Utilities Need a Network-Centric, Future-Proof Approach to Their Communications Strategy, According to Navigant Research
A high-bandwidth, low-latency Energy Superhighway could result in
significant economic gains, report finds
A new white paper from Navigant
Research provides a far-reaching view of the connectivity needs of
electric utilities, exploring approaches and technologies, with case
studies of projects designed to develop an Energy Superhighway.
The utility’s traditional role as the sole regional provider of electric
power is evolving into one where the grid is a critical, two-way network
for energy services, such as integrated solar and wind, transactive
energy markets, microgrids, and other disruptive technologies. As the
electric grid transforms, the importance of an Energy Superhighway—a
low-latency communications backbone that will be necessary to support
the many software- and hardware-based systems that will ultimately power
the Energy Cloud—is expected to grow exponentially. Click
to tweet: According to a new white paper from @NavigantRSRCH,
utilities will increasingly depend on the Energy Superhighway to evolve
with the industry and to drive industry evolution.
“In order to support the energy services-based paradigm of the Energy
Cloud, utilities will need a holistic, network-centric approach to
connectivity throughout their territories,” says Richelle Elberg,
principal research analyst with Navigant Research. “This Energy
Superhighway is the backbone upon which they will deliver energy
services, integrate distributed resources, participate in transactive
energy markets, and more.”
The Energy Superhighway is expected to allow utilities to evolve with
the energy industry and to possibly drive its evolution, according to
the report. Comparable to the buildout of the U.S. Interstate Highway
System in the 1950s, massive economic growth is a possible outcome of a
concerted effort to develop the Energy Superhighway.
This white paper, Communications
in the Energy Cloud, provides a far-reaching view of the
connectivity needs of electric utilities—today and tomorrow. The report
examines the reasons why a network-centric approach—rather than a
silo-based, application-centric strategy—is imperative for power
utilities today. It also explores which connectivity technologies are
best positioned to be future-proof and provides several case studies of
visionary utility projects designed to develop the Energy Superhighway.
Each of the topics in this white paper is examined more deeply in
research reports and ongoing research from Navigant Research’s Grid
Networking and Communications Research Service. An Executive Summary of
the report is available for free download on the Navigant
Research website.
About Navigant Research
Navigant Research, the dedicated research arm of Navigant, provides
market research and benchmarking services for rapidly changing and often
highly regulated industries. In the energy sector, Navigant Research
focuses on in-depth analysis and reporting about global clean technology
markets. The team’s research methodology combines supply-side industry
analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep
examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the
Energy Technologies, Utility Transformations, Transportation
Efficiencies, and Buildings Innovations sectors. Additional information
about Navigant Research can be found at www.navigantresearch.com.
About Navigant
Navigant Consulting, Inc. is a specialized, global professional services
firm that helps clients take control of their future. Navigant’s
professionals apply deep industry knowledge, substantive technical
expertise, and an enterprising approach to help clients build, manage
and/or protect their business interests. With a focus on markets and
clients facing transformational change and significant regulatory or
legal pressures, the Firm primarily serves clients in the healthcare,
energy and financial services industries. Across a range of advisory,
consulting, outsourcing, and technology/analytics services, Navigant’s
practitioners bring sharp insight that pinpoints opportunities and
delivers powerful results. More information about Navigant can be found
at navigant.com.
* The information contained in this press release concerning the
report, Communications in the Energy Cloud, is a summary and
reflects Navigant Research’s current expectations based on market data
and trend analysis. Market predictions and expectations are inherently
uncertain and actual results may differ materially from those contained
in this press release or the report. Please refer to the full report for
a complete understanding of the assumptions underlying the report’s
conclusions and the methodologies used to create the report. Neither
Navigant Research nor Navigant undertakes any obligation to update any
of the information contained in this press release or the report.
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