5G transforms energy management with high speeds, greater bandwidth, and low latency.
Thanks to 5G’s low latency, you can cost-effectively monitor your energy grid and deliver reliable performance.
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Challenge and opportunity of energy management.
The energy management landscape is constantly changing, currently transitioning from traditional centralized grids to modern distributed energy resource (DER) systems with bi-directional flows. Solar, wind, and battery storage technologies can be connected to the local grid, providing power directly to users or feeding excess energy back into the grid. Energy storage systems can save excess energy for use when demand is high or generation is low.
Utility companies will need communications with higher speeds, greater bandwidth, and lower latency to transmit massive amounts of critical data instantaneously to support distributed energy. To help with this, many companies are implementing new technology to monitor grid performance, such as beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drones and IoT sensors. However, traditional infrastructure is not flexible or scalable enough to integrate these technologies. 5G provides the scalability, high capacity, and low latency required to support these advanced technologies, ensuring seamless data transmission and efficient management of DER systems.
The global DER generation market is growing rapidly, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.6% anticipated through 2027.1
ResearchCMFE, 2021
Business benefits that lead to renewable energy sources.
Managing the grid is becoming more complex every day. By leveraging 5G’s high capacity and low latency, companies can utilize cutting-edge technologies that enhance operational efficiency, ensure grid reliability, and seamlessly integrate renewable energy sources.
Optimized resources: Real-time data collection and analysis reduce waste and enhance efficiency by letting utility companies optimize energy use based on demand.
Improved reliability: Continuous monitoring of grid components and predictive maintenance enable companies to detect and address issues proactively, minimizing downtime and enhancing service reliability for customers.
Renewable resource integration: Utility companies can easily monitor new renewable energy sources as they integrate into the grid, ensuring a pathway to future technologies that provide reliable performance.
Key technologies of 5G integration.
5G provides the high capacity and low latency that utility companies need to effectively integrate advanced technologies. A 5G network helps companies streamline operations and make sure the grid continues to run smoothly.
Connected devices: Tablets, laptops, hotspots, and cellular devices empower field workers with instant access to critical data and applications, enhancing productivity and efficiency in grid operations.
IoT sensors: High-resolution sensors deployed on power lines and transformers enable utility companies to monitor grid performance, detect anomalies, and optimize energy distribution in real time.
BVLOS drones: By providing companies with aerial surveillance capabilities, BVLOS drones permit remote inspection of grid infrastructure and early detection of potential issues.
5G allows advanced technology to transform energy grid management.
Equipped with 5G technology, utility companies can efficiently navigate the evolving energy landscape. This advanced network infrastructure facilitates seamless data collection and analysis, empowering utilities to optimize energy distribution and ensure grid reliability in the face of growing demand and infrastructure transformations.
Optimized energy distribution.
A utility company continuously monitors the performance of solar panels and transmission lines using 5G-enabled IoT sensors and BVLOS drones. These devices collect live data that allows the company to optimize energy distribution based on solar output and weather conditions.
Predictive maintenance.
During peak summer months, a company faces higher stress on the grid due to increased air conditioning use. The company deploys drones to inspect transformers and power lines for signs of overheating or wear—detecting issues early, preventing outages, and extending the lifespan of critical infrastructure.
Understanding the impact of energy management.
Energy systems are changing. The transition from traditional centralized grids to modern DER systems has introduced new complexities and challenges for utility companies. Integrating renewable energy sources like solar and wind, along with advanced technologies such as IoT sensors and drones, requires robust and scalable communication networks.
A growing share of electricity is produced from variable, weather-dependent renewable energy sources, and this trend has introduced the need for flexibility in our power systems.2
IEA, 2022
Traditional infrastructure often falls short, unable to handle the real-time data demands and flexible integration needed for effective grid management.
5G, on the other hand, provides the high-speed, low-latency connectivity required to support DER. Its scalability and capacity facilitate seamless integration of IoT sensors, BVLOS drones, and other smart devices. These allow for improved data collection and analysis, which are crucial for optimizing energy distribution, detecting issues early, and enhancing overall grid reliability.
For instance, one large energy provider used BVLOS drones to inspect infrastructure including power lines, transformers, and substations in remote areas. Because those areas lack reliable coverage, video data from the drones would take hours to upload. But when the company switched to 5G, it was immediately able to upload high-definition video in less than 15 minutes, even from the most remote locations. This significant reduction in upload time allows for timely and efficient inspections, enabling maintenance engineers to quickly assess infrastructure conditions and plan necessary repairs.
The company can now expand its total reach and reduce costs associated with monitoring and maintenance. With 5G technology, utility companies are poised to embrace a new era of efficiency, reliability, and sustainability in energy grid management, ultimately benefiting both the industry and consumers alike.
- ResearchCMFE, “Worldwide Distributed Energy Generation Market is Expected to Reach USD 532.3 Bn by 2027,” Nov. 30, 2021.
- IEA, “Unlocking the Potential of Distributed Energy Resources,” 2022.