Intel, a global technology leader, has set a goal to achieve 100% renewable electricity in its operations by 2030, already reaching an impressive 93% globally by the end of 2022. In a groundbreaking move, Intel’s technology is now a driving force behind the Edge for Smart Secondary Substations (E4S) Alliance’s latest solution, aiming to revolutionize the energy grid.
The E4S solution marks a departure from the traditional closed-hardware architecture, ushering in an open, flexible, and software-defined energy system. With over 17 million secondary substations in Europe facilitating medium- to low-voltage power conversion, this solution is pivotal in digitizing the next generation of substations. Intel is at the forefront, providing hardware, software, security, AI, and communication technology solutions to the E4S Alliance.
Renewable energy adoption is central to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but the intermittent nature of sources like solar and wind presents challenges. The E4S power technology at substations enhances grid flexibility, accommodating more renewable energy when available. A single substation’s implementation can have a significant environmental impact, equivalent to removing up to 1,800 gasoline-powered cars from the road.
Fueled by Intel Core processors, the E4S solution incorporates AI and IoT capabilities, enabling energy providers to adapt to changing demands, identify optimal energy sources, and support renewable and intermittent clean energy at the grid’s edge. It also pioneers real-time communication between utilities and substations, facilitating seamless integration of applications like weather predictions, maintenance schedules, and climate change effects on equipment.
Beyond environmental benefits, the E4S solution enhances grid resilience during natural disasters. Utilities gain the ability to access diverse energy sources, integrating them into the grid regardless of location. This adaptability ensures precise power allocation during emergencies, eliminating the need for widespread shutdowns and enabling operators to keep critical areas and customers powered during crises.
In the United States, a comparable grid modernization technology, the Virtual Protection, Automation, and Control (vPAC) solution, is in development. Collaborating with the vPAC Alliance, including utilities like Southern California Edison, Salt River Project, and American Electric Power, Intel continues to drive innovation for a smarter, resilient energy future.
