Smart Grid News

Smart Grid

The smart grid is a digital network that unites electrical providers, power-delivery systems and customers, and allows two-way communication between the utility and its customers. Smart grids have the potential to improve the efficiency of energy distribution and usage, both through the grid's design and through consumer participation. Though smart grids aren’t in widespread use yet in the United States, some U.S. utilities have begun smart grid pilot projects or have deployed smart meters in residential areas.

It is estimated that smart grid enhancements will ease congestion and increase utilization (of full capacity), sending 50% to 300% more electricity through existing energy corridors. Given population growth and the exponential increase in the number of power-hungry digital components in our digital economy, additional infrastructure must be built – Smart or not.

Source: The Smart Grid: An Introduction (via Energy.gov)

Text by Noel Kirkpatrick

(Photo: meneldur/Flickr)

Articles about Smart Grid

Ford's EVs plug into the smart grid

Wed, Aug 19 2009 at 5:51 PM

A new intelligent vehicle-to-grid communications system will allow EV drivers to dial in charging times and send wireless messages to their cars from their cell phones.
Energy companies seek smart grid funding

Thu, Aug 13 2009 at 1:43 PM

The Department of Energy is sifting through stacks of grant applications from energy companies seeking smart grid funding.
UK report debunks wind myths

Sat, Jul 25 2009 at 8:29 PM

Study finds that the Grid can handle more much intermittency than originally thought, making wind more attractive than ever.
Installing geothermal heat pumps

Tue, Apr 14 2009 at 3:13 PM

What is it and how can I install it?
Superconducting tape to speed energy transmission

Wed, Mar 25 2009 at 3:05 AM

LANL's superconducting tape can carry 100x more electricity with zero loss.
Dumb grid 'dinosaurs' set to retire

Tue, Mar 24 2009 at 1:13 AM

About 50 percent of legacy engineers are hitting retirement, and smart grid advocates are rejoicing.
Top green tech events of Spring 2009 - Part 1

Tue, Feb 24 2009 at 2:57 AM

Spring is bursting with cleantech, climate and energy conferences. Here's my top 10 list.
Summit brings together global energy pioneers

Tue, Feb 24 2009 at 2:10 AM

Venture capitalists, energy researchers and policy makers gather for first time in New Mexico.
Controversial 'Sunrise Powerlink' promises clean energy from the desert

Tue, Feb 17 2009 at 10:02 PM

Southern California is slated to get a clean energy 'super highway,' but environmentalists (and this blogger) are skeptical.
Google announces gadget for 'smarter power'

Wed, Feb 11 2009 at 3:06 AM

Google.org's plan for the PowerMeter, a free app which will offer real-time data on your energy use.

MNN - Mother Nature Network

Smart Grid

Articles about Smart Grid

Ford's EVs plug into the smart grid

Energy companies seek smart grid funding

UK report debunks wind myths

Installing geothermal heat pumps

Superconducting tape to speed energy transmission

Dumb grid 'dinosaurs' set to retire

Top green tech events of Spring 2009 - Part 1

Summit brings together global energy pioneers

Controversial 'Sunrise Powerlink' promises clean energy from the desert

Google announces gadget for 'smarter power'

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