As the year winds down, it’s natural to reflect on what we’ve accomplished and where we’re headed. For us at GE Vernova, the year has been all about preparation – a year spent laying the groundwork for a transformative future. From building partnerships to defining the vision for our software-defined solutions portfolio, this year marked a significant shift for us and the power industry as a whole.

We kicked off 2024 with a mission to build something extraordinary, and that meant starting from the basics. Much like creating a blueprint before breaking ground, we’ve spent the year carefully designing and developing the framework for what’s to come. This journey wasn’t just about planning, though. It was also about action.

We launched our new GridBeats™ portfolio of software-defined solutions for the power sector at DTECH and then showcased this offering at CIGRE Paris 2024. These solutions are designed to modernize infrastructure and tackle the challenges of an increasingly complex energy landscape. The event was an opportunity to engage with industry leaders, discuss the role and potential of AI, and outline the road ahead.

This transformation isn’t happening in isolation. It’s a collective effort fueled by partnerships, innovation, and collaboration. Throughout the year, we strengthened relationships with key stakeholders and initiated conversations that will shape the future of the energy ecosystem. These discussions, ideas, and work laid the foundation for designing the infrastructure of tomorrow – for a smarter, more sustainable grid.

Not Just a Buzzword
Beyond the technical and strategic advancements, this year reflected values that deeply align with my personal ones. Humbly, I was reminded of the importance of my work. Releasing our Sustainability Report reflected a commitment that resonates with me on a fundamental level. Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword – it’s a driving force behind everything we do. Knowing that there is an alignment with GE Vernova’s core values gives me the motivation to keep doing what I do. Not just for me, but for the generations to come. 



Buckle Up!
If there’s one thing this year has taught me, it’s that transformation is never linear. It’s messy. There are countless moving parts, and the path forward is rarely, if ever, without its challenges. But amidst the complexity, I’ve found clarity and that clarity gives me confidence.

We’re heading in the right direction – that belief is unwavering. Every relationship we’ve built, every conversation we’ve had, and every decision we’ve made this year has been grounded by a clear vision of where we want to go. The power industry is on the brink of massive transformation, and we’re ready to lead the charge.

As we turn the page to 2025, the focus shifts from preparation to execution. Next year will be about taking the plans we’ve meticulously crafted and bringing them to life and bring our blueprint into reality. While I know this transformation won’t be seamless, it will be exciting and impactful. The industry is poised for change on a scale we’ve never seen before – it’s time to be bold, because I think we’re about to witness a revolution in how we power the world.

The excitement for what’s to come is matched only by the gratitude I feel for this past year. To our teams, partners, peers, and friends – thank you for your support, thought-provoking ideas, and hard work. Transformation is a process, not a moment – there’s a lot to do, but I couldn’t be more optimistic about where we’re headed. Together, we’re not just adapting to change; we’re creating it.

Cheers to the future.

From November 12-14, I had the privilege of attending the 2024 Canada Protection Symposium in Toronto, Canada. Sponsored by OMICRON, the event brought together an impressive array of regional ecosystem integrators, utilities, and industry experts. Discussions centered around the digital transformation of substations and the broader power grid – a pivotal theme shaping our industry, especially as we navigate the electrification of our systems and the grid of the future.

The symposium offered a platform to explore critical themes, challenges, and opportunities in our journey towards digitalization. It also served as a reminder of the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing the evolving demands of the power systems landscape.

The Push (and Pull) for Digital Transformation
I’d say that one of the key themes was digital transformation for substations – a focus that resonated across presentations and discussions. The industry is at a crossroads where embracing new technologies in substations is no longer a matter of “if” but more so a matter of “when”. From advanced automation to centralized protection, the digitalization of substations promises improved efficiency, reliability, and overall maintenance.

However, the digital journey doesn’t come without its challenges. Some of the difficulties in making the shift include:
1.       Business Case Justification: For utilities, the transition to a digital system often hinges on finding a robust business case which involves balancing future operational efficiencies against the immediate costs of implementing new systems.
2.       Workforce Capabilities: Engineers who have worked within traditional frameworks for decades are now confronted with the rapid pace of modernization. Training power system engineers to use digital tools while leveraging their expertise is a critical step.
3.       Change Management: Linked with the above, perhaps the most significant barrier is human resistance. Engineers and utility stakeholders alike need to adapt their mindsets to embrace change. And this is not a small feat in an industry that prioritizes safety and where risk aversion is ingrained into our core.

Change Management as the Cornerstone for Transformation
Discussions about change management were particularly insightful. Digital transformation involves more than just introducing new technologies – it demands an overhaul of procedures and policies. Training and testing can most certainly help, but there’s an added psychological component to adopting new methods and workflows.

Engineers face a paradox: while modernization offers evident benefits, it also challenges the foundational principles of how they’ve operated for years. Building confidence in digital systems will require ongoing collaboration, robust testing, and open communication.

And this reluctance or hesitation to embrace change isn’t something new. In fact, it mirrors a broader caution surrounding technologies like generative AI. While change can be daunting, resistance can lead to stagnation. The industry’s task is to strike a balance of modernizing the grid in a way that minimizes risk and disruption while maximizing the benefits of a digitalized grid.

Mind the Gap!
Another pressing concern that made some headwinds at the event was the skills gap in the workforce. Make no mistake, engineers excel at analog and legacy systems, but the speed of technology is outpacing training. This isn’t a shortcoming of the workforce; it simply reflects the need for initiatives tailored to the industry’s evolution.

The Path Forward
Emerging areas like software, virtualization, data analytics, and cybersecurity are just a few examples of new concepts that are driving the power industry forward. One standout topic for me was virtualization and centralized protection. By reducing the amount of hardware required in distribution substations, centralized systems offer significant benefits in terms of cost, operations, and maintenance.

Another key area of interest was renewable energy integration, especially as the grid evolves to incorporate more distributed energy resources (DERs), microgrids, and renewable sources. The IESO delivered a compelling presentation on DERs and innovation funding. Their Innovation Roadmap highlighted forward-thinking strategies tailored to Ontario’s needs, but with global applicability. It demonstrated how outside-the-box ideas can lead transformative solutions, particularly for regional markets grappling with rapid renewable integration.

Overall, the 2024 Canada Protection Symposium highlighted the vast potential of digital transformation, while also shining a light on the hurdles we will need to collectively address. Achieving meaningful progress will require collaboration, a mindset shift, and more. By focusing on change management, we can ease the transition for engineers and other stakeholders. By integrating digital skills into power engineering programs, we can develop a workforce ready for tomorrow’s challenges. By fostering innovation, we will continue to carve an exciting path forward.

Grid modernization, much like the acceptance of generative AI, is a double-edged sword – it holds enormous promise, but requires meticulous execution. Attending this event was a reminder of the dynamism of our industry. Onward and upward!

Known as one of the premier global forums for electric systems, CIGRE 2024 was a remarkable gathering of industry leaders, technical experts, and innovators all focused on the future of energy systems – providing a platform for discussing major challenges and solutions shaping the world. From renewable integration and electrification to advancements in grid technology, the event continues to set the stage.

One of the major highlights for me this year was presenting our GridBeats™ portfolio – our cutting-edge approach to software-defined automation solutions. As a representative of this holistic offering, I am both humbled by and grateful for the positive feedback we’ve been receiving from industry peers and thought leaders. The constructive conversations and interest underscore the relevance and importance of the work we are doing to address key challenges that include grid resiliency, efficiency, digitalization, and data-driven management – a reminder of the vital role we play in the energy transition.

Insights from the International Energy Agency (IEA)
This year’s CIGRE event also featured a keynote address from Keisuke Sadamori, the IEA’s Director of Energy Markets and Security. His presentation struck a chord with many in attendance, as he laid out scenarios and long-term outlooks for the power industry beyond 2050. The keynote focused on the delicate balance that’s needed between integrating renewable energy sources and managing growing demand for electricity. With global policy and net-zero emissions targets, the challenge is not just decarbonizing the grid – it’s doing so while simultaneously meeting the accelerating demand for energy, driven by rapid electrification across various sectors.

While renewable integration is essential to achieving our decarbonization goals, exponential demand growth complicates the path forward. And while the industry becomes electrified, pressure on power systems can, too, intensify. This surge in demand, coupled with the global mission to decarbonize presents immense opportunities, but also complexities. Simply put, electrification is driving growth and will require significant investment to expand, modernize, and operate the grid.

The energy sector is being asked to accomplish more than ever before: we’re transforming it to handle unprecedented levels of consumption, all while adhering to critical sustainability objectives. The need for investment, innovation, and collaboration has never been clearer.

The Path Forward
Something that struck me is the urgency of action. Discussions made it clear that while we have many tools and technologies, the challenge lies in scaling them up quickly and effectively. Keisuke Sadamori pointed to the important role that partnership between government and industry will play in achieving these goals. Ministries of energy, regulators, system operators, utilities, and other vendors that are part of the electrification ecosystem will need to work together to accelerate the transition.

Innovation, especially in grid technologies, was a recurring theme throughout the conference. From advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) to the development of virtualization projects, one could say we’re in a digital transformation. Models of the grid can be used to predict and enhance operations, making the system more resilient and adaptable. Needless to say – the future is exciting!

However, while there is significant optimism, there was also acknowledgement of more rigorous planning to navigate the path towards net-zero. The IEA’s scenario planning offers valuable insights, but relying solely on current technologies and policies may not be enough. Alternatives may need to be considered – whether they come in the form of breakthrough technologies, new regulatory frameworks, or different approaches to grid management. The upcoming IEA World Energy Outlook report is expected to shed more light on these issues, provide deeper insights, and guide the industry’s next steps. Another really good resource worth checking out is the World Energy Investment 2024 report, which can be found here.

Complex Themes, Exciting Future
The most significant trend highlighted in our industry (and at CIGRE 2024) is the role of electrification in shaping future energy systems. While we know it is a critical driver of decarbonization, it does bring added complexities. As more and more sectors electrify, the demand on the grid will grow, requiring new solutions to balance renewable energy sources with consistent power supply – all while meeting environmental targets. It is this that will define the industry’s work in the years ahead.

The future of energy is undoubtedly electric, but the road to get there will require effort, innovation, collaboration, and decisive action. Stay tuned.

In April 2024, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Critical and Emerging Technologies released its AI for Energy report, highlighting a significant shift in how artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly gaining momentum within the energy industry. This sector, historically cautious about adopting new technologies, is now at a pivotal moment where AI can redefine how things are done, paving the way for the future of energy. The report underlines the trends, challenges, and opportunities that AI presents to an industry that has long relied on physics-based models to design, operate, and manage the largest machine on the planet: the electric grid. 

History vs. What Lies Ahead
For more than a century, the power industry has been built on a foundation of physics. The grid has been meticulously designed to best-ensure stability, reliability, and predictability. Unlike some sectors (which may be non-regulated) that rapidly adopt technological innovations, the energy sector is enthusiastic but cautious – primarily due to the high stakes (e.g., safety) and regulations involved. Any disruption or failure in the grid can have far-reaching consequences, affecting all industries and populations dependent on a stable power supply. 

Opportunities and Challenges
While we need to be careful when applying new technology, the reward of innovation is vast opportunity. AI has the potential to revolutionize various aspects of energy generation, distribution, transmission, and consumption. It can enhance forecasting capabilities, improve grid operations, and enhance energy efficiency. For example, AI-driven models can predict energy demand with greater accuracy, allowing for better resource allocation and minimizing waste. 

On the other hand, the integration of AI also introduces new challenges and risks. As AI systems become more intertwined with the grid, the potential for cyberattacks increases. Ensuring cybersecurity hence becomes critical. Additionally, the complexity of AI mixed with the industry’s reliance on traditional physics-based models can create tension between innovation and caution.

An Industry Shift

We are collectively witnessing a shift from incremental to exponential changes facing the energy industry – and it’s no longer “business as usual”. AI is accelerating the pace of innovation, and we need to find new ways of doing things. Embracing AI could lead to significant improvements in grid management and sustainability objectives – but we also know that rapid changes requite rigorous strategies to manage the transition and mitigate potential disruptions.

AI can drive a few major benefits, especially in the following aspects:

1.    Predictive/prescriptive maintenance: AI can make us more proactive vs. reactive with predictive analytics.

2.    Forecasting: AI can enhance planning and forecasting, especially as demand grows to levels never seen before. More accurate predictions can aid in balancing supply and demand, reducing costs and preventing blackouts.

3.    Cybersecurity: This is an interesting one. While on one hand, AI opens up major risk with respect to cybersecurity, it can also bolster cybersecurity measures by identifying and responding to threats quickly. Machine learning algorithms can detect anomalies and potential breaches, allowing operators to be proactive.

4.    Zonal Autonomous Control: AI can enable Zonal Autonomous Control and help manage specific sections of the grid.

A Balanced Approach
Despite promise, there is a requisite for a balanced approach. The energy industry must navigate the integration of AI with caution, ensuring that new technologies do not compromise the stability of the grid. Collaboration is crucial to developing solutions that leverage AI’s strengths while simultaneously addressing its limitations. 

Furthermore, regulatory frameworks and industry standards need to keep pace with technological advancements. Guidelines need to be in place to promote innovation while also ensuring safety and security. And while we’ve been using forms of AI for a while, advances in AI technology are enabling advances everywhere else. Realizing the potential of AI requires careful planning, robust cybersecurity measures, and a willingness to embrace change while safeguarding a grid that’s been built on a history of expertise. 

Once upon a time, when utilities wanted to adopt an on-site private wireless network, the options were limited. But with increasing modernization, digitization, and foundationally globalization, what once was doesn’t quite cut it. High operational costs, security limitations, and even general network incompatibility have started highlighting a need for change.

Enter private long-term evolution (PLTE) technology. PLTE is essentially a network that is restricted to only authorized users. For most people, PLTE is synonymous with 4G related to personal cell usage via commercial carriers. But the scope is much wider. Many utilities have started gravitating towards the concept of modernizing their systems and transitioning over to private networks, particularly in recent years.

The scope of spectrum 
When we look at PLTE, we’re talking about a standards-based approach to communications and for the ability for that standard to be a high-speed, low-latency data network. Historically, most utilities have built purpose-built networks based on older, narrowband technology meaning smaller slices of spectrum. And with this type of spectrum, utilities have developed single-purpose networks to do things such as SCADA or dispatching, for example. However, what utilities are finding is that there is a need for higher speed to push more data, especially as we move towards the grid of the future – and this type of historical spectrum simply does not support changing needs.

For utilities to accomplish what they want to accomplish, spectrum is essential. For starters, it’s the global standard. Where solutions used to be proprietary, there are now multiple vendors to choose from: in fact, many companies are making LTE infrastructure – GE Vernova being one of them. The spectrum required needs to be able to support the technology standard we’re facing. The minimum spectrum needed to support LTE is 1.4 MHz, typically with channel sizes that are even larger for optimal performance.

Trends and takeaways
Currently, there is more traction for PLTE in North America than the rest of the world, particularly in the United States, with two predominant and available solutions to choose from. First is a privately leased solution in the 900 MHz range offered by Anterix, who has petitioned with the FCC and received approval to aggregate smaller channels to have enough spectrum to make a broadband service more widely available. 

In addition, there is another set of spectrum in the range of 3.5 GHz available under the OnGo Alliance which can function as private use or governed by a spectrum allocator (SAS) that grants access to the spectrum. 

These two main solutions are diverse and appealing to utilities for several reasons. To start, the Anterix option is slightly narrower, meaning it can’t provide full capability. However, 900 MHz being lower in frequency, has very good propagation characteristics. Contrarily, the OnGo Alliance option has a much wider bandwidth which equates to higher speeds, but doesn’t propagate as well, leading to higher infrastructure costs to blanket the same geographic area. There is interest and consideration for both: utilities may want to lease the 900 MHz option for critical assets, but fill in some of their coverage with the 3.5 MHz spectrum. 

But with every pro…
There is a con. PLTE, while not short on advantages, does face certain challenges. Companies might have an interest in having this type of network, but not necessarily the appetite to make it happen. There are specific skillsets and costs associated with building this type of privatized infrastructure. Being a relatively complicated process, utilities might not have the internal expertise and rely on EPCs and consultants. As a result, this essential outsourcing is an investment. Moreover, there are supplementary costs of space, and building the core infrastructure and backend network to develop, manage, and operate. However, as we collectively face the grid of the future, it’s fair to say these upgrades are imminent. 

Standardization doesn’t prevent differentiation 
While one could argue that as this type of network becomes standardized, there is less room for differentiation, there are things GE Vernova is doing better. We’ve transitioned to industrial wireless communications with hardened routers and harsh utility specs, while remaining compliant to environmental pillars. Our enhanced cybersecurity features help utilities confront the growing severity and frequency of cyber attacks, protecting their most critical assets. And in tandem with our products are our service offerings, which include local support and manufacturing plants, for supply chain resilience and first-class customer service. 

It is critical for utilities to think about and support the development of PLTE networks both within the U.S. and globally. Are you ready to start?

As the energy industry faces unique challenges with respect to decarbonization, sustainability objectives are becoming increasingly paramount. With the tremendous rise of technology of the past decade has come a rise in the amount of data – and with that, the data center market is experiencing exponential growth. The downside? Growth typically comes with its set of corresponding challenges for owners, developers, and operators.

The Challenges
Power Shortages for Data Center Expansion: Average energy demand for data center facilities is increasing significantly due to the development of artificial intelligence (AI), post-pandemic applications deployment, as well as higher and faster computing requirements. With the growing need for more data centers, the industry is outgrowing its grid resources, creating wait times to obtain power. Furthermore, connection lead times of one to two years, demands for highly reliable power, and requests for power from new, non-emitting generation sources can create local and regional electric supply challenges.

Decarbonization: Data centers have significant energy consumption through requiring large amounts of electricity to power servers, cooling systems, networking equipment, and more. Additionally, emissions from the production and disposal of IT equipment add to the carbon footprint of this market. In tandem, renewable energy sources, while crucial for decarbonization objectives, are intermittent – posing challenges for data centers that require a constant flow of power. 

Water Usage and Sustainability: Data centers are notable consumers of energy and water, and there’s a consequent need to address the environmental impacts associated with this water use.

Cooling Requirements: Cooling systems account for a large majority of data center power consumption. Finding sustainable cooling solutions that allow for operations without relying on energy-intensive power is essential.

Scaling-Up Challenges: Data centers are facing multiple challenges with regards to scaling up such as anticipating demand to take investment decisions, strategic technology development choices, and the need for a skilled taskforce if we are to accelerate projects. Additionally, improving processes in alignment with changing regulations can allow for faster decision-making for grid expansion and flexibility as well as the supply chain tension not capable of responding to the exponential growth.

How Data Centers Need to Address These Challenges
To face the challenges data centers are experiencing will take a multi-faceted approach that includes technological innovation, industry collaboration, and support in policy and regulation. Virtualization, more efficient cooling systems, power usage management, energy monitoring, and renewable energy sources make up some of the required solutions. 

The increase in renewable energy will require an expansion of grid infrastructure with a focus on digitalization and the development of new approaches to finding alternatives. Hybrids, aero-derivative gas turbines, power batteries, and microgrids are all leading the way to more sustainable data center development. With that said, there is a need to, in tandem, harmonize policies and regulations across the globe. Governments can incentivize and/or regulate sustainable practices in the data center market through the implementation of things like tax incentives, investments in renewables, carbon pricing, and more.

We know that data centers have the potential to drive the energy transition forward by delivering grid services and energy storage solutions. To attract investment and remain competitive, data center providers will need to adapt to the changing trends of the industry and navigate these trends strategically, ensuring they can meet the evolving needs of the digital economy while maintaining sustainable and efficient operations. While data centers are large consumers of energy, they also have the ability to push innovation within the industry. Done properly, data centers can be the catalysts for progressive change within the new era of energy.

In an era defined by the urgency of climate change, the pursuit for sustainable energy solutions has never been more critical. At the heart of this endeavor lies the electric grid, the intricate, nearly invisible network that powers our modern world. However, as we strive towards a more sustainable future, the transformation our grid networks require is becoming more and more evident. In my series of blogs focused on sustainability, I will explore the challenges, innovations, and pathways towards a better grid.

Understanding Electric Grid Sustainability
The traditional electric grid was reliant mostly on fossil fuels and the capacity needed at that time. But with the energy transition, it needs to transform rapidly to enable decarbonization and electrification, renewables integration, wildfire mitigation, greenhouse gas emissions reduction, and a softening of the depletion of resources. Grid sustainability needs to take a multifaceted approach at eliminating risks while ensuring reliable, efficient, and affordable energy at a global scale.

Per the International Energy Agency (IEA), global electricity demand is expected to rise at a faster rate over the next three years, growing by an average of 3.4% annually through 2026. With this growth in power consumption comes a consequent emissions trajectory. The power industry’s footprint is substantial and as a result, not maintainable – particularly as decarbonization objectives take rising priority. Sustainability, therefore, has become a key driver for our business.

Sustainability Challenges Facing the Electric Grid
There are currently several key sustainability challenges facing grid networks. These include integrating renewable energy sources, reducing carbon emissions connected to power generation and transmission, aging infrastructure that negates efficiency, managing grid reliability with variable generation, changes in policy, new electricity utilization, increased demand, and fundamental climate challenges such as wildfire mitigation.

Key Considerations of Grid Sustainability
Grid sustainability is not a simple concept. In fact, there are a number of fundamental drivers in spotlight: renewables integration, energy storage solutions, smart grid modernization, and electrification.

- Renewables such as solar, wind, and hydro power, can help reduce emissions through the usage of a lower carbon and more diversified energy mix. 

- Stable and uninterrupted power supply is critical, and the downside of renewable power is that it is intermittent. Energy storage solutions safeguard a reliable energy feed, helping to support power supply and demand, thereby improving not only resilience but sustainability.

- By leveraging technology, we stand witness to enhancing grid operations through digitalization, automation, superior communications, cybersecurity, and more – all reinforcing grid reliability. Smart grids enable utilities to have better energy management, which in turn fosters a decentralized grid and energy ecosystem. 

- We are seeing a massive shift with respect to electrification. Electrification offers a historic opportunity to reduce reliance on traditional energy sources, contributing to grid stability and sustainability.

Targets of Today to Power Tomorrow
The energy transition is here, and it’s promising. However, it doesn’t come without its challenges. The irregular disposition of renewable power, evolving policies and regulatory frameworks, aging infrastructure, financial constraints, growing demand, and diminishing resources are all obstacles that simultaneously present opportunities. This requires shared vision, common targets, and strong partnership between all stakeholders – utilities, grid operators, suppliers, regulators, investors, and end-users.

While there’s no shortage of complexities involved in navigating the transformation of the industry, at GE Vernova, we take ownership of sustainability practices. At a higher level, our strategic priorities include building and installing energy assets that limit contributions to global warming. Other goals include creating energy infrastructure with the highest possible resource efficiency; develop strengthened compliance processes and metrics; reach net-zero across the entire value chain by 2050 or sooner; increase the content of circular materials in high-voltage products by 2030; and improve management of chemicals and substances. As these goals empower motivation, we also take pride in our established successes which includes innovative product design, developing SF6-free alternatives, stringent focus on energy monitoring and efficiency, and LCAs that assess the sustainability footprint of our entire portfolio.

With bold action, we can pave the way for a future where clean and reliable electricity powers environmental prosperity for generations to come. Stay tuned for more blogs where we explore the many domains of sustainability in further detail. 

GE Vernova’s Grid Automation business recently announced GridBeats™ – an innovative software-defined automation solutions portfolio. The announcement came live from DTECH 2024 in Orlando, FL, amid topical industry themes. The portfolio is designed to streamline grid digitalization, improve grid resilience, and empower utilities to manage their networks remotely, particularly in the face of the energy transition.

There’s no doubt that the power industry is facing significant changes: a new level of grid automation is required amid aging infrastructure, increasing energy demand, growing integration of renewables, a larger introduction to artificial intelligence and machine learning, and pressure towards decarbonization objectives (to name a few). And with that shift, power operators are turning their attention to software-based solutions and services. Why? Now, more than ever, we understand that customers are looking for more than just a piece of the puzzle (which in this case is a product) and hoping that they’ll obtain other pieces and ultimately integrate them. Instead, they’re looking into the digital space where the grid is confronting challenges in terms of resiliency and reliability. Ultimately, utilities are looking for more holistic solutions that address their pain points. Which is why the focus of this portfolio comes down to the customer experience.

Traditionally, grid automation systems were (and still are) based on vendor-specific hardware platforms. Moving to vendor-agnostic hardware with real-time software applications that are scalable, flexible, and ready to interface with new artificial intelligence or machine learning apps will improve visibility across the grid.

The GridBeats™ portfolio includes five main solutions:

GridBeats™: Integrated Digital Substation
This solution uses software-defined protection and control and advanced wide-area
applications for rapid deployment ultimately future-proofing the grid. In this use-case, it can be used for software-defined applications such as substation automation, protection, and control, with contemporary top-down engineering tool and advanced wide-area applications. This solution helps reduce time to value through fast deployment, increased reliability, and better flexibility.
 

GridBeats™: EnergyAPM
Predictive monitoring and diagnostics via a live data feed and Digital Twin technology reduce downtime and costs. This asset performance management (APM) application reduces downtime and maintenance costs through predictive and prescriptive diagnostics that utilize online and offline operational data and physics-based digital twins of the grid assets.
 

GridBeats™: Device Management
This bracket increases visibility across the entire fleet with technologies such as auto-detection, remote provisioning, and health monitoring. It also provides reduced O&M costs, hence increased system reliability.
 

GridBeats™: Network Management System
Allows you to monitor and take action on multi-vendor networks through enhanced network devices. This application maximizes your telecommunication network’s return on investment by increasing system throughput and uptime. It also improves the utilization of networked devices and acts on a multi-vendor network system.
 

GridBeats™: Zonal Autonomous Control
This allows users to split their network(s) into autonomous sections, allowing these zones to recover at faster speeds should a disruption occur, hence improving reliability. This is real cutting-edge application allows distributed grid edge intelligence by splitting the grid network into autonomous zones, enhancing resilience and reliability and allows for adaptive, self-managed, and resilient sufficient zones.


GridBeats™ helps improve monitoring, control, and communications both within substations and across substations. The acceleration of the transmission, distribution, and industrial grid's digitalization journey is made possible through: 1) an increase in resilience and reliability, through faster control applications, federated grid models and AI/ML based advanced automation applications; 2) better visibility from the area-level down to the individual asset level with accurate sensors and reliable communications infrastructure including cybersecurity applications; and 3) advanced flexibility that is enabled by software-defined automation applications.

For more information about this portfolio, watch the live announcement on LinkedIn Live here. This is the future, but we can help you today.

The push towards a carbon-free electrical power network is driving the growth in renewable energy generation. This, in turn, is driving the need for new electrical power transmission infrastructure to transfer power from the source of generation to where it is needed. Where the distances in transmission are long or where submarine or underground cables are needed (in the connection of offshore wind generation to the onshore AC grid, for example), High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) is often the economic choice. HVDC solutions that are suitable for the European market and compliant with European grid regulations require Voltage-Sourced Converter (VSC)-based technology. The technology being used today to build HVDC VSCs is based on Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC) technology, with the Transbay Cable project, commissioned in 2010, being the first commercial HVDC project to use this technology. This project had a rating of 400 MW, at ±200 kVdc, while projects that are currently under construction within Europe have ratings of 2000 MW, ±525 kVdc. In addition, new requirements are emerging within the European Union. In the recent Offshore Network Development Plan publication, three main priorities were set out: the need for a shift from point‑to‑point HVDC links to multi-terminal HVDC, the development and integration of HVDC circuit breakers, and the move towards interoperability between vendors. While we are all witness to the energy transition, these changes indicate the rapid development that has occurred in technology to-date and the continued need for innovation.

The European market is observing various requirements from different Transmission System Operators (TSOs) based on specific regional strategies and internal company-specific standards and, in some cases, the requirement for equipment to be subject to specific TSO homologation. To meet these requirements, HVDC vendors are expected to modify their reference designs, utilizing engineering time, and modifying the sub-system and component delivery needs. This inherently imposes a constraint on the throughput of the overall supply chain. To overcome this constraint, a standard technical specification for HVDC transmission systems could be adopted by the European TSOs. Such policy would reduce the engineering effort on both the TSOs, who no longer need to generate very detailed project-/region-specific specifications, and vendors, by relieving the effort on adapting their individual reference solutions. TSOs would further benefit from the integration between vendors to build multi-terminal HVDC-VSC solutions, as there will be a clear understanding of each HVDC-VSC specification.

As HVDC-VSC technology and network demands are both continuing to develop, it is recognized that any standard European HVDC-VSC specification must also be able to adapt, but it is suggested that any such changes would be introduced in a collaborative change approval process between European TSOs and vendors.

To remain competitive within both the global and European market, it is critical to continue to innovate our solutions offering. The European HVDC specification needs to be functional, defining performance and constraints of equipment at boundaries, like the converter island defined as the scope of equipment between the AC and the DC point of connection with the AC feeder and the DC switching station. It is recognized that some requirements, not directly related to the functional performance of the HVDC-VSC solution, may not be within the scope of the TSOs to standardize. It is therefore proposed that such elements of the total project are removed from the scope of supply of the HVDC-VSC specification but, rather, the standard specification should have a defined interface to these elements. 

Energy security is a multi-layered challenge.

To help ensure homes, businesses and people have access to reliable, affordable and sustainable energy, power grids need to be resilient to all manner of threats that have the potential to disrupt our energy ecosystems — extreme weather and climate change, geopolitical events, and cyber intrusions, to name a few. Even the opportunities that come from the integration of cleaner renewable energy sources impact conventional approaches to power networks. At the same time, demand for electricity is growing as we transition to the electrification at scale of transport and industry.

Grid resiliency and reliability are integral parts of achieving energy security and surety. As utilities around the world embark on grid modernization, it is essential to build resilience into the system from the start.

At GE Vernova, we have seen growing interest in the potential for microgrids to improve availability and local capacity, protect against grid disruptions, lower energy costs and integrate renewable energy.

A microgrid is a local, self-sufficient energy system that serves its own network. In a microgrid, a group of interconnected distributed energy resources (DERs) can operate both independently of the grid or as part of it. We often describe a microgrid as a self-sufficient island within a larger grid ocean.

Microgrids aren’t new. Such systems are common for places that cannot tolerate an electricity supply disruption, such as a hospital complex, an airport or a military base, which may have small, gas-fueled power plants onsite to generate electricity in an emergency. Local microgrids can bring essential power to rural or remote locations where connecting to a main grid is impractical or too costly.

Technological advances, however, now mean that we can build smarter microgrids that integrate renewable energy as one or more of the DERs.

Advanced microgrids can gather energy from a variety of local power generation and energy assets, including traditional gas-powered generators, solar energy and battery storage. These microgrids can contribute energy to supplement the grid as well as keep a local grid running when a connection to the larger grid is severed, or even export energy back to the main grid. At GE Vernova's Electrification, our GridNode solution provides automated, real-time control and energy optimization that enables the microgrid to make use of self-generated renewable energy before tapping into the main grid.

In the transport sector, the big push for substantial decarbonization and the shift to electrification of operations means that a localized, micro electric grid is an attractive option. GE’s Electrification business is seeing this growth in demand at multi-modal transport hubs like ports, as well as on transport platforms themselves, like ships. The business recently celebrated the success of innovation projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including a digital energy management solution for ports to support the transition to microgrid solutions. Port microgrid and electrification solutions can even include connecting vessels so they can plug in to cleaner power with GE’s SeaGreen Shore Power when they’re in port, reducing pollutants.

As we speak to our customers and industry peers, we are seeing an increased interested in microgrids to help meet net zero commitments and to improve energy surety at the same time. But new solutions must meet our customers’ practical, operational needs too. Increasingly, customers are asking us to advise on microgrid options that are scalable and can transition with the port or other facility, which is where GE’s expertise in system integration comes in.

In terms of resilience and energy surety, for some businesses, even a few hours of energy disruption can be costly. A large airlines company reported having lost $25-50 million in 2017 when an international airport lost power for 11 hours.

New York City's John F. Kennedy Airport, one of the world's business transportation hubs, announced recently that it is developing a microgrid with more than 13,000 solar panels and 7.6 megawatts of generating capacity to ensure continuous operation in the event of a grid failure.

Building resilience into the power grid is increasingly important as climate change induces more extreme weather events. For example, in Puerto Rico, a Caribbean island particularly vulnerable to hurricanes, GE Research is bringing together multiple technologies within a microgrid to better protect the island’s residents from weather-related power disruptions.

Puerto Rico experienced the largest blackout in U.S. history in 2017 when Hurricane Maria’s winds collapsed the island’s power grid, leaving residents without normal power for nearly four months.

GE Vernova, as part of a three-year U.S. Department of Energy project, is developing an automated power system with sensors, software, distributed solar and storage, that will enable communities in Puerto Rico to rapidly restore power following severe weather events.

Following an outage, the system will use sensors to collect data to detect damaged equipment and grid software will process the data to determine the best actions to restore power. GE Vernova’s Electrification' automated system will then tap into solar and battery-powered microgrids to reroute that power to the outage area until the community can once again connect with the main grid.

In summary, smart microgrids can offer three key benefits:

• They can provide uninterrupted electricity and guard against disruption or blackouts if the main grid is unable to deliver electricity due to a weather event or other crisis.
• They allow for the integration of self-generated renewable energy from solar panels or wind, reducing emissions and even helping to reduce energy costs.
• They enable more local energy management and optimization to be introduced, helping to improve site energy efficiency and further reduce emissions.

As we update and remake our aging grids, the modern microgrid will prove to be a key aspect for ensuring resiliency and reliability.