Abstract
The U.S. electric power grid is a heavily regulated and largely utility-owned
infrastructure carrying electricity from power plants to homes and businesses.
Within this infrastructure are layers of equipment for managing the
transmission and distribution (T&D) networks and different local networks for
delivering remote measurement and control communications.
The development of a next-generation electric power grid enhanced with
intelligent communications and IT systems is one of the major energy
technology challenges for the United States for the coming decade.
The smart grid represents a significant move away from the historical,
utility-owned electricity distribution infrastructure to an internet-like
networked infrastructure that directly connects utilities (supply) with
customers (demand).
Smart Grid uses an amalgam of advanced components, technologies and
applications to integrate renewable power sources enable energy efficiency in
home electricity use and electrify transportation.
This vastly complex machine not only introduces additional layers of advanced
technology but with it, many new stakeholders from adjacent markets - IT
companies, wireless network providers, advanced battery makers, automakers,
makers of home automation products and services and smart home appliances.
This report walks readers through the forest of smart grid definitions,
technologies, applications, standards, emerging scenarios and deployments
underway - and explains the big problems yet to be solved in the areas of
interoperability standards (where there is progress) and renewable integration
and energy storage, where more R&D and financial incentives are needed to make
the smart grid a “greener grid,” too.
The report highlights the strategies and activities of the many players
involved in the emerging smart grid industry in the United States, including
activities of the utilities, technology providers, state regulators and
Department of Energy (DOE).
The report includes capsule profiles of more than 70 companies that are
jockeying for market-leading positions or attempting to grow businesses that
serve the smart grid infrastructure and services markets.
It also gives details on 18 smart grid advanced demonstrations projects aimed
at testing the concepts of virtual power plants and microgrids and the
integration of different distributed energy resources and storage technologies.
The report presents these latest trends and the prospects of the emerging
smart grid in eight sections:
- 1. Smart Grid Structure
- 2. U.S. Government Planning & Funding
- 3. Demonstration Projects, Technologies & Operations
- 4. Standards: Now & Future
- 5. Market Trends: 2009-2015
- 6. High-Growth Areas in the Near Future: Activity & Strategy
- 7. States Supporting the High-Growth Areas
- 8. Other Market Participants: Activities and Strategies
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