Managing Data Tops the List

A recent survey of international specialists from tip of the distribution reveals the main challenges of the sector. Management of data is ranked the main technical challenge, while energy storage control and integration of decentralized power generation (DER) share second place.

Active customer behaviour has emerged as the main challenge of market and business models, and Barcelona is seen as the smart city worth attention.

Photo: Source: WTG Events Infographic

Conducted by WTG Events, the survey asked 100+ specialists of advanced electricity distribution networks, investors and regulators around the world about their immediate challenges, strategic objectives, where they were investing, and more.

According to the results, there is a wide range of technical challenges, including:
•    data management (14% of respondents)
•    energy storage control and integration of DER (13% each)
•    interoperability and cybersecurity (11% each)
•    grid monitoring and control (10% of respondents)

Among the main challenges of market and business models are
•    active customer behaviour (14%)
•    balancing costs vs. benefits (12%)
•    frameworks, investment incentives, and defining the new market we operate in (11% each)

“The results of the survey show that it is more imperative than ever for the specialists of the electrical distribution networks to master new technologies,” says Stephanie Morley, head of the products division of products. “These companies must improve their efficiency and reduce costs to remain competitive and develop a sustainable and secure energy.”
All aspects of data management, the behaviour of customers on smart grids and the cost-benefit analysis will be discussed at the forthcoming 6th annual European Smart Grids Summit, February 19-20, 2015 in Nice, France. Find out more about the summit: thesmartidssummit.com.