Power System Transformation

FLEXIBILITY, CONNECTIVITY, RESILIENCY

The power system is changing at a rapid pace into a highly integrated network of power generation, delivery systems, and
customer-sited distributed energy resources such as solar generation, energy storage and grid-interactive appliances and
technologies.

EPRI, in collaboration with an array of industry stakeholders, has examined this power system transformation that is driven
in part by changing natural gas prices, energy demand, innovative emerging technologies and evolving energy policies
and regulations. What resulted was an emphasis on a future power system that will likely rely on a combination of central
station power and distributed energy resources offering potential opportunities for a more flexible, connected and resilient
grid.

CHALLENGES
FLEXIBILITY CHALLENGES
Variable generation
Fuel price uncertainty
Customer adoption of efficiency,
variable generation, PHEV,
demand response
CONNECTIVITY CHALLENGES RESILIENCY CHALLENGES
Large volume of data Severe weather
Need for enhanced cyber security Physical attacks
Inconsistent lifecycle timescales Cyber attack
Rapid pace of technology evolution Natural gas dependence
Need for effective integration Other high-impact, low-frequency
events

BENEFITS
ENHANCED FLEXIBILITY
Enhanced reliability
Minimized equipment damage
Longer equipment life
Reduced environment impact
More cost-effective system
ENHANCED CONNECTIVITY ENHANCED RESILIENCY
Customer empowerment Minimized power system damage
Enhanced power system operation, Faster system recovery
maintenance, control, security Survivability
Improved utility worker productivity Minimized financial impact
Enhanced distributed resource Minimized societal impact
integration
Enhanced customer trust
Faster recovery

FLEXIBILITY

Power system flexibility is the ability to EPRIs white paper on flexibility

adapt to changing conditions while describes innovative technologies that
providing safe, reliable, affordable, EPRI and electricity sector stakeholders
and environmentally responsible are proactively developing and
electricity. applying to address the challenge of
power system flexibility.
To transition to a more flexible power
system, it is necessary to develop
and deploy a portfolio of innovative
technologies and methodologies.

2 P O W E R S Y S T E M T R A N S F O R M AT I O N
CONNECTIVITY

Connectivity of the electric power EPRIs white paper on connectivity

system refers to the increasingly shares challenges and opportunities
widespread deployment of in taking full advantage of emerging
communicating equipment, providing technology innovations.
access to data streams and
functionality that can inform decisions
and behaviors, from the power plant to
the end consumer.

As the electric power system

transforms from a traditional one-
way power flow network to one that
enables intelligent and interactive
two-way power and information flow,
connectivity will be paramount.

RESILIENCY

In the context of the power system, Enhanced resiliency of the power

resiliency is the ability to harden the
system against and quickly recover
from high-impact, low-frequency
events that result in power system
outages.
Transitioning to a more resilient power
system will require the industry to
develop and deploy a portfolio of
technologies that can address a
larger array of potential high-impact,
low-frequency events such as
severe weather, physical threats, and
cyber attacks that may occur more
frequently.
system will be based on three
elements: damage prevention, system
recovery, and survivability.
EPRIs white paper on resiliency
describes these elements in more
detail and looks at innovative
technologies that EPRI and electricity
sector stakeholders are developing to
address the challenge of power system
resiliency.

For more information please visit www.epri.com/powersystem

P O W E R S Y S T E M T R A N S F O R M AT I O N 3
MOVING FORWARD
EPRI is taking the next step to develop innovative solutions that enable power systems to be more flexible, connected,
and resilient. Together with our members, EPRI defined several areas in which to focus our research, ultimately providing a
bridge from todays electric system to the transformed system.

Flexible Generation and Transmission Optimized Distributed Energy Resources

A central focus will be advanced fossil, nuclear and
renewable power generation options that support
carbon-reduction objectives. EPRI will also further
explore bulk transmission solutions. Power system
transformation will require highly flexible operations
and grid-scale energy storage.
Integration of customer-controlled devices, such as
appliances that communicate with the grid, and
buildings designed to do the same, will require
broad deployment of distributed energy resources
including solar panels, energy storage, and energy
efficiency initiatives.

Integrated Power System

Integrating the Power System

The vision of an Integrated Grid requires enhanced connectivity, also known as an end-to-end open enabling platform,
to support a power system with flexible generation and transmission technologies as well as distributed energy
resources.

Recognizing that a full transformation is a long-term effort, EPRIs research is expected to begin producing tangible results
within three to five years a critical period in which the foundation of the future power system will be formed.

3002007377 February 2016

Electric Power Research Institute

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