Unlocking clean energy through grid edge technologies and digital interoperability
Unlocking clean energy through grid innovation
At a time when renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and energy storage are being used more and more, and a traditional energy grid is being challenged in ways it was never designed to handle, like with so many more Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) – Schneider Electric commits to providing innovative solutions to enable a smarter, more resilient and efficient energy grid leveraging new grid edge technologies and digital interoperability.
To unlock the potential of clean energy, grid infrastructure must be transformed to ensure that it can efficiently and robustly manage renewable energy, provide real-time insights, and optimise energy consumption.
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The challenges facing traditional grids
For decades, energy grids were designed with a singular flow of electricity from centralised power plants directly to consumers. However, the rise of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) and renewable energy sources has disrupted this traditional approach, demanding a more dynamic, and flexible grid system. To address these complexities, we offer solutions that modernise the grid, enabling utilities to integrate renewable energy sources more effectively while improving grid reliability.
One-way energy flow
Traditional grids were built for a single-direction flow of electricity. This system is now being challenged as energy is generated and consumed at multiple points across the grid.
Renewable energy variability
Solar and wind energy, being intermittent, make it harder to balance supply and demand in real-time, presenting a challenge to optimised grid management.
Flexibility requirements
While the integration of renewable energy necessitates a grid that is adaptable and capable of accommodating variable energy flows, it is also important to consider the role of stable baseload generation in ensuring long-term grid stability and reliability.
Learn more about our solutions
What are grid edge technologies?
The shift towards a more decentralised energy system requires advanced technologies to manage and optimise energy generation and consumption. Our grid edge technologies bring intelligence to the edge of the grid, providing greater control and visibility to both utilities and prosumers – those that both produce and consume their own energy.
Key technologies include:
- Smart metres and sensors: These devices gather near real-time data, allowing utilities to monitor and optimise energy use across the grid. This real-time insight is helpful in making smarter decisions about energy use, reducing inefficiencies and increasing robustness.
- Distributed Energy Resources (DERs): These include solar panels, electric vehicles, heat pumps, and battery energy storage systems located at the point of use, and also wind and solar plants. They help decentralise energy production, storage and consumption, improving the resilience and sustainability of the grid.
- Advanced control systems: The systems that help manage energy flows, balance supply and demand, and respond to dynamic energy conditions in real-time.
- Microgrids: Microgrids offer localised energy solutions that can operate independently or in conjunction with the main grid. This enhances energy resilience in specific regions.
