WEMO24-Compiled Report-Interactive compressed (002) 4154-7882-8116 v.1 - Flipbook - Page 272
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Control room of the future/ Smart grid
FIGURE 14
The Evolving Power System – Generation transition, demand changes and operational challenges
• The primary function of real-time operations in electricity networks has always been to ensure a reliable power supply and resilience to disturbances, a core
responsibility that remains unchanged
• Control rooms have consistently played a crucial role in network operations, evolving in technology to manage the increasing complexity of power systems
• As transmission operators face signi昀椀cant changes, such as new operational modes and resource adequacy challenges, they are enhancing their control rooms and
operational capabilities. Adapting processes and advancing analytical capabilities will be essential to maintaining reliability and security during the transition to
clean energy
The Evolving Power System
• The global push for decarbonization is driving
this shift, impacting markets and increasing the
complexity of network operations
• The decline of fossil fuels plants and the rise of
renewable energy sources like solar, wind, battery
storage, and hydrogen are expected to continue,
necessitating new market services
• Changing Demand Patterns: Energy demand
is shifting from predictable growth to more
unpredictable and rapidly growing pro昀椀les due
to factors like behind-the-meter domestic solar,
electri昀椀cation of heating, cooling, and transport,
and increased energy use by large demand centers
and digital mining
• Rise of Demand Response: Demand response
initiatives are increasing, with large energy users
becoming "pro-sumers" through virtual power
plants that react to real-time market price signals
• Challenges in Demand Management: Real-time
forecasting and controlling of energy demand
is becoming a major challenge for operators,
particularly during periods of high solar PV
output, which can obscure aggregate demand and
complicate system management globally
Source: G-PST Consortium
Networks
• Transmission networks have not evolved in
line with 昀氀uctuating demand and changes in
the generation portfolio, leading to increased
congestion and operational challenges
• High voltage AC cable networks and HVDC
connections are expanding globally, with smart
network technology devices being increasingly
used to enhance network 昀氀exibility
• Weather-related disturbances are rising, causing
signi昀椀cant network disruptions, and the challenge
of managing decentralized resources on the
distribution network is growing for transmission
and distribution system operators
WEMO 2024
• Generation resources are transitioning from
centralized, predictable thermal plants to
decentralized, variable renewable sources,
leading to changes in network operations
Demand
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Generation
