How can power transmission companies collaborate with other stakeholders to achieve their goals?
Power transmission companies face various challenges and opportunities in delivering electricity from generation sources to distribution networks. They need to balance reliability, efficiency, sustainability, and profitability in a complex and dynamic environment. How can they collaborate with other stakeholders to achieve their goals? In this article, we will explore some of the key aspects of power transmission economics and markets, and how they affect the relationships between transmission companies and other actors in the power sector.
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Max KolbeVP of Growth and Development @ Wood | Engineering, Strategy
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Nitesh Gupta MIET(UK)PRINCIPAL ENGINEER | 12+ yrs exp. in Power and T&D | Ex-GE | Ex-Siemens | Ex-MEIL | Power Sector Enthusiast | Renewable…
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Ivie EhanmoElectricity Lawyer | Net-Zero Energy Transformation Expert | Policy and Regulatory Expert | Data-driven Energy Lawyer |…
One of the main drivers of power transmission is the demand and supply of electricity. Transmission companies need to forecast and plan for the expected load patterns and generation availability, and adjust their transmission capacity and network configuration accordingly. They also need to cope with the uncertainties and variability of demand and supply, especially with the increasing penetration of renewable energy sources. To do so, they can collaborate with generators, distributors, regulators, and consumers to exchange information, coordinate actions, and share risks and rewards.
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Supply and demand is probably one of the key aspects of any services or commodity market. It determines growth, price points, and swing capacity. One thing we are seeing in the LNG world is more involvement between power production, transmission, and LNG production, the only missing link is truly regulatory, and what needs to really happen is a better involvement of both government and industry in understanding global needs for the product. Power transmission is no different, although they are transporting electrons versus molecules, it is fundamentally similar. However, there appears to be better collaboration between regulatory and power transmission then there is in the natural gas industry.
Another key aspect of power transmission economics is the transmission tariff, which is the price that transmission companies charge for their services. Transmission tariffs affect the incentives and behavior of both transmission companies and their customers, such as generators and distributors. Transmission tariffs can be designed in different ways, such as postage-stamp, zonal, nodal, or hybrid models, depending on the objectives and constraints of the transmission system. Transmission companies can collaborate with regulators and other stakeholders to design and implement transmission tariffs that reflect the costs and benefits of transmission, and promote efficiency, fairness, and transparency.
A third aspect of power transmission economics is the transmission market, which is the mechanism that allocates the scarce transmission capacity among competing users. Transmission markets can be integrated with energy markets, such as day-ahead, real-time, or ancillary services markets, or operate separately, such as financial transmission rights or capacity auctions markets. Transmission markets can help transmission companies to optimize their network operation and investment, and provide signals and incentives for generators and distributors to locate and operate efficiently. Transmission companies can collaborate with market operators and participants to design and participate in transmission markets that enhance the social welfare and the security of the power system.
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Moreso, modern outlook of the electrical grid system have to be taken into context. For this, technological advancements such as high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission systems, growing integration of renewable energy sources, smart grid technologies and transactive energy incorporating electricity generation, consumption and storage in a distributed and decentralized landscape are factors of interest for modern transmission markets. All of these, which the modern transmission markets should account for, are facilitated by advancements in power electronics, digital control, and machine learning technologies which further enhance monitoring, control, and optimization for efficient power transmission and utilization.
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The market for transmitting and distributing energy is changing a lot because of new technologies, changes in regulations, and a greater focus on ecology. A lot of money is being put into updating old infrastructure, adding green energy sources, and putting in place smart grid solutions right now. This study looks at the market as it is now and points out some important trends, such as the digitization of the grid, decentralized energy production, and the integration of energy storage. A more resilient network, smarter edge devices, and a more dynamic and engaging connection between users and the network are also seen as things that will happen in the future.
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Engaging with consumers through education and outreach programs can foster understanding of the role of transmission, build trust, and encourage energy efficiency measures. Transparency on grid modernization projects and investments can also address concerns and garner public support.
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Power transmission companies can collaborate with stakeholders through strategic partnerships, engaging in dialogue with regulators, fostering relationships with local communities, and collaborating with technology providers to enhance efficiency and reliability. Open communication and shared objectives help create a collaborative ecosystem for achieving common goals in the energy sector.
A fourth aspect of power transmission economics is the transmission regulation, which is the set of rules and institutions that govern the behavior and performance of transmission companies. Transmission regulation can affect the revenue, costs, quality, and innovation of transmission services, and influence the market structure and competition of the power sector. Transmission regulation can take different forms, such as rate-of-return, price-cap, performance-based, or incentive regulation, depending on the objectives and criteria of the regulators and the society. Transmission companies can collaborate with regulators and other stakeholders to comply with and influence the transmission regulation that affects their interests and responsibilities.
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This regulation is composed in accordance with the Electricity Act and outlines the Independent System Operator's transmission responsibilities and obligations, including consultation requirements, transmission system planning and forecasting requirements, and reliability standards. Currently, as a consequence of energy sector reforms, a lot of changes are being made in Uzbekistan's energy system, and the Ministry of Energy is the regulator in the energy sector in Uzbekistan.
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Collaborating with stakeholders on demand-side management and distributed energy resources can provide power transmission companies with tools to manage fluctuations in demand and supply, thereby improving grid flexibility and reliability.
A fifth aspect of power transmission economics is the transmission innovation, which is the process and outcome of creating and adopting new technologies, methods, or practices that improve the transmission services. Transmission innovation can enhance the efficiency, reliability, flexibility, and sustainability of the transmission system, and enable new functionalities and opportunities for the power sector. Transmission innovation can be driven by various factors, such as market forces, regulation incentives, research and development, customer needs, or social values. Transmission companies can collaborate with innovators, researchers, customers, and society to foster and adopt transmission innovation that creates value and solves problems.
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I think one way in which transmission innovación can be enhanced is using smart networks, capable to detect changes in the demand or supply and make the proper adjustments in real time. It is possible to place sensors in transformers, transmission lines and other places along the power lines and thus, reduce losses along the lines, improve performance and assist the power producers to make on-the-fly changes to optimize the Energy supply. Such changes could include reduce reactive power, impedance matching, etc. Also we can think in using Blockchain, that could match supply and demand, so that curtailment and other issues can be reduced and improve financial performance.
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Integrating IT into energy systems is the most important innovation, such as developing a SCADA system for the transmission power grid. As a result of sustainable energy and other policy objectives, the electric power sector is transitioning from traditional power facilities to renewable resources such as wind and solar. These renewable energy sources are frequently being constructed in unconventional locations and at an accelerated rate.
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We see wind mills standing high require more money for their place, installation, maintenance are also similar with solar. Innovation in bringing down complex to simple as well installation like tv towers concept or any. Transmission Innovation and research is required
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One thing i have found helpful in projects and problem solving conditions is exposure to innovative ideas and resolutions from interested stakeholders.
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Climate change and natural disasters pose new challenges for grid resilience. Partnering with other stakeholders on risk assessments, emergency response plans, and infrastructure upgrades can help build a more resilient grid.
As we have seen, power transmission economics and markets involve multiple dimensions and stakeholders, and require constant adaptation and coordination. Transmission companies cannot achieve their goals in isolation, but need to collaborate with other actors in the power sector, such as generators, distributors, regulators, market operators, innovators, customers, and society. Transmission collaboration can take different forms, such as information sharing, contract negotiation, joint planning, market participation, regulation compliance, or innovation adoption, depending on the context and purpose. Transmission collaboration can benefit all parties involved, by creating synergies, reducing conflicts, and increasing trust and satisfaction.
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Investing in smart grid technologies, including advanced sensors, data analytics, and automation, can enhance grid flexibility, optimize energy flows, and improve reliability. Collaboration with stakeholders can ensure these technologies are integrated effectively and address compatibility issues.
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Transmission collaboration is key especially for power markets that have adopted or seek to adopt a whole systems approach, requiring synergies across various sectors and sub-sectors. Expanding such markets to accommodate the whole systems outcome(s) may necessitate deploying new infrastructure or retrofitting existing infrastructure; which would require a whole systems collaborative approach by all stakeholders, from the top (governments, system operators, market participants) to the bottom (end-use customers, communities, etc.).
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Transmission and Distribution have always been state funded; this causes a paradox in Africa where the default setting of Private sector/Free market solutions to everything. Hence 600m Africans without access to electricity
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Invest in Solar Energy technology where ordinary people can use, store and sell power back to Utility Companies and profit accordingly.
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Southern Africa has a lot to learn from how the renewable energy systems work in the United States. They have Grid tied systems where independent solar systems are connected to the utility grid.Excess electricity generated during sunny days can be fed back into the grid,and electricity is drawn from the grid when solar generation is insufficient. There is net metering where users are credited for the excess electricity they generate and feed back into the grid.This credit can offset electricity costs during periods where solar systems are not generating electricity. Off grid systems should be incentivised to accept energy storage solutions,such as batteries,to store excess energy for use when the sun is not shining.
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Power transmission companies can collaborate with stakeholders by fostering partnerships with government agencies, regulators, renewable energy developers, and local communities. Establishing open lines of communication , sharing expertise, and aligning goals can help create a collaborative environment to achieve common objectives, such as improving grid stability, encouraging sustainable practices, and guaranteeing energy availability. Regular stakeholder meetings, joint research initiatives, and participation in industry forums also contribute to successful collaborations.
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Power transmission companies can collaborate with regulators, government agencies, communities, and technology providers to align with regulations, implement sustainable practices, and leverage innovative solutions for efficient grid operations and infrastructure development
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