Evolving energy: Sparking innovation at ENLIT

Posted: October 02, 2024

As the green energy transition unfolds at breakneck speed, nowhere are its exciting possibilities—and challenges—more clearly on display than in the power industry. The energy industry, after all, not only sits at the forefront of consumers’ minds but also stands at the frontier of vital innovation. 

As industry insiders know all too well, power producers and utilities face the dual challenge of modernizing aging infrastructure while ensuring resilience and sustainability in an era of climate volatility and growing energy demands.

For over five decades now, AVEVA’s mission has centered on providing innovative solutions that eliminate or minimize these tradeoffs. That mission is far from over. We look forward to collaborating with the industry’s best and brightest at ENLIT this year—and to continuing to help the industry evolve and adapt through cutting-edge technology and collaborative solutions.

The urgent need for transformation

The ways in which energy is produced, managed, and consumed are shifting—fast. Extreme weather events, such as record-breaking storms and wildfires, are stark reminders of the need for a more resilient energy infrastructure. The pressure to integrate renewable energy sources and modernize grids is intensifying, especially as power outages and infrastructure vulnerabilities become more frequent and DERs account for a growing share of generation portfolios.

Utilities must evolve, not just in how they generate and deliver power, but in how they think about their role in a rapidly changing world. Difficult as these hurdles may seem, with the right digital toolkit, utilities can face these challenges head-on with intelligent, data-driven approaches.

Evolving through technology

Innovation in the utility sector has never been more critical, and technology will continue to play a pivotal role in driving that transformation. To meet the current moment, utilities and power producers must:

1. Harness the power of data: Real-time data and advanced analytics are essential tools for utilities as they seek to optimize operations. AI and machine learning solutions can predict peak demand, anticipate outages, and enable grid operators to make faster, more informed decisions. With a robust data foundation and solutions that offer advanced capabilities, power organizations can enhance grid reliability and integrate renewables more seamlessly.
2. Build agility and resilience with edge technology: As energy systems become more decentralized, utilities are increasingly turning to edge computing and hybrid systems to improve operational flexibility. Microgrids and smart metering solutions allow utilities to process data and make decisions at the edge, creating more responsive and efficient systems. Edge solutions are integral to enabling utilities to enhance their resilience while reducing costs.
3. Strengthen the grid with digital twins: By allowing utilities to create virtual replicas of physical assets—from power plants to distribution networks—digital twin technology enables utilities to simulate scenarios, perform predictive maintenance, and optimize performance in real time.

The path forward? Collaboration and innovation.

Simply put, the utility sector’s challenges cannot be solved in isolation. By collaborating across industries and within digital ecosystems, utilities and power generators can develop the solutions needed to modernize the grid, integrate renewable energy, and build a more resilient future.

This year at ENLIT, we’re excited to engage with utilities, technology providers, and regulators to explore new ways to collaborate and drive sustainable innovation. Only through collaborative initiative will utilities find innovative ways to meet growing demand while pursuing sustainability goals.

The future of utilities is evolving

The utility sector is in the midst of a major transformation, and the stakes have never been higher. From extreme weather to aging infrastructure, utilities are being pushed to evolve quickly to ensure a reliable, sustainable, and equitable energy future. Technology and innovation are at the heart of this evolution.

By leveraging data, strengthening grid infrastructure, and embracing collaboration, utilities can not only meet today’s challenges but also lead the way toward a cleaner, more resilient energy future.

At AVEVA, we’re proud to be part of this evolution. Join us at ENLIT to explore the innovative solutions that are helping utilities evolve and adapt to the demands of tomorrow.