Recently, one of our clients requested an upgrade to their power supply from the local electrical utility in order to install more sustainable heating and cooling for a building on their property. Because the grid lacked the capacity, they were denied the installation of the additional amperage they were requesting. This incident reminded us that the electrical grid in many places around the United States is long past its prime and needs to be updated for the good of the economy and efforts to achieve environmental sustainability.
The American electrical grid, once seen as a marvel of 20th-century engineering, now faces an unprecedented challenge in the 21st century. Built for a centralized model of power generation and one-way distribution, it is ill-equipped to handle the influx of alternative energy sources, the growing trend of decentralized power generation, and two-way power distribution. These forces, occurring together, are necessitating urgent and comprehensive modernization.
A smart grid enhances energy efficiency, improves reliability, reduces costs, and enables better integration of renewable energy sources.
The rise of solar and wind power, while crucial for combating climate change, introduces intermittency. Unlike traditional power plants, these sources rely on weather conditions, creating fluctuations in energy supply. This instability strains the grid’s ability to maintain a consistent power flow, potentially leading to blackouts and brownouts. A modernized grid must incorporate advanced energy storage solutions, such as large-scale batteries and pumped hydro storage, to buffer these fluctuations and ensure reliability.
Renewable energy reduces carbon emissions, promotes sustainability, and provides a reliable, long-term source of power.
Furthermore, the increasing adoption of distributed energy resources (DERs), like rooftop solar panels and residential battery storage, is decentralizing power generation. This shift empowers consumers to become energy producers as well, producing and consuming electricity at different times. However, the existing grid often lacks the intelligence and flexibility to manage this bidirectional flow of energy. Smart grid technologies, including advanced sensors, communication networks, and control systems, are essential for monitoring and optimizing energy distribution in this decentralized landscape.
The current grid’s aging infrastructure further exacerbates these challenges. Many components, including transformers and transmission lines, are decades old and nearing the end of their lifespan. This situation not only increases the risk of failures but also limits the grid’s capacity to handle the increased load from renewable energy and electric vehicles. Significant investment is required to replace and upgrade these components, enhancing their resilience and efficiency.
Wind power generates clean, renewable energy, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and provides a sustainable solution for electricity generation.
Moreover, extreme weather events, intensified by climate change, pose a growing threat to the grid. Recent hurricanes, wildfires, and heatwaves have demonstrated the vulnerability of our infrastructure, causing widespread power outages. Strengthening the grid against these threats requires hardening transmission lines, burying power cables, and implementing microgrids that can isolate and maintain power in critical areas, even during disruptions.
Regulatory frameworks must also be updated to facilitate grid modernization. Current regulations often lack technological advancements, hindering the integration of new technologies and business models. Streamlining permitting processes, incentivizing investment in grid upgrades, and promoting collaboration between utilities, regulators, technology providers, and consumers are crucial steps.
Hydropower generates electricity by harnessing the energy of flowing water, offering a renewable and reliable source of clean energy. Image from Conservation Energy Network
We live at a time of change and challenge. Global warming is posing an immediate danger to many communities, both in the U.S. and around the world. On the other hand, amazing power generation possibilities like hydrogen fusion offer a brighter, more sustainable energy future, which can generate enormous amounts of electricity without the greenhouse gases identified as the primary cause of global warming.
Modernization of the U.S. electrical grid is not just an infrastructure project; it is a national imperative. By embracing smart grid technologies, investing in renewable energy storage, hardening infrastructure, and updating regulatory frameworks, the United States can build a resilient, reliable, and sustainable energy system that can meet the demands of the 21st century. A4 Architecture can help bring these energy efficient upgrades to your next project.
Ross Cann, RA, AIA, LEED AP, is an author, historian, teacher, and practicing architect living and working in Newport, RI. He studied Molecular Biophysics at Yale College, holds an M.Phil. in Architectural History from Cambridge University in England, and an M.Arch. in Architectural Design from Columbia University in New York. He became a licensed architect in 1993 with an average score of 98% on his eight licensing exams.