Energy Transmission and Distribution systems never quite get the same attention as renewable energy generation projects like offshore wind, hydrogen or solar farms. But you may have noticed T&D networks hitting the headlines more recently - particularly around Texas and other southern states.
I’m based in Dallas myself, working out of CMC’s first US office, and have lived in Texas for over 11 years now. So I know very well, both from a professional standpoint and personal experience, how desperately in need the state’s power grid was of investment and upgrade.
Fortunately, we’re finally getting that - though it took the awful experience of the 2021 winter storms, which killed more than 100 people and left millions statewide without power - to push that action.
Hundreds of millions of dollars have been pushed into Texas’s power grid to reform its operations and winterise the system. But there’s still more to be done.
Just last month, more than 350,000 people were left without power following the ice storms and freezing temperatures in areas like Austin - with a disaster declaration made across seven counties over Super Bowl Weekend.
Why You Should Care About Transmission And Distribution
Texas is just one state forced to invest in improvements to its power grid. But more attention is being given to the Transmission and Distribution industry worldwide.
The most prominent example of this is in a recent article written by Bill Gates: Why You Should Care About Transmission. If you haven’t read it yet, I recommend you do as Gates sums up very well the reasons we need to “upgrade our grid, build more high-voltage transmission lines that can carry electricity long distances, and use those transmission lines to better connect regions and communities to one another.”
Gates is absolutely correct in his assessment of the importance of electricity transmission. The world has come a long way since the early days of electrical power generation and distribution, and our systems need to keep up. With the world population projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, the demand for energy will only continue to increase, making it essential to have a transmission system that can meet this demand, powering everything from our computers and smartphones to our hospitals and factories.
A reliable and efficient transmission system is critical for ensuring that electricity is available when and where it is needed. This system must be able to handle the increasing electricity demand, as well as the challenges posed by a rapidly changing energy landscape. New technologies and innovations, such as renewable energy sources, smart grid systems, and energy storage solutions, are transforming the way we produce and distribute electricity. These advancements require a transmission system that is flexible, adaptable, and capable of handling the changing demands of our modern world.
Gates also highlights the need for investments in transmission infrastructure to support the growth of renewable energy sources. The transition to a more sustainable energy future requires significant investments in transmission infrastructure, which will ensure that renewable energy is delivered to where it is needed when it is needed. This will not only support the growth of renewable energy but also help to reduce carbon emissions and contribute to a more sustainable future.
The challenges of sustainable energy transmission and distribution improvements
Gates’s main argument is centred around issues of political policy and government investment, and there is no doubt that this is a critical barrier that needs to be overcome for improvements to be made. But in places like Texas, where natural events have forced the topic to the forefront, we’re starting to see that happening. And then our challenges become less about convincing those holding the pursestrings and more about ensuring we get the technology, the efficiency and the installation right.
In short, it becomes an engineering challenge. And that’s where we come in.
Coalesce Management Consulting delivers true expertise to the construction and project management of both new and existing energy transmission and distribution projects. Our workbench of engineering professionals include experts in everything from designing, developing and implementing complex systems - ensuring that transmission and distribution networks are reliable, efficient, safe and future-proof.
Our consultants can be deployed at any stage of your project, being on site to build out the infrastructure and executive upgrades, whether you’re project is being planned or already underway. We will work with you to determine the best solution for your goals with your project time and budget in mind.
Our experts can support with:
- Designing and implementing innovative solutions: using their expertise to design new transmission and distribution systems that are more efficient and adaptable to changing energy needs. They can also work with and help develop new technologies that can improve the reliability and resilience of the transmission network.
- Improving system efficiency: analysing existing transmission and distribution networks to identify areas for improvement. They can then implement new technologies and techniques to optimise the system, reducing energy losses and improving overall efficiency.
- Increasing the integration of renewable energy sources: working to integrate renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, into the transmission and distribution network. This requires a deep understanding of the technical challenges associated with integrating these sources into the grid, and engineers are well-equipped to tackle these challenges.
- Undertaking the actual construction work involved in the infrastructure building and upgrade projects.
- Ensuring safety for the public and the environment: conducting risk assessments, developing safety protocols, and implementing measures to minimise the risk of accidents and damage to the environment.
True Expertise Delivered
Get in touch with my team or me in Dallas to learn more about Coalesce Management Consulting’s services and how our engineering experts can play a crucial role in improving energy transmission and distribution networks across the States, paving the way for a more sustainable energy future.
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