Decarbonization, Decentralization, and Digitalization are the three main trends toward the utility of the future.

  • Decarbonization, the word which is entangled with renewable energy, is to integrate and host as much as renewable energy we can in to the grid, so we can replace all fossil fueled generations by sustained energy resources. Such replacement needs adoption of different scales of renewable generations by the grid, which needs changes in the grid itself as well as the tools, and the way we manage the grid.
  • Decentralization, covers both generation and consumption, as well as changing the direction grids used to work out. It means embedding more distributed energy resources into the grid as well as empowering everybody to buy and sell electricity.
  • Digitalization, on the contrary makes both of the above possible, through use of the computers- small and large, data network, mobile computing, software and computational tools, and analytics. It makes the modern, complex grid operation and management the act of artificial intelligence, and even more, Augmented Intelligence, where a powerful and modern Operation Technology (OT) decides what’s the best for the grid operation and benefit of the stakeholder. It keeps the balance between generation, and consumption of the energy across the network, and ensures optimized, efficient and economic operation of the grid.
  • Augmented Intelligence - Integrated solutions based on artificial intelligence, will help utilities to act  on a more proactive way. The system shall continuously study system in background, considering  load and generation forecasts, comparing the results with constraints. Remedial measure shall be provided if any violation is foreseen.
  • Another aspect of the AI would be by using analytics tools, system should have and provide and overview of the overall situation of the system, trying to figure out system stability and balance situation. It also should provide situational awareness, informing operators about specific details of grid situation, based on the analytics output. The “Augmented” knowledge on top of gird maps and overview should give the operator, a summary of “what is going on” and “what might happen” if certain changes or incidents happens.

 

  • Augmented Intelligence is the necessary top op on artificial intelligence software, the give the AI the real value for the sake of operating a safe, reliable, available, resilient grid of the future.