The nation’s existing transmission infrastructure was designed to carry electricity from large, geographically isolated fossil fuel-fired power plants to population centers. While this design was optimal for the electricity system of the 20th century, it creates some challenges for the evolving electricity system of the 21st century. As the United States begins to transition away from high-capacity fossil fuel plants and deploy additional renewable energy resources, the bulk power grid must adapt to accommodate the changing resource mix. This shift presents an opportunity to create a more sustainable, flexible, resilient electricity grid.
A Renewable, Reliable Grid
The electricity mix is changing. Throughout the United States, large coal-fired power are being retired and new renewable energy capacity is being brought online. Increasing penetrations of variable wind and solar power create challenges for grid operators that are responsible for maintaining reliability within the bulk power grid. Advanced smart grid technologies and optimized operating procedures are helping grid operators integrate new renewable capacity onto the system and helping facilitate the transition to a more renewable, reliable, and resilient grid.
GEI’s report explains how grid operators can successfully integrate renewables onto the grid and comply with the Clean Power Plan without jeopardizing grid reliability.
Smart grid technologies enable grid operators to increase demand response and flexibly balance power supply and demand across the grid with reduced reliance on large fossil fuel-fired power plants. Demand response allows grid operators or end-use consumers to curtail non-essential electricity use during periods of high energy demand. Advanced smart grid technologies increase demand response potential by giving electricity users real-time information about their energy use or allowing utilities to temporarily control certain types of electricity demand. These technologies are enabling electricity providers and consumers to work together and create a smarter grid.
Increased deployment of energy storage capacity can help grid operators integrate variable renewable energy onto the grid while maintaining reliability within the system. Utility-scale energy storage systems enable grid operators to dispatch electricity generated by variable renewable resources during periods of high energy demand and can reduce the need for new transmission investments. Distributed energy storage systems, such as consumer-owned battery systems, can alleviate congestion on local distribution systems and reduce peak demand on the grid. Energy storage technologies are still evolving, but they have a key role to play in the 21st century electricity system.
