GE Vernova has introduced GridOS Data Fabric, the first data fabric tailored for grid orchestration. This innovation aids utilities in managing a grid that is not only more intelligent, accommodating the escalation of renewable energy, but also more resilient in the face of growing occurrences of extreme weather events.
The grid today is more complex than ever before, and energy data is a contributor to this complexity, as this data is dispersed across the energy network, multiplying exponentially and creating data challenges for electric utilities to manage. GridOS Data Fabric uses federation to access decentralized data from multiple sources and virtualization to create a centralized view across the grid ecosystem, from transmission, distribution and the edge, and information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) applications. This unified data view helps grid operators discover, govern, and utilize large volumes of highly distributed data to make better decisions faster while orchestrating the grid in real-time.
“We are working to address complications arising from big energy data,” said Sanjay Banga, President, Transmission and Distribution Vertical at Tata Power. “Unlocking energy data across the grid will help us address variable renewable power, grid disruption, and the induction of millions of EVs, solar panels, solar pumps, and IoT edge devices. Scalable solutions that make data management easier for utilities will help us better forecast generation and load for grid balancing and optimize capex for optimal data analytics. This supports our drive toward 24/7 availability of reliable, sustainable power for end users,” added Banga.
Energy data provides opportunities for electric utilities
As utilities modernize the grid by installing line sensors and smart meters, they are able to gather large amounts of data to enhance grid intelligence. They also need to process an increasing number of external data sources, such as weather, wildfire, traffic, and emergency services information. GridOS Data Fabric is designed to integrate energy data from across OT and IT, as well as these external data sources to facilitate coordinated decision-making.
“Energy data plays a key role in delivering a more efficient grid. Utilities will need to connect energy data from across the grid ecosystem to effectively automate grid operations, orchestrating more intelligent, secure, and resilient grid that is ready and built for future electrification needs. By leveraging energy data, AI and machine learning (ML) powered technologies, utilities can move at speed to meet demand while addressing renewables management and electrification challenges,” said Mahesh Sudhakaran, General Manager at GE Vernova’s Grid Software business.
Collaborations to scale up grid modernization
Collaborations are key to accelerating grid orchestration and scaling breakthrough technologies that rely on energy data. Itron, an American energy, water, smart city, Industrial Internet of Things, and intelligent infrastructure services company, will leverage GE Vernova’s GridOS Data Fabric to connect grid operations and grid edge data, from sources such as residential solar, electric vehicles, and more.
“A key component of the GridOS Data Fabric software is its ability to connect and integrate data to make more accurate real-time decisions that enable a reliable and resilient grid. The data to be exchanged with Itron’s Grid Edge Intelligence solutions can provide new insights to promote grid stability and to train and power AI and ML applications that help automate key aspects of the grid operation,” said Don Reeves, Senior Vice President, Outcomes at Itron.
GE Vernova’s GridOS strategy is centered around a modular, composable, data-driven software portfolio designed to orchestrate a more sustainable energy grid and help utilities keep pace with the energy transition. This announcement builds on GE Vernova’s acquisition of Greenbird Integration Technology AS and the launch of GridOS in 2023.
“This launch includes GridOS Connect, our energy data integration engine, a key component for the federated grid data fabric that feeds continuously updated data sets into the system. This is information that has been difficult for utilities to compile and analyze holistically in the past,” said Thorsten Heller, Chief Innovation Officer at GE Vernova’s Grid Software business. “With GE Vernova’s acquisition of Greenbird Integration Technology AS last year, we are ready to help utilities unlock data for a smarter, resilient grid that is fit for future generations.”
The announcement comes ahead of DISTRIBUTECH International, an annual transmission and distribution event, where GE Vernova will be showcasing its electrification grid hardware and software solutions that are designed to help utility customers address the challenge of big data, climate change, and energy security to accelerate the energy transition and orchestrate a more sustainable energy grid.
To learn more about GE Vernova’s GridOS Data Fabric visit the website here.
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