Understanding and Connecting Smart Meters, Smart Grids, and Smart Markets.
- Lynne Kiesling
February 28th, 2023
Via Energy Atlas, an interesting graphic that look at the transformation occurring in much of the world’s energy systems.
What we are seeing is a much more consumer-centric model emerging with much more diversity in terms of generation and consumption. This graphic provides a simplified yet useful way to visualise this trend.
From centralised to decentralised: The traditional electricity system was highly centralised built in a linear fashion relying on a small number of large power plants connected to the transmission grid with consumers being largely passive. Increasingly we see decentralised generation from smaller producers, at community level and even behind the meter.
From national to cross-border: Electricity systems used to follow national boundaries with limited connections to other countries. This is changing with more interconnectors being built and enhanced market integration.
From one-directional to bi-directional: Electricity flows traditionally were primarily one-directional. Today there is an increasing amount of decentralised generation being injected into the grid.
From static to flexible: Consumers were for long seen as passive with load being largely fixed. With a more variable supply side and the electrification of end-uses there is both a need and an opportunity to provide flexibility. Through automation encouraged through the right incentives and price signals consumers become much more active participants in the electricity system.
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Based on decades of experience and interest in conservation, Monty Simus believes that a truly “smart” grid must be a “transactive” grid, unshackled from its current status as a so-called “natural monopoly.”
In short, an unlocked grid must adopt and harness the power of markets to incentivize individual users, linked to each other on a large scale, who change consumptive behavior in creative ways that drive efficiency and bring equity to use of the planet's finite and increasingly scarce resources.