BOULDER, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A recent 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.
Over the last decade, with the advent of smart grid technology, utilities have been prompted to invest in a wide array of networking technologies for a variety of purposes, including advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), distribution substation and feeder automation, and other monitoring and IT functions. These networks have frequently been built and managed within operational silos, but going forward, utilities must consider a network-centric strategy that will support both the smart grid applications of today and as-of-yet undefined needs of tomorrow. Click to tweet: According to a recent white paper from @NavigantRSRCH, an Energy Superhighway will be crucial to the successful delivery and management of energy services.
“In the Energy Cloud, the function of a utility will not be limited solely to the generation, transmission, and distribution of electric power; it will be about empowering end users through ubiquitous, robust connectivity to community resources and the provision of related services,” says Richelle Elberg, principal research analyst with Navigant Research. “The Energy Superhighway will be the backbone upon which the utility of the future will develop and thrive within a highly networked grid.”
Comparable to the buildout of the US Interstate Highway System in the 1950s, massive economic growth is a possible outcome of a concerted effort to develop the Energy Superhighway, according to the report. As part of the broader Energy Cloud concept, the underlying communications infrastructure will be foundational to utilities wishing to embrace the opportunities presented by this emerging paradigm.
The 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.
