Grid Enhancing Technologies - Applications for Transmission Asset Optimization and Policy Obstacles

There isn’t enough transmission capacity today to deliver all the renewable energy on the grid, much less plug in the terawatts of resources in interconnection queues. Utilities and system operators are turning to Grid Enhancing Technologies (GETs) to unlock additional capacity on existing infrastructure. GETs are hardware and software that increase the capacity, efficiency, and reliability of the transmission grid. Deploying these technologies will be key to reducing renewable curtailment and achieving decarbonization goals. Dr. Hui Zhang, Director for Power System Insights at AES Corporation, will discuss how dynamic line ratings, advanced power flow control and topology optimization address challenges in grid operations, planning, and generation interconnection. Julia Selker, Executive Director of the WATT Coalition, will explain how the structure of the electricity industry and its regulation currently impede investment in asset efficiency through GETs.

Speakers: Hui Zhang, AES Next; Julie Selker, WATT Coalition

Room 101