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Rising global temperatures and more extreme weather events mean the imperative to transition to renewable, clean energy sources has never been more urgent. The traditional power grid, once the backbone of industrial progress, now strains under demands it was never designed to meet. An influx of renewables and the electrification of everything from transportation to industry have introduced complexities that challenge both grid operators and consumers.
In this intricate dance of supply and demand, clarity is essential. Enter the Hero Innovators—visionaries imagining the grids of the future and actively building them. Through their insights and innovations, they are transforming the grid into a flexible, efficient, and sustainable system, ensuring that the energy transition is an achievable reality.
Fluid Energy: Jenny Roehm’s Vision of a Flexible Grid
Imagine navigating a labyrinth with shifting walls—that’s how many commercial businesses feel managing their energy needs today. Jenny Roehm, Senior Manager Utility Solutions at Schneider Electric, understands this challenge intimately. She compares the old grid to blocks of ice—solid but inflexible, unable to adapt to rapid changes.
“But with the aid of valuable data, this ice is transforming into water,” Jenny says. “Energy can flow more freely through today’s improved grids and fit the shape of where it’s electric cars, data centers, and newly electrified industries.”
By connecting utilities with end-users through rich analytical data, Jenny’s team brings much-needed clarity to business owners. This not only eases the pressure on the grid but also opens pathways for individuals to contribute back, such as through commercial solar and wind power installations. The result is a more efficient, balanced grid that reduces the risk of blackouts and supports the evolving energy landscape.
Watch Jenny Roehm discuss how data is transforming energy flow:
Transforming on the Move: Angus McPherson’s Take on Grid Evolution
Transitioning from melting ice to the mechanics of motion, Angus McPherson, Global Solutions Architect for Power and Grid at Schneider Electric, likens the grid’s evolution to converting a petrol car into an electric vehicle—while cruising down the highway.
“But the car can’t stop,” Angus emphasizes. “We have to do all of this while it’s still moving. We have to change everything without stopping anything.”
This monumental task involves redistributing power generation, akin to moving the engine from the front of the car to motors at each wheel. It requires a complete rethink of how energy is produced, transmitted, and consumed. Angus is at the forefront of this transformation, helping customers grasp the foundational changes as new technologies are implemented.
“As it evolves, electrification and more renewables meet. Our grids are becoming increasingly strained,” he says. “But by increasing grid utilization, customers can make the most of the assets that they already own. This will save on costly upgrades and ultimately make customers more integrated into the grid.”
Discover how Angus McPherson is helping reshape the power system:
Guiding the Grid: Araceli Monje’s Role as the Grid’s Air Traffic Controller
While Jenny and Angus focus on fluidity and transformation, Araceli Monje, Protection and Control League Marketer Leader at Schneider Electric, zeroes in on precision and safety. She and her team are the air traffic controllers of the energy world, ensuring that power flows smoothly despite the complexity of an ever-changing grid.
“Our modern world requires modern innovations,” Araceli says. “But they can perform their best on simple grids designed a long time ago.”
With the proliferation of renewables, prosumer technologies, and electric vehicles, the grid has evolved into a sophisticated web. When faults occur—whether from extreme weather or technical glitches—quickly identifying and resolving them is crucial. Araceli’s team is responsible for helping operators detect these issues and communicate with the right people to fix them promptly.
“Just as an air traffic controller has to help a pilot plot the right paths around the storm, we make sure the correct commands are sent across the grid to the right breakers, ensuring problems are isolated and averted,” she explains. “As the grid continues to become more complex, continuity of service remains our main priority. It’s our role to find innovative ways of solving new problems rapidly in an environment which is changing at the speed of light.
Learn how Araceli Monje ensures the grid’s reliability amidst complexity:
Charting a Course Toward a Sustainable Future
The energy transition may be fraught with challenges, but as these Hero Innovators demonstrate, it’s a journey we can navigate successfully by embracing data, reimagining infrastructure, and fostering collaboration.
As we stand on the verge of a new energy era, the grids of the future promise to be more sustainable, reliable, and secure. They will replace complexity with clarity, making the most of our energy and resources in a world that sorely needs it.
To explore how Schneider Electric is leading this transformation and how you can be part of it, visit our Grids of the Future page.
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