Circular for smart grid in the making
By Jordeene B. Lagare – July 15, 2019
from The Manila Times
A circular on the policy governing the adoption of smart grid technologies for the Philippine electric industry and roadmap for distribution utilities is being crafted by the Department of Energy (DoE).
Currently, the agency is soliciting comments for the proposed circular on the development and implementation of smart grid in the country.
Smart grid is a modernized electrical grid that utilizes innovative technologies with two-way and/or multi-way communication technologies, real-time monitoring, and control systems, the DoE said.
It is comprised of smart power generation which integrates new and emerging technologies into the generation sector, such as distributed energy resources, microgrids, hybrid systems, energy storage systems, and flexible generation.
Such is expected to reduce power plant outages and improve plant maintenance scheduling, as well as improve forecasting and generation planning.
The modernized transmission grid features wide area monitoring and control, regional frequency and voltage stability control, full transmission automation, and island-to-grid interconnection. It is envisioned to improve system efficiency and minimize losses in the transfer of electricity from one node to another.
On the other hand, smart distribution utility is an automated distribution system with decentralized energy sources. It is projected to promote consumer empowerment as well as energy efficiency and conservation.
The draft circular also calls for coordinating with relevant government agencies and stakeholders to develop a framework that includes protocols and technical standards to achieve interoperability of the smart grid deployment.
It also entails developing a cybersecurity infrastructure and ensure cost-effective protection to prevent, detect, and respond to cyberattacks, mitigate, and recover when such attacks arise.
The DoE is responsible for endorsing smart grid projects to the appropriate agencies or institutions for direct or indirect subsidies or incentives provided by the government; coordinating with concerned agencies to create new incentive mechanisms for smart grid implementation.
