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July 2015
ABB Power Update North America: Special education edition

Utilities show renewables can be seamlessly integrated into grid

A report prepared by The Brattle Group for the Advanced Energy Economy Institute, a leading consulting firm to utilities and grid operators, finds that high penetration levels of renewable generation are not only technically feasible, but are already being managed without compromising reliability of electric power service. This suggests that an increasing share of renewable energy can be integrated into the nationwide electricity system going forward. >> Read the synopsis and download the report.  

>> Register now for ABB’s free smart grid optimization webinars, where among other topics, we will address best practices for integrating renewables into the grid.


Physical Security
Deter, Detect, Delay

Utilities have long experience in managing risks. Prior to April 2013, most utilities thought those risks were well known; topics like theft, vandalism and workplace violence were high on most security agendas. But a team of still-unknown snipers changed all that when they opened fire on Pacific Gas & Electric’s Metcalf substation in San Jose, California. Though the shooters’ speculated objective of causing a widespread power outage was unsuccessful, the incident ushered utilities into a changing and much more complex threat and risk dynamic. Preparation for threats faced by utilities today requires a level of diligence never before required. >> Discover how proper planning and proactive investment can help you meet these challenges.

>> Is your substation secure? Join our free physical security webinar: Three strategic elements to protect your assets.

>> I’d like to talk to someone about physical security.

Transformers
Power companies to create stockpile of transformers to counter attacks or natural disasters

Eight electric power and energy companies have agreed to create a national stockpile of spare transformers and other essential grid equipment that could be deployed to help parts of the high-voltage transmission network recover from cyber and physical attacks, extreme weather and other natural disasters. The companies said they are responding to growing concerns about the vulnerability of the U.S. high-voltage grid to a spectrum of dangers, natural and man-made, and particularly the risk that losses of hard-to-replace high-voltage transformers could cause devastating, extended blackouts. >> Learn more about protecting against 'high-impact, low-frequency' threats.   

>> Are you prepared for the next SuperStorm? For tips on anticipating, mitigating and recovering from major storm events faster, register for our free webinar.
    
>> I’d like to talk to someone about transformer resiliency.

Digital Substations
Enabling digital substations

The concept of a digital substation has long been an insubstantial thing – an ideal vision of all-knowing substations networked into an intelligent grid. But the concept is now a lot more practical. Digital signaling offers excellent reliability and capacity, and has been in use in power infrastructure for decades. Most existing electricity grids employ digital fiber-optic networks for the reliable and efficient transport of operation and supervision data from automation systems in substations. But only now are the advantages of standardized digital messaging starting to extend into the deeper substation environment. >> Find out how digital substations can improve reliability.

>> Join our free educational webinar to learn more about the advantages of IEC 61850, a crucial element to digital substations!

>> I’d like to talk with someone about digital substations.

Microgrids
US microgrid capacity will more than double by 2020

A decade ago, microgrids were mostly the subject of academic research papers. Today, they are becoming a reality. Over the next five years, the cumulative operational capacity of microgrids in the U.S. is expected to more than double, from 1,283 megawatts in 2015 to 2,855 megawatts by 2020, according to the latest figures from GTM Research. Large institutions will continue to make up the majority of new microgrid capacity. However, the market is becoming more diverse. Microgrids are now gaining traction among commercial customers as technologies located at the grid edge continue to get cheaper and the overall economic case improves. >> Find more about the microgrid trend.

>> Interested in other smart grid waves of investment? Attend our free webinar to find out what they are and how they will affect tomorrow's grid.

>> I’d like to talk with someone about microgrids.

White papers
The mainstreaming of microgrids   Power plant automation and optimization

Videos
The consumer is key in the energy transition   The changing role of HVDC in the US

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