Introduction
Smart grids hold great promise as a sustainable solution to power the planet. They could lead us to a future of clean energy and green technologies, but what exactly is the environmental impact of these systems? At Flare Compare, we compared different types of smart grids to understand their sustainability performance.
Smart Grid Technology Comparison
We analyzed three different types of smart grids, comparing their environmentally friendly aspects. Below, you'll find a summary of our findings.
Traditional Grid
First, we looked at the data of the traditional grid, which is running on aging infrastructure in many parts of the world. The conventional grid's operating capacity gets upgraded with more generation and transmission units, but as more fossil-fuels are burned, the environmental consequences increase. Not to mention the strain on outdated infrastructure capacity. As a result, the system remains inefficient and outdated.
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) is a smart grid technology more commonly known as smart meters. These digital devices collect real-time data on energy demand and consumption, leading to significant energy savings. AMI implementation can reduce CO2 emissions by an average of 4%. It's relatively cheap to install and is a simple way to reduce a household's carbon footprint while leading to average energy savings on an average $100 bill of about $4.
Distribution Automation (DA)
Distribution Automation (DA) aims at power flow reduction by reducing losses in transmission and distribution. This reduces the need for monumental grid systems responsible for energy losses. DA involves the use of automated systems and devices to manage the flow of electricity in the grid actively. The result is a reduction of power consumption and minimized wastage. It leads to fewer outages and an average of 10% reduction in transmission and distribution losses.