AES Corporation is working with X (formerly Google X) to develop tools that enable additional clean energy resources to come onto the grid at a faster pace while improving grid reliability.
AES and X are using the tools to simulate AES US distribution grids in Indiana and Ohio.
The near real-time grid virtualisation technologies will test new ideas, optimising the grid for renewables, improving reliability and building new efficiencies into the system.
Audrey Zibelman, vice president and general manager for X’s electric grid team, said: “One of the biggest obstacles to shifting to a renewable and reliable electric system is having a complete real-time picture of what is happening on the electric grid.
“We are developing new computational and virtualization tools designed to give everyone who manages and operates the grid the ability to plan, build, and manage a clean and resilient grid.”
This work complements the 10-year strategic alliance that AES formed with Google in 2019 to leverage Google Cloud technology to accelerate innovation in energy distribution and management.