The power grid is the world's biggest machine. It is composed of a network of power plants, transmission towers, poles and wires. A recent report called The Smart Grid: An Estimation of the Energy and CO2 Benefits, from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory stresses how an efficient smart grid can be used as a powerful tool against climate change. Research scientist Rob Pratt said that they wanted to show the added contribution of it to the nation's goal of mitigating climate change through the reduction of carbon footprint from electric power systems.
It may be used to cut down waste. The United States Energy Information Administration said that more than half of the energy generated is wasted in generation and transmission. Energy is wasted usually through unused but running lights and electronic appliances. According to the Department of Energy, the waste in energy results in $4 billion in expenses in the United States every year.
The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory reported that there are nine ways smart electric can reduce carbon emissions, including diagnostics in residential and commercial buildings, use of demand- response systems, voltage regulation and control systems, and positive responses from informed consumers; which are expected to result in a 12 percent emission reduction by 2030 if fully implemented.
Another reason why it's programs can help battle climate change is because it's standards lessen operational costs for renewable program deployment. Savings from the program can be invested to more emission reduction projects for the future.
According to Mr. Pratt, getting savings for use in future clean energy projects is important because many states have an electricity sector renewable portfolio goal of 20 to 30 percent for 2030.
Full implementation of these technologies in the United States could inhibit at least 442 million metric tons of carbon emission, equivalent 66 coal power plants. Just last November, the U.S. Department of Energy supported the city of Sacramento with a $127.5 million smart electric stimulus funding, to aid in pushing forward California's green building initiative. The stimulus federal grant program aims to design, run, and manage an urban smart electric utility system for clients of various types and volume.
Many countries are starting to see the benefits of these programs and starting to invest in various brands and types of these grid meters, including the GE smart grid. China is not one to get left behind in the smart grid bandwagon, as it overtakes the United States in the smart grid investment. This year, China plans a $7.32 billion smart grid investment, which is more than U.S.' $7.09 billion, as reported by ZPryme. China is increasing their investment in smart grids heavily because of the looming energy requirement in the country which is predicted to double over the following decade.
About this Author
Ashly Sun is a seasoned writer, having travelled around the world, largely putting all her experiences and the sights and sounds she has come across to paper. She now writes extensively about topics related to green news, mostly on renewable energy, but also on a variety of related topics as well. When not travelling around the world, she is based in Central Hong Kong, taking in the myriad colours, flavours, and scents of the melting pot that Hong Kong is known for. http://ecoseed.org/
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