few seconds, could have caused the grid to become unstable and collapse. Although the management of electricity from different resources happens daily, fluctuations in the grid are usually moderated with baseload power, which could come in the form of fossil fuels, nuclear or hydropower. Thermo- or hydro-turbines would have the 'inertia' to produce electricity for a few minutes even if power from these resources have been cut off – an important characteristic of baseload power. Solar power does not utilise turbines but rather relies on electric converters to transform direct current into alternating current, which is subsequently fed into the grid. Moments before the blackout occurred, Spain was running on 60 per cent solar power. The sudden switch from solar to wind power could have tripped the threshold of the grid frequency. DECARBONISATION IS KEY, BUT BASELOAD POWER REMAINS CRITICAL Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said excess renewables were not to be blamed for the blackout. He pointed out that street lamps and traffic lights running on solar panels were still operating during the power outage. Households and businesses with solar panels and backup battery storages were also unaffected. Indeed, these households and businesses survived the power outage because their solar panels were off-grid. While Spain can be commended in its effort to decarbonise its power sector through the diversification of clean energy resources, its reliance on intermittent solar and wind power requires rigorous management to make the grid network less prone to instabilities. Baseload power is critical in making the grids more resilient. Unlike solar, nuclear is a stable source of energy that can be used as a baseload power supply. Mr Sanchez said that there was no evidence to show that nuclear power could have prevented a blackout or quickened the restoration of power supply. Four nuclear plants went offline during the outage. He accused nuclear power advocates of using the outage to lobby for the energy source – which while clean, is not renewable and produces radioactive waste. However, a country's national grid will be vulnerable to power outages if it does not have the capacity for baseload power generation. The decision to turn off baseload nuclear power and feed in renewables is because Spain's grid has been optimised so that electricity from renewables is cheaper than nuclear, particularly during seasons when there are excessive solar or wind power. Spain can have a fully clean source of electricity production by including nuclear in its energy mix. The key consideration is baseload power generation, which is a feature of power stability rather than economic viability. Norway, for instance, relies predominantly on renewable energy for electricity production. More than 95 per cent of its electricity generated comes from hydropower – a renewable source that can also serve as a form of baseload power. Spain's decision to phase out nuclear power by 2027 is as controversial as Germany's decision to shut down its nuclear power plants. Germany's phase-out of nuclear power has increased its dependence on coal and natural gas as a baseload power needed for critical infrastructure and industries, which ironically leads to an increase in carbon emissions. Several European countries have since made a U-turn on their nuclear phase-out plans. In 2023, Sweden revived its plan to build new nuclear plants after decades of nuclear abandonment. Italy signalled it will reverse its ban on nuclear power in 2025, while Belgium recently repealed a law to scrap nuclear energy, citing it as imperative for energy independence and decarbonisation. LESSONS FOR ASEAN Presently, Southeast Asia does not have any operating nuclear plants to produce clean energy. The ASEAN power grid, long in the making, will allow countries to trade green electricity with each other. Presently, there are 13 established links out of 27 planned ones, generating about 5 gigawatts of electricity. The electricity that feeds into the ASEAN power grid will primarily be produced from renewable sources in the region. The recent blackout in Spain shows how an overreliance on solar and wind power can lead to grid instabilities. Hence, the adoption of nuclear energy in the future can enhance regional energy security and add resilience to the common grid serving Southeast Asia.
Associated Press
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Associated Press
Electric Vehicle Charging System Connectivity Market Analysis, Competitive Landscape and Forecasts 2025-2035
DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 19, 2025-- The 'Electric Vehicle Charging System Connectivity Market - A Global and Regional Analysis: Focus on Application, Product, Vendors, and Country Level Analysis - Analysis and Forecast, 2025-2035" report has been added to offering. The Global Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging System Connectivity Market is growing rapidly due to increasing EV adoption, expansion of charging infrastructure, and advancements in smart grid integration. Connected charging systems enable real-time monitoring, dynamic pricing, and energy management, making EV charging more efficient and user-friendly. In 2024, the market is being driven by the rise of smart and connected chargers, government incentives for EV infrastructure, and advancements in 5G and IoT technologies. LTE-M and cellular IoT solutions are becoming the standard for remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, and seamless payment integration in charging networks. The increasing use of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) connectivity is also enabling bidirectional energy flow, improving grid stability and making EVs a part of the energy ecosystem. By 2035, fully autonomous, AI-powered charging stations with integrated cybersecurity and blockchain-based payment solutions will be mainstream. The expansion of ultra-fast DC charging networks and widespread adoption of 5G connectivity will enhance real-time data processing, ensuring efficient power distribution and optimizing charging infrastructure. Smart grid integration with AI-driven demand response solutions will further enhance grid efficiency. Additionally, global standardization efforts in EV charger communication protocols will ensure interoperability across different manufacturers and charging networks. Role of 5G in Enhancing Connectivity for EV Charging Networks The deployment of 5G networks is transforming EV charging infrastructure by enabling real-time data exchange, predictive analytics, and seamless payment integration. Ultra-low latency communication between EVs and charging stations allows for faster authentication, optimized power distribution, and enhanced cybersecurity. 5G-powered smart chargers will become essential for high-density urban EV adoption. Growth in EV Adoption and Charging Infrastructure Demand The rising global adoption of electric vehicles and government incentives for EV charging infrastructure are key market drivers. Governments worldwide are investing in charging network expansion, smart grid development, and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) connectivity. As EV sales increase, the demand for intelligent, data-driven charging solutions is growing, driving technological advancements in smart chargers. High Implementation Costs and Standardization Challenges Deploying and maintaining smart, connected charging stations requires significant investment in hardware, software, and network infrastructure. Additionally, a lack of standardization in EV charging communication protocols creates compatibility issues among different manufacturers and service providers. The need for universal connectivity standards and secure communication frameworks is a major challenge for industry growth. Integration of EV Charging Systems with Smart Grids and Renewable Energy The integration of EV charging with smart grid infrastructure and renewable energy sources presents a major opportunity. Bidirectional charging, AI-powered energy management, and demand-response capabilities will enable EVs to act as energy storage units, supporting grid stability. Solar-powered and wind-integrated EV chargers are also gaining traction, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and enhancing energy efficiency. Regional Analysis North America is expected to dominate the EV charging system connectivity market, driven by strong government policies, aggressive EV adoption, and significant investments in smart charging infrastructure. The United States leads in V2G-enabled charging solutions, 5G-based real-time monitoring, and AI-driven energy management. The Biden administration's push for a nationwide EV charging network is accelerating the deployment of smart and interoperable charging systems. Europe follows closely, with Germany, the U.K., France, and Norway leading in smart charging initiatives and integration with renewable energy sources. The EU's strict carbon emission targets and subsidies for connected EV infrastructure are fueling rapid market expansion. Additionally, smart grid projects in Europe are prioritizing the integration of bidirectional charging systems to enhance grid stability and energy storage capacity. Asia-Pacific is experiencing significant growth, with China, Japan, and South Korea investing heavily in AI-powered and IoT-enabled charging solutions. China's government-backed EV expansion policies and high-speed charging station deployment are creating a strong market for connected EV chargers. India's growing EV ecosystem is also driving demand for affordable, connected charging solutions. Segmentation Analysis Charger Type Connectivity Type Competitive Benchmarking & Company Profiles Electric Vehicle Charging System Manufacturers Connectivity Vendors for Electric Vehicle Charging Systems Key Topics Covered: 1. Markets: Industry Outlook 1.1 Trends: Current and Future Impact Assessment 1.1.1 Growth in EV Adoption and Charging Infrastructure Demand 1.1.2 Increasing Demand for Smart and Connected Chargers 1.1.3 Cost-Efficiency Trends in Connectivity Technology 1.1.4 Evolution of LTE-M and Its Role in the Future of EV Chargers 1.1.5 Role of 5G in Enhancing Connectivity for EV Charging Networks 1.2 Evolution of Connectivity in EV Chargers 1.3 Role of Connectivity Technologies in EV Charging Infrastructure 1.4 Supply Chain Overview 1.4.1 Value Chain Analysis 1.5 Patent Analysis 1.5.1 Patent Filing Trend by Country 1.5.2 Patent Filling Trend by Company 1.6 Regulatory Landscape 1.7 Impact Analysis for Key Global Events 1.8 Market Dynamics Overview 1.8.1 Market Drivers 1.8.2 Market Restraints 1.8.3 Market Opportunities 2. Strategic Recommendations 2.1 Adoption Rate of LTE-M in EV Chargers 2.2 Cost Advantages of LTE-M Over High Throughput Technologies 2.3 Key Strategic Initiatives of Leading Players 2.3.1 New Product Launches 2.3.2 Mergers and Acquisitions 2.3.3 Strategic Partnerships for Connectivity Expansion 2.4 Use-Case Analysis: How LTE-M connectivity supports specific use cases (Such as fleet management, smart grid integration, and real-time data tracking) 2.5 Security Protocols for LTE-M Connectivity 2.5.1 Compliance with Global and Regional Cybersecurity Standards 2.5.2 Impact of Security Standards on Vendor Selection 2.6 Vendor Analysis 2.6.1 List of Leading Tier-1 EV Charger Manufacturers with Integrated Connectivity 2.6.2 List of Leading Connectivity Technology Providers for EV Chargers 2.6.3 Market Share of Vendors in EV Charger Connectivity 2.6.4 Growth Opportunities for LTE-M Vendors 2.6.5 Comparison of LTE-M vs. Other IoT Solutions 2.6.6 Key Considerations for Selecting LTE-M Vendors 2.6.6.1 Coverage and Network Compatibility 2.6.6.2 Cost and Pricing Structures 2.6.6.3 Vendor Experience with Large-Scale Charger Deployments 3. Electric Vehicle Charging System Connectivity Market (by Application) 3.1 Application Segment Summary 3.2 Electric Vehicle Charging System Connectivity Market (by Charger Type) 3.2.1 Public Chargers 3.2.2 Private Chargers 4. Electric Vehicle Charging System Connectivity Market (by Products) 4.1 Product Segment Summary 4.2 Electric Vehicle Charging System Connectivity Market (by Connectivity Type) 4.2.1 LTE-M (Low Power, Wide Area Network) 4.2.2 Cellular IoT (High Throughput Solutions) 4.2.3 Other Connectivity Technologies (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Zigbee, among others) 5. Electric Vehicle Charging System Connectivity Market, by Region For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. View source version on CONTACT: Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 KEYWORD: INDUSTRY KEYWORD: EV/ELECTRIC VEHICLES AUTOMOTIVE SOURCE: Research and Markets Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 05/19/2025 10:47 AM/DISC: 05/19/2025 10:46 AM
