Transitioning to a New Energy Grid Paradigm

 

Rethinking Our Energy Grid Paradigm

 

Imagining our current energy grid paradigm as an ecosystem rather than a single system can help us envision why we need to strengthen energy resiliency and deploy more renewable resources — and how to do so. This makes sense when we consider that the electrical grid involves the efforts of many different manufacturers, data processors, governmental bodies, asset owners and developers, maintenance and repair services, and so on. 

 

Shifting our mindset in this way enables us to better understand the grid as a whole and, therefore, the avenues through which to improve it.

 

Improving the Energy Grid Paradigm

 

We need to improve our electrical grid for a variety of reasons. The grid cannot keep up with an increasing amount of extreme weather patterns, a massive surge in electrification, and the accelerated deployment of distributed energy resources (DERs). These disruptions necessitate a significant grid paradigm shift to ensure long-term energy resilience.

 

For example, decarbonization efforts are necessary for a more sustainable future, but our grid can’t adequately facilitate the growing demand for renewable resources. Therefore, transitioning to a new energy grid paradigm means more than adding better parts to an outdated system, it means creating an entirely new system. And while that sounds like an extreme transition, the proper tools simplify the process tremendously.

 

Heila provides these tools.

 

Heila Optimizes the Grid Transition

 

Like any ecosystem, the grid is only as strong and durable as its components. So, what if we were to strengthen these components? Rely more on efficient energy solutions, such as integrating battery storage units with solar systems, to better manage our energy distribution, consumption, and overall costs.

 

Microgrids facilitate these solutions already, but Heila advances microgrid controls and optimization. Currently, microgrids incorporate sustainable energy resources into the energy grid. A major setback to the widespread implementation of microgrids comes down to misconceptions about the behavioral methodology of how they should be structured. We must focus on integration and configuration instead of merely connection. 

 

Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) offer an answer to grid resilience, but only when integrated with each other harmoniously. Heila understands this as a key difference and necessary development in transitioning to the new energy paradigm.

 

Firstly, Heila establishes the groundwork for an effective microgrid with advanced energy-usage data and the actionable insights that such data provides. Since energy usage is unique to facility and utility, it makes sense to start here, as data should inform the scope, materials, and best approach toward constructing a microgrid. 

 

Secondly, Heila eliminates uncertainty and enables better communication among the microgrid components. This widespread interoperability instills confidence and control in EPCs. Plus, efficient interoperability enables scalability, which, in many ways, is the heart of our current grid’s problem.

 

Transitioning to a new energy grid is a growth process, and microgrids’ scalability makes them primed for growth. Therefore, we need to consider microgrids as the foundation for our new energy paradigm and DERs as the building blocks of a path toward resilience.

 

Still an Ecosystem

 

In reality, shifting to a new energy grid paradigm isn’t radical because it still maintains the idea of an ecosystem working together. What is radical is introducing decentralized intelligence into our energy resources. The Heila iQ and the Heila EDGE accomplish that while simplifying microgrid deployment, mitigating project risks, and unlocking energy savings. 

 

Reach out to us today to learn more about how Heila strengthens grid resilience.