The modernization of our electricity infrastructure–the so-called Smart Grid revolution–is underway, and not a moment too soon. As an interesting overview in a recent Wired issue made clear, the grid was cobbled together in ad hoc fashion over the last century, and is largely one-way, mechanical and dumb.
That’s why a storm in Ohio can plunge New York City into darkness; why, as energy guru Amory Lovins preaches, every electron saved at the point of use offsets the production of three to four times that many electrons at the source (e.g., a coal fired power plant); and why the Department of Homeland Security is so concerned about terrorists targeting our power infrastructure. In short, our archaic patchwork of a grid is vulnerable, inefficient and unreliable. It is quite damaging economically and environmentally.
Smart Grid–the application of computing and two way control to the electric infrastructure–is the solution, but it is a massive undertaking (the Obama administration has pledged upward of $40 billion as part of the stimulus package alone). History has demonstrated that infrastructural shifts of this sort tend to be massively inefficient. Our research suggests that a great deal of this inefficiency stems from the widespread inability of incumbents and start-ups alike to create the new business models required by new markets.
In short, grid modernization will yield immediate gains in control, efficiency and security–at a considerable cost. We’d like to see that cost offset by the advent of new business models that open up new avenues of growth.
via Preventing The Next Blackout – Forbes.com.
Related posts:
- Smart Grid & Security
- The creation of a more Secure and efficient national power grid requires significant innovations in the way we transmit electricity and monitor its use
- Government’s smart-meter estimate falls short by £6bn, expert claims – Times Online
- The Smart Grid Vs. Grandma – Forbes.com
- SAP Spotlights New Smart Grid Developments for More Energy Efficiency
