In this episode of the Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague sits down with Alexina Jackson, Vice President of Strategic Development at AES, to discuss the future of the electrical grid and the implementation of grid-enhancing technologies (GETs).
Alexina shares her insights on the transformation of the grid from an analog system to a more digital, dynamic, and distributed network. She explains how this evolution is crucial for integrating renewable energy sources, improving grid reliability, and maintaining affordability. The conversation delves into various GETs, including dynamic line rating, topology optimization, advanced power flow control, and storage as transmission.
The discussion highlights the importance of visualizing and optimizing the grid's capacity, making better use of existing infrastructure rather than solely relying on new construction. Alexina emphasizes the need for regulatory support, education, and deployment of these technologies to overcome barriers and accelerate the clean energy transition.
The episode also touches on AES's commitment to decarbonization and the challenges of transitioning to a renewable energy system. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the complexities of grid modernization and the innovative solutions being developed to address them.
Social Media Handles
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexina-jackson-0a5ba31b/
https://www.aes.com/
https://www.aes.com/sites/aes.com/files/2024-04/Smarter-Use-of-the-Dynamic-Grid-Whitepaper.pdf
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00:00 - Introduction and guest overview
02:52 - Alexina's background and journey to AES
06:17 - The grid: A complex machine in need of modernization
09:39 - Envisioning the future grid: Digital, dynamic, and distributed
14:11 - The grid as a network: Balancing challenges and opportunities
19:23 - Overcoming barriers in the clean energy transition
24:54 - AES's mission and approach to innovation
26:41 - Understanding Grid-enhancing technologies (GETs)
34:25 - Topology optimization and advanced power flow control
36:20 - Barriers to deploying GETs and recent regulatory progress
39:47 - Performance-based regulations and best available technology standards
42:53 - AES's decarbonization goals and the energy transition
44:40 - Closing remarks and where to find more information
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