Q1. How would you define the KEMA smart grid vision/what is a "smart grid" and what does it mean for all involved? Can you also explain the role of SmartGridSherpa?
Willem van Putten: The smart grid is a dynamic system modernising transmission and distribution, which intelligently relays energy and information both ways between utilities and end users. Smart energy grids will be required for the transition to an energy system using renewable energy sources and the associated decentralised electricity generation facilities. Mature smart grids require a transparent coordination mechanism which allows these various energy sources and appliances to be interconnected on a non-segregated and plug-in basis. In essence, smart grids should seamlessly combine distributed generation with demand response.
This transition is largely perceived as the greatest disruption to the energy industry in a century and KEMA's services allow for reliable consulting, testing, and certification of the many and varied technologies involved.
SmartGridSherpa is an online knowledge base designed to provide information and engage parties in dialogue around smart grid issues. It is a hub for content developed by KEMA (including podcasts, white papers, e-books and other articles), as well as for outside experts to share news and views. The site engages and educates existing and potential customers, media, and other stakeholders.
Q2. What was the vision behind PowerMatching City, the smart grid project led by KEMA in Hoogkerk in the Netherlands?
WVP: PowerMatching City was designed to prove that its possible to create a smart grid with a corresponding market model using existing technologies. The project achieved three key objectives: Energy optimisation for the end user, reduction in grid load for the network operator, and a reduction in imbalances for the utility. The system enables consumers to freely exchange electricity and maintains the comfort level that consumers expect. This is the first time in Europe, and insofar as known worldwide, that a live smart grid community is demonstrated at this technological scale. The underlying coordinating mechanism in PowerMatching City was based on the PowerMatcher, a software tool that balances energy demand and energy supply.
Twenty-five homes were connected with each other as part of the trial and equipped with micro-combined heat and power systems, hybrid heat pumps, smart meters, PV panels, electric transport and smart household appliances. These homes collectively constitute a smart energy system. In view of the success, the project will be followed by an expanded trial.
Q3. What are the key challenges to rolling out smart grid infrastructure in Asia? What is the role of the Singapore "Living Laboratory" for smart grids?
WVP: In Asia, many live in small communities spread over the rural areas in their countries. Many of them are not even connected to the electricity grid. As investing in a high-voltage transmission grid is very costly, one has to think of other solutions. One of the possible solutions is to create small, local grids making use of renewable energy sources (RES) where generation and use are close to each other. However, to create prosperity, electricity has to be available all the time, especially when the sun doesn't shine and the wind doesn't blow. Energy storage and smart grid controls can contribute to a sustainable solution.
Therefore, Singapore's "Living Laboratory" is key in this development because "the proof of the pudding is in the eating" as we say. One has to proof the concept, overcome unexpected problems, debugging systems (interaction), and test under real, live conditions.
Q4. Will we see an Asian super grid in the next 20 years?
WVP: Whether we see an Asian super grid in 2030 depends on several factors: The development of energy consumption, carbon pricing, and cross-border transmission grid connections. Further, renewable energy has to be "load balanced" by natural gas and hydropower, also delivered across borders and with investment price signals delivered through carbon pricing. However, one cannot deny the existence of wind power in Mongolia, hydropower in Central China and solar power in Australia. As we see the development of an ultra-high-voltage direct-current grid in Europe dealing with the same issues, the question asked is, Why couldn't that be realised in Asia? There is one big difference: The distances to bridge in Asia are greater factors than in Europe. But no doubt, while fossil resources are finite and RES is not always "next door", super grids are one of the solutions for a sustainable Asian region.
Q5. How do you envision the development of energy storage technologies and electric vehicles in the future?
WVP: Energy storage infrastructure will be driven by a variety of factors in different markets/regions, and electric vehicles (EVs) represent a tremendous opportunity and challenge simultaneously. EVs are rolling out worldwide--by 2030, the annual plug-in vehicle (PEV/PHEV) market is estimated at 4.5 million to 6 million new PEV sales in the US alone. KEMA is helping utilities prepare their power systems for successful EV integration.
On the one hand, this could be an enormous asset, allowing grid operators or utilities access to a large energy storage resource and helping to balance the system load and compensating for the intermittency of renewables. The challenge is how to handle building the charging infrastructure, and who will pay for or own it? The charging needs of EVs will dramatically change energy usage, resulting in very different load patterns, market pricing, and grid management challenges. Early pilot projects show that EV drivers are very concerned about utilities using their vehicle's power, so there are a host of customer relations issues to address as well. Emerging EV/PHEV technologies also offer power system operators an avenue to shape and facilitate new opportunities for grid integration and regulation, such as ancillary services, demand response, and integration of renewable technologies.