Transforming grids to become net-zero and autonomous

The global energy transition is in full swing. Global decarbonisation efforts have led to the significant growth of distributed energy resources (DERs) and the electrification of everything.

However, this has also resulted in unforeseen challenges for Distribution System Operators (DSOs). With grid connection requests expected to increase by five to eight times in the coming years, operators need a new digital approach to grid management to maximise capacity fast.

The impact of the electrification of everything

Experts predict that by 2030, the number of DERs will increase sevenfold, making energy systems more decentralised, complex, and unpredictable.

At the same time, the world is becoming increasingly electrified – from heating to mobility to industrial processes. Europe alone will see the installation of 60 million more heat pumps by 2030 while the number of electric vehicles will need to increase 18-fold by 2030 to help limit the worst impacts of the climate crisis.

This is causing a significant rise in global electricity consumption, which is projected to triple by 2050. To meet the ever-swelling demand, grid capacity needs to be doubled in the next seven to twelve years – a monumental task for power utilities that cannot be solved via conventional grid expansion alone.

Besides the enormous financial efforts for implementing new hardware, it simply takes too much time. Smart digitalisation is the only way to keep up with the rapid speed in the energy transition.

Gaining speed through software

To adapt, power utilities must fundamentally rethink their approach to grid management. Previous ways of grid planning, operations and maintenance are no longer suitable. DSOs need to be able to manage their grids actively and flexibly to increase grid capacity whilst keeping them stable.

The right software can enable DSOs to gain transparency through data to make crucial decisions in real-time. At present, most DSOs only have access to fragmented data, leading to inefficiencies and stability issues. Harnessing the power of technology for optimised distribution grid management can lead to reduced outage times by up to 30%.

Additionally, investment decisions can be improved 25% by making critical grid segments visible. This ultimately leads to optimized planning and improved customer satisfaction.

Accelerating the digital transformation

At Enlit Europe 2023, Siemens will present a number of products that enable power utilities to accelerate their digital transformation.

Two particular highlights from its Grid Software Suite include LV Insights® X and Spectrum Power ADMS (Advanced Distribution Management System) – both fully interoperable, open and flexible.

LV Insights® X provides a scalable and easy-to-integrate software for low-voltage grid management. DSOs can easily create a unified grid model within weeks to get near real-time insights. The software can be seamlessly integrated into overarching distribution grid management systems like Spectrum Power™ ADMS.

Spectrum Power™ ADMS enables operators to leverage smarter power distribution management, including the integration of a large number of renewable sources.

The latest technologies support creating the sustainable energy system of the future – thereby advancing the energy transition.

Smart digitalisation is the only way to keep up with the rapid speed in the energy transition.

Read more about Transforming energy distribution for a better tomorrow

About the company

Siemens Smart Infrastructure (SI) is shaping the market for intelligent, adaptive infrastructure for today and the future. SI provides customers with a comprehensive end-to-end portfolio from a single source – with products, systems, solutions and services from the point of power generation all the way to consumption. Headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, the business has approximately 72,700 employees worldwide.