Date: October 30, 2013
Publication: Fierce SmartGrid

Natural disasters like Hurricane Sandy present real threats to the power grid. However, it’s not just storms that threaten the grid; all risks should be considered. In this article, Dr. Massoud Amin addresses the inefficient reality of North America’s current power grid. To address this problem, he explains three components to focus on to strengthen the grid: hardening, reliability and resilience. Read more.

Date: October 2013
Publication: Electricity Today

The integration of renewable resources for grid modernization is not the only contribution to sustainable energy practices. In this article, Doug Houseman, IEEE, EnerNex Corp. describes the many overlooked, smaller contributions to a greener grid. These smaller contributions, when added together, create a major impact. From extending the life of your refrigerator to needing fewer generators to storing excess generation, these are all benefits to consider when investing in the grid modernization of North America. This article does a great job describing the lesser-known benefits of grid modernization that will contribute to better, sustainable energy practices. Read more

Date: October 21, 2013
Publication: National Geographic

Many consumers are interested in participating in the generation and use of renewable energy but it can be challenging to do. This blog post by IEEE Smart Grid expert Steven Collier give examples of two energy cooperatives that are leading the way in deploying ingenious new programs to get more community members involved. Solar gardens let rent or purchase solar shares or panels. Read more

Date: October 10, 2013
Publication: The Energy Collective

Emerging economies are in an interesting position; they desire electric power, yet they cannot provide it via a centralized grid as developed countries do. However, these emerging countries potentially will shape the future electric grid as they seek alternatives. In this article, Steven Collier, IEEE Smart Grid expert shares his thoughts on the role emerging economies will play in the development of the future grid. Read more

Date: October 9, 2013
Publication: Fierce SmartGrid

As support grows for the smart grid, many elements must be further developed and implemented to create the best grid. Computational intelligence (CI) is one of those elements. In this article IEEE Smart GridTechnical Expert, Shawkat Ali discusses the many applications for CI in thesmart grid. From optimization and planning to security applications to cloud computing and data mining, CI’s applications are vast. Read more.

Date: October 2, 2013
Publication: Renew Grid

IEEE Smart Grid expert Nick Abi-Samra takes the AC vs. DC discussion deeper to identify use cases for HVDC in the bulk power distribution of remote renewable energy resources, regional interconnected grids, and international connections. Necessary developments in technology and progress in economies of scale are acknowledged. Read more

Date: August 22, 2013
Publication: Power Electronics

Author John McDonald describes an emerging issue in a San Diego Power & Electric case study on how solar power stresses electro-mechanical devices associated with voltage regulation in the grid, which will need to be re-constructed most likely using a power electronics approach. Read more.

Date: September 11, 2013
Publication: Breaking Energy

The state of California is assisting its local governments to proactively plan for energy needs in the event of a natural or man-made disaster, adopting a tiered plan structure that proscribes pre-event testing and compliance, prioritized restoration, and assurance of the communities’ socio-economic well-being. Read more.

Date: August 21, 2013
Publication: Fierce SmartGrid

In this Q&A session with FierceSmartGrid's editor Barbara Lundin, Erich Gunther continues his discussion on Smart Buildings. While “Smart Buildings 1.0” focus on reducing energy costs for commercial buildings, “Smart Buildings 2.0” address energy planning for the future- business continuity. Gunther explains that the technology is not the only thing that needs further change and development; utility business structure must change as well. Read more.

Date: August 21, 2013
Publication: The Energy Collective

With the current energy trends, change is inevitable. In this article Steve Collier continues his discussion on consumer energy independence. Collier looks to Moore’s Law, Wright’s Law, Kurzweil’s Law, and Metcalfe’s Law to predict the future of the grid and utilities. Read more