Seven grid technologies that matter to compute

In the US alone, consumers spend around $350 billion annually on electricity, with three-quarters of this energy going to waste. As energy consumption rises, the inefficiencies in current systems are becoming a visible challenge.

The electrification of transportation, heating, and industrial processes will add a significant load to the grid. Similarly, the shift towards electric heating solutions, such as heat pumps, will increase electricity demand during peak heating periods.

Here are the seven areas I am watching:

1 - Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) represent a significant advancement in nuclear technology, offering a promising solution to meet future energy needs sustainably.

SMRs are more flexible and cost-effective than traditional nuclear reactors, making them suitable for various applications, including powering remote locations and integrating with renewable energy sources.

Rolls-Royce is leading efforts to develop SMRs, with plans to establish a testing facility at Sheffield University.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy to deploy SMRs worldwide, providing a stable, low-carbon energy source. In Poland, the Ministry of Climate and Environment has approved plans for Rolls-Royce SMRs, highlighting the growing international interest in this technology.

SMRs offer several advantages over traditional nuclear reactors. They are safer due to their smaller size and advanced safety features, which reduce the risk of catastrophic failure. Additionally, their modular design allows for faster construction and scalability, enabling utilities to add capacity as needed. The ability to generate reliable, low-carbon energy makes SMRs key in transitioning to a sustainable energy grid.

2 - Advances in energy storage technologies, such as batteries and pumped hydro storage, are improving the reliability and efficiency of renewable energy systems. For instance, Tesla's Megapack battery systems store excess solar energy and stabilise the grid.

3 - Smart-grid technologies enable real-time monitoring and management of electricity distribution, enhancing grid reliability and efficiency. These systems use sensors, communication networks, and data analytics to optimise energy flow, detect faults, and balance supply and demand. 

An example is the development of the Smart Grid Demonstration Project in Austin, Texas, which aims to integrate renewable energy, energy storage, and smart meters to create a more resilient grid.

4 - AI algorithms can predict energy demand patterns, optimise grid operations, and manage distributed energy resources. Google's DeepMind has used AI to improve the energy efficiency of its data centres, reducing cooling energy use by 15%.

5 - Existing grid infrastructure in many regions needs to be in the right place. Building and upgrading these systems requires significant investment and coordination.

6 - The regulatory landscape in the United States varies significantly by state, creating challenges for the nationwide deployment of advanced energy technologies.

7 - Cybersecurity:  The 2021 ransomware attack on Colonial Pipeline highlighted the vulnerability of critical infrastructure and underscored the need for enhanced cybersecurity protocols.