| | APRIL 20218CIOReviewIN MY OPINIONA s we begin the New Year, energy technology is expanding into horizons that we only dreamed about 10 to 15 years ago. This expansion also brings challenges that the industry will need to address and overcome as we continue toward a more connected, renewable future.Increased Technology and the Energy GridThrough examination of future consumer trends, we know that the number of connected devices for each household is going to continue to increase. Past households typically had one TV, one phone, and only a handful of major electronic devices. Today, each person often has multiple devices including smartphones, laptops, and tablets. Many homes have multiple refrigerators, TVs, and connected devices that require more energy such as smart home systems, speakers, and HVAC systems.While this technology is fascinating and can simplify our lives, the increasing number of electrical devices requires more energy. According to Bloomberg NEF, global electricity demand will increase between 50 to 60 percent by 2050. As we move into the future, we will need to make changes with electrical grid infrastructure to sustain the amplified demand for power and energy.Another factor that will affect the power grid is the introduction of electric vehicles (EVs). According to Bloomberg, by 2040, 33 percent of all vehicles on the road will be powered by batteries, and all those EVs will need to be charged somewhere. This will lead to more EV service stations and rapid charging stations, which require hundreds of kilowatts of energy. As the demand for electric vehicles increases, the number of rapid charging stations will also increase, and the power grid of today is simply not built to support this energy output.How are we going to maintain the power grid and do so sustainably?Community-Minded EnergyAs the country's energy needs progress, including increased resiliency and improved sustainability, we will likely see smaller, localized power grids coming online. Rather than vast power plants that can supply much of a state's or region's needs, we will see more microgrid technology in the form of community grids, hydro-electric power, community solar storage and wind power.For these solutions to work well, they will need the same type of connectivity as a cell phone and other smart devices. Since energy will be more community-minded, we must determine how to intelligently integrate that energy into the power grid, so it can be directed where it's needed.For example, if a microgrid is gathering energy from solar panels on a sunny day and has excess energy available, it will need to connect with a larger grid to determine where the surplus energy should go and how much is available. Likewise, the smaller grid needs to tell the larger grid when it doesn't have energy available, so the larger grid can supply its needs. In times of crisis, communities will also want the option to direct excess power from the microgrid to areas with critical needs, such as schools or hospitals.The energy integration of these smaller microgrids to the larger grid is relatively easy. Data interconnection will become critical with many smaller energy sources. While bringing A LOOK AT THE FUTURE OF ENERGYBy Steve Nieland, Director of Energy, Faith Technologies, Inc.Steve Nieland
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