Solutions
Extreme weather and digitalisation: The key to a sustainable future for power grids
November 2024
The overall effect of a more proactive, data-driven approach serves as process support that saves time and resources while reducing operational disruptions. Here are four specific examples:
1. Condition-based maintenance: Real-time data enables the monitoring of asset status, allowing maintenance to be carried out based on the actual condition of equipment rather than reactively or on a set schedule.
2. More efficient workflows: Reduced need for physical inspections and repairs allows teams to allocate resources more effectively and focus on prioritised areas.
3. Fewer unplanned outages: Improved monitoring ensures issues can be identified and resolved before they lead to disruptions.
4. Automation: The ability to perform various inspections and interventions automatically reduces the need for travel to substations and increases overall efficiency and lowers asset and staff risks.
Digitalisation streamlines the purchasing process and reduces costs over time through:
1. Fewer emergency purchases: A more predictable and condition-based maintenance strategy reduces the need for urgent orders.
2. Planning of long-term agreements: Improved insight into future maintenance needs allows for strategic procurement and optimised contracts, potentially leading to bulk discounts and better supplier agreements.
3. Optimised inventory management: Knowing which assets are needed and when allows the procurement team to manage stock levels more effectively, reducing excess inventory costs.
4. Focus on quality and performance: Access to data on asset performance enables prioritisation of high-quality products that deliver longer lifespans and lower maintenance costs.
Digitalisation provides a more data-driven, insightful, and transparent compliance reporting process, enhancing corporate environmental responsibility and sustainability efforts. Examples include:
1. Support for sustainability strategies: Technology facilitates more sustainable maintenance practices aligned with corporate environmental goals.
2. Accurate environmental reporting: Real-time data collection provides detailed insights into energy consumption, efficiency, and emissions, increasing reporting accuracy and transparency.
3. Measurable sustainability goals: Through data analysis, departments can establish concrete, trackable targets to reduce environmental impact.
4. Follow-up and improvement: Continuous data analysis enables sustainability strategies to be monitored and adjusted in real-time, accelerating progress towards environmental objectives.
Substation asset management is becoming increasingly important to ensure the long-term reliability and efficiency of power grids. Innovative solutions for smart grids deliver both operational and strategic benefits, enhancing sustainability, optimising resource use, and future-proofing operations in an increasingly data-driven energy sector.