The global energy landscape is undergoing significant shifts, with grids facing a perfect storm of challenges such as surging power demand, ageing infrastructure, and rising threats both physical and digital. In light of these challenges, the case for grid digitalisation has never been stronger. Shubbhronil Roy, VP of digital grids strategy and transformation at Schneider Electric, recently spoke to Power Technology about the importance of filling the gaps in digital transformation to enhance grid resilience.
Roy highlighted several key factors driving the need for grid digitalisation. The first is the energy transition towards decarbonisation, with renewable energy adoption accelerating worldwide. However, existing grids are struggling to handle the influx of renewable energy, leading to congestion and potential blackouts. Upgrading the grid infrastructure is crucial to accommodate this new renewable load.
Another pressing issue is the ageing infrastructure and workforce in the grid industry. A significant portion of transformers and substations are reaching the end of their lifespan, while a large percentage of the workforce is expected to retire in the coming years. This highlights the urgent need for digital transformation to modernize and future-proof the grid.
Cybersecurity is also a major concern, with cyber threats on the rise and grids becoming prime targets for malicious attacks. Disrupting the grid can have severe consequences, plunging entire cities into darkness. This underscores the importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures as part of grid digitalisation efforts.
Additionally, major weather events fueled by the climate crisis are becoming more frequent, leading to an increase in blackouts and significant financial losses. The growing demand for power driven by factors like AI, data centers, population growth, and electrification further stresses the need for grid modernization to meet future energy needs.
Roy emphasized the importance of aligning information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) within grids to ensure a seamless digital transformation. He highlighted the need for incremental implementation strategies to address the challenges posed by data integration, siloed systems, and the complexity of existing infrastructure.
As grids continue to evolve and face new challenges, the role of digitalisation in enhancing grid resilience and ensuring reliable energy supply has never been more critical. By addressing the gaps in digital transformation and adopting a pragmatic yet hopeful approach, the grid industry can pave the way for a more resilient, sustainable, and efficient energy future. Grid digitalization and the convergence of IT and OT within the energy sector are crucial for the industry’s evolution. The alignment of these two departments, despite their differing regulations, is essential for the energy transition to progress effectively. Collaboration between IT and OT is key, as they both benefit from AI capabilities and must establish a shared foundation to work seamlessly together.
In the digital age, the cloud plays a significant role in enhancing the agility and security of utility operations. A hybrid cloud model, such as the “One Digital Grid” platform by Schneider Electric, allows for less critical applications to run in the cloud while maintaining mission-critical functions on-premises. This approach combines flexibility and robust security measures to ensure the grid’s reliability.
Substations are the backbone of electricity distribution networks, and their digitization is rapidly evolving. By pushing intelligence to the edge and implementing localized intelligence, substations can react more quickly to changing conditions without relying solely on centralized control centers. This shift towards edge intelligence reduces response times and enhances overall grid efficiency.
Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted the importance of digital infrastructure and business continuity plans for resilience in the face of disruptions. Companies across various sectors are prioritizing digital transformation through stepwise implementation and use case-driven development rather than large-scale projects. Real testing with customer data and tangible outcomes is now the focus, leading to more efficient and continuous improvements.
Resilience is no longer optional in the energy sector, especially with the increasing demands on grids from distributed renewables, electric vehicles, and bi-directional energy flow. Digitalization can enhance grid visibility and predictability, allowing for proactive actions to prevent system failures. However, technology alone is not enough; people, partnerships, and regulatory frameworks are equally important for grid digitalization to succeed.
As awareness grows and advancements in grid innovation continue, the next decade holds transformative potential for the energy sector. The grid must become an enabler of sustainability, electrification, and climate action, rather than an obstacle. While the journey towards meeting net-zero goals is ongoing, progress is being made in the right direction, paving the way for a more resilient and sustainable energy future. The world of technology is always evolving, with new advancements being made every day. One of the most exciting developments in recent years is the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). AI has the potential to revolutionize countless industries, from healthcare to finance to transportation.
One area where AI is poised to make a big impact is in customer service. Traditionally, customer service has been handled by human agents, who may be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of inquiries they receive. This can lead to long wait times, frustration for customers, and inefficiencies for businesses.
AI-powered customer service solutions, on the other hand, offer a more streamlined and efficient way to handle customer inquiries. These systems can be programmed to handle a wide range of tasks, from answering basic questions to resolving more complex issues. They can also be available 24/7, ensuring that customers can get the help they need at any time of day or night.
AI-powered customer service solutions can also improve the overall customer experience. By analyzing data from past interactions, these systems can personalize responses and provide more tailored support. This can help to build stronger relationships with customers and increase satisfaction levels.
In addition, AI-powered customer service solutions can help businesses to save time and money. By automating repetitive tasks, such as answering frequently asked questions, these systems can free up human agents to focus on more complex and high-value tasks. This can lead to increased productivity and cost savings for businesses.
Of course, there are some challenges to implementing AI-powered customer service solutions. One of the biggest concerns is ensuring that these systems are able to provide accurate and helpful responses. AI is only as good as the data it is trained on, so businesses must invest in high-quality data and ongoing training to ensure that their AI systems can deliver the best possible customer service.
Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of AI-powered customer service solutions are clear. By harnessing the power of AI, businesses can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the overall customer experience. As AI technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative solutions in the world of customer service.
