Smart Energy
The next few decades will see
great changes in the way energy is supplied and used. In some major oil
producing nations, 'peak oil' has already been reached, and there are
increasing fears of global warming. Consequently, many countries are
focusing on the switch to a low carbon economy. This transition will lead to
major changes in the supply and use of electricity. [A] Firstly, there will be an increase in
overall demand, as consumers switch from oil and gas to electricity to power
their homes and vehicles. [B]Secondly,
there will be an increase in power generation, not only in terms of
how much is generated, but also how it is generated, as there is growing
electricity generation from renewable sources. [C] There is also likely more electricity generation centres,
as households and communities take up the opportunity to install photovoltaic
cells and small scale wind turbines. To meet
these challenges, countries are investing in Smart Grid technology. [D] This system aims to provide the
electricity industry with a better understanding of power generation and
demand, and to use this information to create a more efficient power network.
Smart Grid technology basically
involves the application of a computer system to the electricity network.
The computer system can be used to collect information about supply and demand and
improve engineer's ability to manage the system. With better information
about electricity demand, the network will be able to increase the amount of
electricity delivered per unit generated, leading to potential reductions in
fuel needs and carbon emissions. Moreover, the computer system will
assist in reducing operational and maintenance costs.
Smart Grid technology offers
benefits to the consumer too. They will be able to collect real-time
information on their energy use for each appliance. Varying tariffs
throughout the day will give customers the incentive to use appliances at times
when supply greatly exceeds demand, leading to great reductions in bills.
For example, they may use their washing machines at night. Smart meters can also
be connected to the internet or telephone system, allowing customers to switch
appliances on or off remotely. Furthermore, if houses are fitted with the
apparatus to generate their own power, appliances can be set to run directly
from the on-site power source, and any excess can be sold to the grid.
With these changes comes a range of challenges. The
first involves managing the supply and demand. Sources of renewable
energy, such as wind, wave and solar, are notoriously unpredictable, and
nuclear power, which is also set to increase as nations switch to alternative
energy sources, is inflexible. With oil and gas, it is relatively simple
to increase the supply of energy to match the increasing demand during peak
times of the day or year. With alternative sources, this is far more
difficult, and may lead to blackouts or system collapse. Potential
solutions include investigating new and efficient ways to store energy and
encouraging consumers to use electricity at off-peak times.
A second problem is the fact that
many renewable power generation sources are located in remote areas, such as windy uplands and
coastal regions, where there is currently a lack of electrical
infrastructure. New infrastructures therefore must be built.
Thankfully, with improved smart technology, this can be done more efficiently
by reducing the reinforcement or construction costs.
Although Smart Technology is
still in its infancy, pilot schemes to promote and test it are alreadyunderway. Consumers are currently
testing the new smart meters which can be used in their homes to
manage electricity use. There are also a number of demonstrations being
planned to show how the smart technology could practically work, and trials are
in place to test the new electrical infrastructure. It is likely that
technology will be added in 'layers', starting with 'quick win' methods which
will provide initial carbon savings, to be followed by more advanced systems at
a later date. Cities are prime candidates for investment into smart
energy, due to the high population density and high energy use. It is
here where Smart Technology is likely to be promoted first, utilising a range
of sustainable power sources, transport solutions and an infrastructure for
charging electrically powered vehicles. The infrastructure is already
changing fast. By the year 2050, changes in the energy supply will have
transformed our homes, our roads and our behaviour.
