In recent years, the increasing energy demand, coupled with the growing impacts of climate change and aging infrastructure, has led to a heightened risk of blackouts. Due to this, securing transmission networks has increasingly become very important. Unfortunately, these networks are increasingly being affected by floods, wildfires, and extreme heat.
While high-voltage transmission networks are essential in delivering electricity over long distances, they are vulnerable to climate-related threats. These networks should be reinforced through advanced technology, engineering upgrades, and strategic planning.
Access various energy sources and use smart grid technologies
A main advantage of a reliable transmission network is its ability to transmit energy to different regions using diverse energy sources. For instance, during extreme heat, there is an increased demand for electricity driven by increased air conditioning usage. By integrating several geographic areas with various energy sources, power generation can be diversified, ensuring a more stable energy supply during peak periods. This also ensures that the weather or other sources of disruptions do not affect the whole grid.
Coupling transmission infrastructure with smart grid technology is crucial for managing demand and supply, especially during heat waves. With smart grid technologies, you’ll not only monitor electricity in real time but also be able to identify any challenges and redistribute electricity efficiently. Additionally, optimizing load distribution and minimizing energy wastage can help prevent blackouts and make the grid more reliable.
Physical hardening and data-driven risk management
Another way to secure transmission networks is by replacing the old poles with storm and fire-resistant materials. The industry should also avoid burying cables in high-risk floods or wildfires. Elevating substations and control centers above flood levels is another important measure.
Additionally, grid infrastructure dataset – such as supervisory control and temperature monitoring – allow operators to identify vulnerabilities more accurately rather than relying on historical assumptions. Using metrics like risk spend efficiency (RSE) helps balance costs and benefits when planning upgrades.
Regional cooperation and resilient design
A well-connected transmission network allows regional cooperation and grid coordination among regions and companies. For instance, when there is a widespread demand due to heat waves, coordinating the response strategies and sharing resources can significantly help balance the load. This collaborative, unique approach not only boosts stability but also reduces the risk of blackouts in individual areas.
Designing looped transmission paths and building microgrids capable of operating independently during main grid failures further enhance resilience. Investment in interregional transmission lines and grid-scale batteries supports supply balancing during extreme weather or outages.
Smart innovation and community engagement
Making grids smarter by installing sensors that detect weather conditions allows for immediate action – such as isolating affected grid sections to prevent widespread disruptions. Other adaptation strategies include nature-based solutions such as building temporary flood walls to protect the substation.
Finally, the industry and other stakeholders should invest in research and support the development of new technologies that can improve the resilience of transmission networks. This includes using energy storage solutions, smart conductors, and innovative grid management techniques that help in asset monitoring services. More so, public awareness should be created about the role of transmission networks and the importance of climate resilience in providing reliable energy. This can involve using educational programs, public forums, and other community engagement meetings.
As climate concerns grow more urgent, transitioning to clean energy is necessary. Using smart grid technologies and comprehensive strategies involving design, data, innovation, and investment will improve grid resilience against external threats and extreme weather. This requires collaboration between energy utilities, governments, and other stakeholders.
