How can energy companies help improve the quality of life in cities?
In the next 15-20 years, 85% of all energy worldwide will be consumed in cities. In megacities, having a smart energy infrastructure is critical. It enables a real convergence of different services, so that electricity, communications and mobility services can all be delivered from one platform. It decreases costs, reduces the impact on the environment and increases the quality of life for residents. Smart grids are one of the foundations for the sustainable development of modern cities.
How do smart grids work?
A smart grid is an intelligent network that is able to manage the intermittent nature of wind and solar power, enable energy storage and also receive electricity from homes and electric cars.
Smart grids are the necessary support to the rise of renewable energy and the emergence of consumers who generate their own electricity.
What impact will electric vehicles have on the energy sector?
We expect to see significant market share for electric cars in the next five years. They are going to play a very important part in the future energy market, because their batteries could be used to store energy and supply the grid. Therefore, electrification of transport is shaping a new role for distributors as enablers of advanced urban services.
“The smart grid develops a two way communication with the customer.”
Livio Gallo, Head of Global and Networks, Enel
How are you using AI in your smart grids?
Smart meters and smart grids generate huge volumes of data. We are using AI to analyze this data for a number of different purposes, such as to increase employee safety or monitor energy consumption patterns. We are even using drones equipped with AI to fly over networks and recognize malfunctions. Thanks to AI, we can reduce maintenance costs at the same time as improving the quality of service
As published in TIME magazine
