Perspective

We look ahead at what would be needed to meet the Princeton Net Zero report projections.

Regional transmission organizations ISO-NE, MISO, PJM, and SPP (Joint RTOs) recently issued a position paper, Strategies for Enhanced Gas-Electric Coordination: A Blueprint for National Progress. It aims to identify issues for state and federal policymakers, which if appropriately resolved, can enhance the reliability of gas-electric coordination. To find out more on this important issue, PUF brought together experts from the Joint RTOs. Listen in on the discussion with ISO-NE VP of Operations and Market Administration Pete Brandien, MISO Executive Director of Market Operations JT Smith, SPP COO Lanny Nickell, and PJM VP of Federal Government Policy Craig Glazer.

Despite the license and permitting hurdles, utilities around the country are taking a harder look at pumped storage hydro options. Potential benefits from federal tax credits might make an asset like pumped storage, which has a long asset life, more attractive as a storage option.

For more than a decade, EPRI has been studying AI and its potential impacts on the energy sector, and in the last six years, the Institute has accelerated its activities around AI and data science. To date, EPRI has been involved in more than 75 projects related to AI applications in the energy sector.

At the core of this transformation are the utility IT systems, which have historically focused on administrative support, customer billing, and essential network management. To support Grid Mod, these systems must be significantly upgraded.

“Here, the focus is on the high-voltage transmission infrastructure of one hundred thirty-two kilovolts and above, from an unfortunately overlooked perspective, that of the customers and ratepayers who will pay the bill.”

“We bring in processes and techniques that let us go through an area of concern, evaluate pole by pole, and make a determination of what is the likelihood of that pole being compromised by this storm or not targeting the invest.”

“We have a pragmatic and prudent approach to both IT and OT data integration. The utilization of OT data is a critical path for utilities to address the energy transition and build resilient and flexible grids.”

Achieving net-zero emissions on a global scale cannot be achieved with a single technological breakthrough or approach. It will require broad collaboration across sectors worldwide. Net-zero industrial clusters or NZICs can play a key role in this effort.

Executing a strategic vision requires a team that combines diverse skill sets with a shared commitment to innovation. In grid modernization, this team must include power systems, data analytics, cybersecurity, and infrastructure development experts. Each member brings a piece of the puzzle.