Energy supply is a hotly debated topic in Australia and New Zealand. There is, however, broad consensus in both countries that, in light of dramatic changes in the energy system, the electricity grid needs to be modernised.
It must be able to flexibly manage bidirectional power flow and intermittency, and the system and its operations must be absolutely safe and secure. At the same time, demand for power is only going to go up. So new capacity is needed, existing equipment must be updated and grid operations optimised to make the entire infrastructure fit for the future.
The integration of renewable energy into existing grids poses new challenges because of fluctuating demand, increasing distances between power generation and consumption, and the need for more cost-efficient infeed of power from renewables.
None of this will work without making grids smarter, and that means utilizing the potential of digital technologies.
Where will these changes lead?
Günther Brauner, Professor Emeritus, Research group "Power Systems", at Vienna University of Technology, and Michael Weinhold, Chief Technology Officer at Siemens Energy Management, discuss the challenges and opportunities of the turmoil in the power supply markets. Digitalization plays a vital role in technological progress as well as the development of new business models.Innovation shapes the future
Over more than 160 years, a steady stream of innovations in power technology has made Siemens a trusted, valued partner to leading energy and industrial companies around the world. In this tradition, Siemens is addressing the new grid-related challenges to the energy system all along the power supply chain.Our comprehensive portfolio covers all major application fields: power transmission, power distribution, and power supply for industries and facilities. It is actively helping to shape the future of energy from the point of grid infeed all the way to the customer – with resilient electrification, efficient automation, comprehensive digitalization and seamless integration.
Our long-standing, trusted business partnerships include consulting on power systems, buildings and facilities, and business models.
