OVERVIEW
Integrating renewable energy sources.
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We have the future technologies that are transforming the energy sector.
Natacha Baroni, Head of Energy Product Marketing at
The power grid is rapidly transitioning from traditional unidirectional to modern bidirectional flows. A main driver is adoption of distributed energy resources (DERs) like solar photovoltaics and battery storage, energy management applications, and smart inverters. These assets help you meet growing electricity demand and avoid building expensive power or peaking plants that emit greenhouse gases.
At the same time, residential smart thermostats, appliances, and water heaters are replacing direct load controls as primary sources of demand response. By using these smart technologies, customers help balance utility-generated variable energy resources. But taking advantage of these innovations requires a smart, flexible, and modern utility grid that incorporates digital technologies and connectivity solutions to transmit the data you and your customers need.
TRENDS & TECHNOLOGIES
Reducing the complexity of power-grid management.
Integrating renewable energy sources
To provide electricity to homes, businesses, and other consumers, the utility grid has become a complex network of power generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure. As the world moves toward a more sustainable energy future, the integration of renewable energy sources becomes more critical.
But these sources are often distributed and intermittent, requiring robust power grid connectivity solutions to help grid operators forecast output and better balance supply and demand.
T-Mobile 's experts will work with you from beginning to end to help you select a network solution and achieve your modernization goals.
Balancing supply and demand
Traditional energy sources like natural gas and coal often have fixed generation capacity, meaning they produce a predetermined amount of electricity during a specific time period. This rigidity makes matching supply and demand challenging, particularly during peak usage periods. In contrast, the output of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power fluctuates, making it essential to have a flexible utility grid that can quickly adjust to changing conditions and supply the power customers need.
Transferring data faster and more reliably
Network infrastructure that can send data faster and more reliably is also critical to utility grid flexibility. Real-time data transfer helps operators make informed decisions quickly and respond to changing conditions effectively. With the help of connectivity solutions, grid operators can monitor and maintain individual aspects of the grid, such as generators and transformers, and keep downtime to a minimum.
Improving monitoring and control
Wireless connectivity provides better monitoring and control of utility grid parameters to instantly adjust generation and distribution. Operators can also identify potential issues before they become major problems. For example, connectivity supports sensors and IoT devices that can proactively pinpoint potential faults or failures, saving time and money on maintenance while improving grid reliability.
Enhancing automation
Connectivity can enhance grid automation, which reduces the risk of human error, improves response times, and optimizes performance. With connectivity solutions, grid operators can ensure that the grid is working at maximum efficiency at all times. This can help cut consumer electricity costs while improving overall grid stability.
The transition from unidirectional to bidirectional flows is a significant and necessary shift in how we generate, distribute, and consume electricity. To ensure utilities have the connectivity solutions critical to flexible power grid modernization—including wireless connectivity and mobile network optimization—
FLEXIBLE SOLUTIONS
T-Mobile for Business delivers advanced connectivity for more flexible power grid management.
PARTNERSHIP & SERVICE
T-Mobile for Business connectivity solutions promote grid flexibility.
About the author:
Natacha Baroni is the Head of Energy Product Marketing at
Natacha holds a B.Sc. in Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee and an MBA from Olin Business School, Washington University in St. Louis.
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