Sessions

To register for this course, click here! This course will provide an overview of the use of the Common Information Model (CIM) for organizing grid model data,  focusing on the use of CIM data constructs to enable effective network model data management solutions inside the utility enterprise. The course will cover a variety of topics related to leveraging the CIM to improve utility management of grid model data, including: The distribution network model management challenge Organizing utility grid model data management using a business function approach Grid Model Manager tool functional requirements CIM data constructs for the modeling of power system data CIM data constructs for the management of power system data CIM-related IEC Standards overview Areas of current CIM activity relevant to distribution grid model management The course is suited to technical and manager-level utility personnel working in the operations, planning, or GIS areas as well as those working in IT roles supporting those areas. It will provide information useful to utility personnel in: designing local solutions for managing network model data from its source in engineering and facilities tools to its ultimate use in planning, protection, and operations network analysis tools specifying CIM-standard interfaces in tool procurements specifying requirements for tools expected to perform the grid model management function It is also suited to vendor personnel who are developers or product managers for tools that are used to supply, consume, or manage grid model data (including GIS, engineering design tools, and network analysis software such as planning/protection tools and OMS, DMS or ADMS). The course will provide information vendor personnel would find useful in: understanding the enterprise-wide requirements of distribution utilities related to grid model management designing CIM-aligned tool interfaces that enable effective utility model management solutions understanding the functional requirements of tools intended to deliver grid model management capability Attendees familiar with the use, creation, or management of grid model data at utilities will gain maximum benefit from this course.  

To register for this course, click here! In this course the Chair of the IEEE DNP Technical Committee will explain the philosophy (and terminology) underpinning IEEE Standard 1815 (DNP3); explain its structural components and clarify a number of areas that people sometimes find difficult to grasp. Some lesser-known features of DNP3 and current developments will also be discussed. The course is structured to encourage attendees to question or discuss any aspect of DNP3 or SCADA systems that interest them, without being restricted to the course’s topic areas.  Topics:  DNP3 Philosophy & Terminology Addressing Data Models, Data Types & Structures Data Collection & Control Mechanisms DNP3 Classes DNP3 Subset Levels Less well-known features: Engineering Cybersecurity Mapping to IEC 61850 DER applications Conformance Testing Prerequisites:  Attendees should have familiarity with SCADA systems, but are not required to have detailed knowledge of DNP3. Target Audience:  Engineers and technicians responsible for design, specification, configuration, installation and fault-finding of SCADA equipment that uses DNP3 for transmission of SCADA data. 

To register for this course, click here! Course purpose: The course will show attendees examples of how utilities are evolving their grid modernization investments while migrating from Smart Grid 1.0 to Smart Grid 2.0 and into the Digital Utility 3.0 level.  This course lays out a transformation path regardless of the starting point.  What many utilities have found over the last few years, even with the best vendors selected and very good intentions of maximizing the benefits identified in the business cases, is that often after a few years something was missing holding them back from getting all the value from their investments. The following items will be covered: Key Trends for Future Technology Considerations: i) Overall utility technology trends,  ii) Current state of grid modernization taking place, iii) Communications infrastructure future, and iiii) Utility of the future - what does it look like. Learn from the Past: Review of 2001-2021 Smart Grid investment shortfalls that existed even at progressive utilities, which typically were keeping them from maximizing their investment. Approaches for Developing the Digital Utility Roadmap: Establishing digital utility and technology investments in the overall Strategic Plan Migration from current automation to next-generation investments: 1) Nextgen AMI, 2) SCADA to ADMS, 3) Communicating with DER endpoints, 4) Work Management to Asset Management, 5) Next Gen. Mobile Workforce optimization Electric Infrastructure Foundations Next-Generation Communications Infrastructure Managing DER and Behind-the-Meter (BTM) Programs  New Customer Offerings (products/services) Maximizing Analytics Staffing trends needed for the digital utility. Approaches for Justifying and Getting Approval for digital utility investments Describe the specific knowledge, skills, and/or capabilities that attendees should acquire through this course.  Insights on separating “industry hype from reality.” An understanding of the differences in the business case output from foundational investments i.e., GIS, MDM, FAN, etc.) to applications-specific investments AMI, DA, DER communications. Approaches to a gradual smart migration to next-generation AMI to the Field Area Network to BTM communications. The methodology for creating a digital utility roadmap. The methodology for maximizing organizational change management. New approaches for growing new types of revenue outside of traditional regulated kWh or Therms driven consumption. Who should attend this course?  Utility and vendor executives tasked with creating a digital utility plan. Utility executives to project managers from IT tasked with building the future digital infrastructure. Experienced engineers that oversee SCADA, ADMS, DA, AMI, and new DER programs that are now tasked with replacing their legacy communications infrastructure with the next generation communications Vendors are creating new product lines to address the digital utility needs of the future. Prerequisite skills, knowledge, certifications: None

To register for this course, click here! The purpose of this course is to educate utility, regulator, and vendor decision-makers and implementers on the new IEEE 1547.1 Interoperability requirements (section 10 in IEEE 1547-2018); help the audience understand what is/is not included in certified UL 1741 SB products vis-à-vis interoperability; provide guidance on the implications of the new Interoperability requirement for utilities, regulators and vendors; and to suggest strategies for leveraging the game-changing inverter technology.      This course describes the fundamental challenges in integrating inverter-based DERs into grid operations and the significant changes being implemented by inverter vendors to enable more scalable interoperability between all systems in the Grid-DER management infrastructure.    The course is aimed at those decision-makers and implementers working on short-term and long-term strategic plans for scaling DER integration into grid operations.  The understanding and adoption of standard communications protocols for inverter-based communications are critical to success.  Who should attend this course? The course is aimed at senior executives, product managers, engineers, software developers, system architects, and IT professionals who are planning to (or in the process of) design, integrate, or maintain a scalable DER communications infrastructure using standard communication protocols.   Attendees should have a working knowledge of DER products and capabilities as defined by IEEE 1547-2018.   Experience with DER interconnection requirements and management of DERs would be beneficial but not required.  Experience in the field is probably more important as a pre-requisite than specific degrees or certifications. 

To register for this course, click here! This course provides an examination of the fundamentals of electric utility supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems with a focus on case studies, industry best practices, and application of the concepts. Key topics to be covered include:  SCADA system benefits, building blocks, and system integration  The business case for SCADA  Delivering reliability outcomes through digital technologies  Introduction to and comparison of communication technologies and protocols  The use of SCADA in emerging applications  Describe the specific knowledge, skills and/or capabilities that attendees should acquire through this course.  A student new to SCADA will leave with a thorough understanding of why these systems are so important to reliable grid operation as well as what other technologies and considerations accompany an actual deployment. A critical component of this class is the opportunity to ask questions of the presenters and share experiences/issues with follow classmates. The presenters have over 60 years combined experience in this area so the talk will include many “real world” equipment and project examples (utility case studies) to go along with the technology narrative.  Who should attend this course?  Engineers and managers responsible for planning and cost justifying SCADA, communications, and smart grid  Engineers responsible for designing and implementing a SCADA, communications, or smart grid project, or contributing to its design and implementation  Nontechnical professionals who wish to get an introduction to SCADA and smart grid  technologies  Operators and technicians working with SCADA, communications or smart grid  systems  Project Managers  Engineers and sales personnel working for suppliers and integrators of hardware and software products used in SCADA, communications or smart grid  and related fields  Prerequisite skills, knowledge, certifications  No prior knowledge of SCADA or certifications required 

To register for this course, click here! Effective project management for electric, water, and gas utilities relies on superior implementation approaches, techniques, and skills. Implementation success for utility projects is not a given in our industry in general where as many as 80% of projects fail to meet their technical, cost, or schedule objectives. For projects which have achieved success, strong project management has proven to be the essential ingredient. The documented benefits of good project management are myriad, but the effects are easy to see: projects which deliver to their goals despite the inevitable hurdles present in any large-scale endeavor.  Describe the specific knowledge, skills and/or capabilities that attendees should acquire through this course.    This course distills lessons learned and best practices from successful projects into an understandable guide and roadmap for those either about to embark, or currently managing a project. Students will be taken through the planning process, from the very first planning steps through the project closeout and operational transition, and how to position the organization for even greater benefit in the future. Specific guidelines, approaches, and techniques to avoid issues and maximize benefits, with examples and case studies tools will be taught. By the end of the course, the student will have gained the knowledge and key lessons learned to manage successfully based on multiple utility implementations.  Who should attend this course? All utility personnel involved in utility projects, from executive sponsors and project management to utility operational personnel, will benefit from the complete understanding of project resource needs, business impacts, customer benefits/impacts, and technology.  Prerequisite skills, knowledge, certifications  A college education and familiarity with utility operations is helpful.

To register for this course, click here! The purpose of this course is to educate students on:  The role of Outage Management Systems (OMS) at utilities  The core OMS modules and functions   The role of GIS models in OMS  How Emergency Management practices are being embraced and used by utilities  How customer communications are evolving related to outages Describe the specific knowledge, skills and/or capabilities that attendees should acquire through this course.    Learn about:  Outage Management System Modules and Capabilities  Outage communications   ADMS and OMS operations business processes and trends  Maintaining OMS models  Seattle City Light’s OMS (a case study) Use of OMS at CenterPoint Energy and one other utility in both blue sky days and during storms  Overview of the future directions of OMS   Who should attend this course?    New OMS (and ADMS) end-users  OMS administrators  Control Center Managers  Customer Service managers  People involved in the procurement of a new or replacement OMS or ADMS.  Prerequisite skills, knowledge, certifications  A limited and/or minimal understanding of electric utility practices  No IT, OMS or emergency management experience needed 

To register for this course, click here! The hype around storage is only matched by the need for storage as the grid transforms.  This course will provide the following information: Fact based comparison between the different types of storage available An understanding of the characteristics of storage  11 different types of standard batteries,   7 different kinds of flow batteries, and   24 different types of non-battery storage (e.g., hydrogen, ammonia, small pumped hydro, etc.).   Safety, capital cost, O&M cost, facility life, storage life, ramp rates, charge time, round trip efficiency, etc.  Discussion of uses cases, duration and value   Regulations and compliance standards for storage including an introduction to NFPA855 An understanding of which questions to ask storage vendors. Who should attend this course?   Energy industry professionals who want have basic knowledge about energy storage in order to help identify which type of storage will meet their needs.   This course is designed to be jargon-free and provide a basic understanding of storage in layman’s terms. It is useful for all levels from final decision makers to line engineers.  

To register for this course, click here! Course purpose This course will provide information electric utilities need to plan, integrate, and commission an advanced distribution management system (ADMS) that includes functions for electrical optimization, outage management, DER Management, and other advanced applications. Describe the specific knowledge, skills and/or capabilities that attendees should acquire through this course.  System integration guidelines and challenges Current vendor offerings Implementation strategy Lessons learned by at least two leading utilities who have recent ADMS implementation experience Who should attend this course Electric utility operators, engineers and managers involved in the operation, design and optimization of electric distribution systems Representatives of electric distribution companies that are implementing or planning to implement ADMS functionality Information technology and business process personnel responsible for system integration and transitioning to modern distribution control centers Financial personnel interested in the business case for deploying ADMS Prerequisite skills, knowledge, certifications Knowledge of electric distribution operations Business processes for managing customer outages General knowledge of communication media for remote monitoring and control of electric power apparatus

To register for this course, click here! As cybersecurity requirements continue to grow, utility industry vendors and suppliers are constantly challenged to keep up with the latest requirements in a cost-effective way. The purpose of this course is to familiarize attendees with the latest cybersecurity requirements, proven methods to achieve compliance, and how cost savings and enhanced business operations can be realized through the latest designs of cybersecurity infrastructures and modern communication networks. Attendees will acquire An overview of IEC 61850 and its role in efficient information-based operations in utilities going forward. Who should attend: Cyber security personnel, compliance managers, protection and control engineers/ managers; asset managers, system planners, maintenance personnel, utility IT personnel, operations personnel   Prerequisite skills and knowledge: Utility operation and communication fundamentals.

To register for this course, click here! This course provides an in-depth look at the systems that utilize supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) information, functionality, and secure networks for advanced applications. Key topics to be covered include:  Distribution Automation (DA) and Advanced Distribution Management Systems (ADMS)  Integration with other systems such as distributed energy resources (specifically solar PV and energy storage systems), new power electronics devices, and microgrids  The impacts of IT/OT convergence and data from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and robots  SCADA system design and best practices  Cybersecurity considerations and perspectives   Describe the specific knowledge, skills and/or capabilities that attendees should acquire through this course.    Those wishing to build on an existing background in SCADA should expect to learn how other applications utilize the data, implementation challenges, and the latest tools for securing the system against cyber threats. As with the "fundamentals” course, attendees will be encouraged to bring questions and experiences to share. The presenters will address these and facilitate discussion on how the time-tested methods of utility data acquisition and control can be married with new, more complex applications.  Who should attend this course?    Engineers and managers responsible for planning and cost justifying SCADA, communications, and smart grid Engineers responsible for designing and implementing a SCADA, communications, or smart grid project, or contributing to its design and implementation  Nontechnical professionals who wish to get an introduction to SCADA and smart grid technologies  Operators and technicians working with SCADA, communications, or smart grid systems  Project Managers  Engineers and sales personnel working for suppliers and integrators of hardware and software products used in SCADA, communications or smart grid and related fields  Prerequisite skills, knowledge, certifications  No prior knowledge of SCADA or certifications required 

To register for this course, click here! The purpose of this course is to educate students on:  Outage Optimization and Digital Strategies for OMS  Advanced ADMS/OMS Data Exchanges   Visibility of Network Models Outside of the Control Center  Advanced Outage Analytics  OMS Product Roadmaps  Using Fault Data and AMI Data to Improve Outage Predictions  Describe the specific knowledge, skills and/or capabilities that attendees should acquire through this course.    Learn about:  Digital Communications Strategies   Outage Data Exchanges, Standards and Protocols   Network Model Visibility  Maintaining OMS models  Advanced Outage Analytics  Future Directions of OMS Products  Fault Data and AMI Data Integration  Emergency Preparedness and Emergency Management   Who should attend this course?    Experienced OMS (and ADMS) end-users  OMS administrators  Control Center Managers  Customer Service managers  People involved in the procurement of a new or replacement OMS or ADMS  Emergency Preparedness Managers  Prerequisite skills, knowledge, certifications  Some exposure to electric utility practices  Basic experience withs OMS or emergency management practices and/or Outage Management Fundamentals 

To register for this course, click here! As the power system is moving toward an inverter-dominated system, this course is intended to inform the audience on the need for grid-forming inverters, including the definition, use cases, and performance requirements of these inverters.  Describe the specific knowledge, skills and/or capabilities that attendees should acquire through this course.   Attendees of the course will acquire knowledge on:   System needs from inverter-based resources in an inverter-dominated system  The definition of a grid-forming inverter and how it differs from a grid-following inverter  Grid-forming control methods and their high-level operation principles  Use cases for grid-forming inverters in the distribution and transmission grid  Performance requirements of grid-forming inverters in utility-scale microgrids    Who should attend this course?    Engineers and consultants working in the areas of  Transmission planning and operations  Distribution planning and operations  Microgrid design and operation  Owners of inverter-based generation resources  Inverter vendors    Prerequisite skills, knowledge, certifications  Basic understanding of power system operation and grid support from inverter-based resources 

To register for this course, click here! This course is focused on Data Operations in the real-time world of AMI and IoT.  This course answers these questions: What are the critical activities for monitoring and managing the real-time and near real-time data from smart meters and the plethora of IoT (Internet of Things) sensors being added to utility communications? How can you simplify the millions of data elements which flow into the utility data operations by automating the monitoring and management, filtering the noise and getting information to the systems and personnel who can utilize the information? How do you increase the utilization of the valuable data from millions of metering and sensing endpoints? What are the right systems and personnel to monitor, manage and analyze this overwhelming amount of data? AMI and IoT are moving to edge computing, how do you move data operations from a static to a dynamic view to take advantage of this? Who should attend this course and what knowledge is required? Project managers, IT managers, Operations and Analytics personnel.  Basically, any utility personnel who expect to be involved in the utilization or operation AMI and IoT with millions of real-time endpoints.  Anyone considering the implementation of AMI, MDM, MAMS and/or Enterprise Analytics and would like to understand how the solution will be operated and why consideration of operation is important at the start, rather than the end, of the project. Attendees must understand the metering and sensing requirements and data required by utility operations.

To register for this course, click here! To discuss the rapidly changing demographics of the current and incoming workforce, and how this relates directly to achieving goals of gender and LGBTQIA+ based diversity and inclusion (D&I). To explain the basic principles of showing respect, equity, fairness, and inclusion towards employees, vendors, clients, and all persons worldwide - regardless of the basis of sex, sexual orientation, gender, and gender identity. To demonstrate via an example how building this positive goals-oriented respectful culture will empower all your employees to be their very best. Throughout the session, attendees participate in role-playing using real-life examples to help us recognize our own unconscious bias and how it impacts the organization. These examples will help us consider “How that situation made us feel?,” what you thought about while the situation was happening,” and what did you learn about yourself and others?” We will talk about microaggression and macroaggression and their impact on the work environment. You will gain best practices to remove misconceptions and stereotypes and engage in dialogue that will be the catalyst for change. The presenter will provide practical tips that help you manage situations positively and productively. Describe the specific knowledge, skills, and /or capabilities that attendees should acquire through this course. Learning specific action plans for engaging management and employees as a team to create an inclusive workspace, as well as communicating your commitment to such both internally and externally. Successful strategies for crafting or changing Human Resources guidelines, updating management and employee training materials, and having meaningful enforcement of these policies – including ensuring that employee benefits programs are inclusive and fair. How to encourage D&I in employee recruitment, hiring, advancement, and retention. The role of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and community participation, and how to develop workable and sustainable programs. Addressing sub-contractor, supplier, and vendor diversity concerns. Developing and tracking internal and external compliance metrics for success. Being aware of continuing “change as usual.” Who should attend this course? Supervisors and managers at all levels, customer-facing professionals, human resources and talent development personnel, corporate training, and education staff, etc. especially those who work with others from various countries and cultures from around the world? This topic is highly applicable to the STEM fields where a significant gender-based division exists that has been traditionally weighted heavily towards one side. Prerequisite skills and knowledge: Nothing specifically required.

To register for this course, click here! This course provides a fresh unbiased perspective on communications technologies for critical applications for both existing automation programs and for future programs as defined in your Grid Modernization Master Plan.  Most utilities already have some form of backhaul communications for SCADA, AMI, and DA.  However, the emerging grid modernization programs are being expanded by adding new applications and greatly expanding existing programs. Communicating with customer-owned DER endpoints has become a growing challenge, the communication requirements for DA and AMI backhaul are also expanding and substations are becoming communication node locations.     The latest communications breakthroughs listed below will be reviewed with case studies used to enhance the learning outcomes.  Comparisons will be made regarding: latency, reliability, spectrum required, communication protocols, ease or challenge of obtaining end-point coverage, throughput potential, power requirements, typical pricing and several other characteristics.  The architecture, vendor solutions, costs and cost justification process and value proposition will be covered while addressing the following:  Private LTE Overview Including a Private LTE Case Study  Private LTE as your Long-Term AMI Metering Solution:    802.16s WiMAX Overview:    Licensed Broadband Spectrum Sources: 900 MHz, 700 MHz, 600 MHz, 220 MHz  Review the Narrowband Communication Alternatives:   AMI as a Backhaul for the Field Area Network Programs:    Communications Beyond the Meter  Fiber Optics as part of the WAN:  Commercial cellular Specific knowledge, skills and/or capabilities that attendees will acquire: Learn about private LTE and 802.16s and the use of licensed spectrum for your Field Area Network applications.   Discover new opportunities to commercialize communication assets.  Learn about new applications that are now requiring communications – C&I DER, home automation Behind-the-meter (BTM), private drone communications, expanded DA program, others.   The ability to separate technology hype with great future promise versus technologies that are ready for a 2022 deployment. Who should attend this course?    This course is targeted for a variety of skill sets and experience levels including the following:   Senior Executives who are tasked with approving recommendations that involve millions of dollars of smart utility infrastructure can benefit by learning about the trade-offs of different communication technologies and key questions they should be asking their staffs.  Utility strategy personnel looking for new opportunities to expand a utilities revenue (either regulated or deregulated).  For experienced engineers that oversee SCADA, ADMS, DA, AMI and new DER programs that are now tasked with replacing their legacy communications infrastructure with the next generation communications.  For IT staff that that may have focused more on internal applications that are now assigned to project teams that involve the WAN and FAN for the future selection or deployment of next generation communications infrastructure.  For project managers that may not be experts with communication technologies but will be involved with procuring, deploying or managing communication infrastructure projects.  For attendees that only have time for a four-hour class and want to receive a fresh update on the state of industry for Field Communications for mission critical programs like SCADA, DA, AMI and DER backhaul. 

With the backdrop of 14 years as governor of the nation’s second-largest state and a lifetime of public service, former Texas Governor Rick Perry shares with audiences his thoughts on current events and conveys what he’s learned from his extensive executive and legislative experiences with examples he faced as governor of the Lone Star State.

The keynote session sets the stage and kicks off three exciting days of education and networking at POWERGEN International®. Day one will open with a keynote address by Jim Greer, EVP, and COO of Oncor; Tom Deitrich, President and Chief Executive Officer to Itron; Braden Cammauf, Head of FPT Industrial Brand Nafta; Jennifer M. Granholm, Secretary, U.S. Department of Energy, and Rick Perry, Former U.S. Secretary of Energy and Governor of Texas. 

This presentation will address changes in code requirements in the last year and since the last PowerGen conference, as well as the advancements in battery storage technology over the past year. It will also lay out current approaches and changes to managing large-scale battery failures and fires. Because the industry continues to develop projectable data and with codes that continue to develop and change, this presentation will draw from recent testing conducted to date as well as real-life experiences with fire detection and suppression systems. It will include further updates on the explosion hazard as well.

The future of energy in Texas and the US is one of carbon-free promise, but numerous challenges face us in designing and operating an electrical system to meet the growing demand for power while ensuring resiliency, reliability, and security. How do we manage these challenges within a changing regulatory regime and with an evolving threat environment? Deepa Poduval, Vice President & Global Advisory Leader at Black & Veatch kicks off the Leadership Summit with a short introduction. Following his remarks will be a conversation with former US Secretary of Energy and former Governor of Texas, Rick Perry, Massoud Amin, professor of Electrical Engineering at the University of Minnesota, and Julia Matevosyan, Chief Engineer at ESIG Energy. This give-and-take discussion will offer a candid assessment of the policy, technology, and cybersecurity issues that are crucial to the bulk power system’s future.

When increasingly frequent climate-related severe weather incidents and the influx of intermittent renewables add uncertainty and instability to power networks, reliable backup power is mandatory. Reliable and carbon-neutral. Enabling both resilient AND sustainable long-duration energy generation and storage, hydrogen-fueled backup and off-grid power solutions deliver this key capability. Reliable, sustainable backup power is increasingly important, not only for emergency response and disaster recovery for mission-critical applications like utility substations, but also to drive innovative use cases such as EV charging stations and hybrid microgrids. In this session we host the system integrator that deployed our resilient AND sustainable backup systems at over 70 substations at the Mexican state-owned utility CFE.
 

This Case study examines unique project approach taken by a group of stakeholders who worked as a tightly integrated team to achieve CHP integration into existing industrial facility. Process considerations required will be highlighted and discussed in detail. Tate & Lyle, Global provider of food and beverage ingredients and solutions, undertook a large-scale sustainability upgrade for its Lafayette South corn wet milling plant in Indiana. Transitioning from existing coal-fired boiler to new natural gas turbine co-generation system, to generate electricity and steam to power and heat the facility, will lead to drastic improvement in operational and energy efficiency at the plant and deliver more than a 30 percent reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and around 5 percent reduction of water usage. Project drivers and challenges will be discussed, along with best practices and successes integrating the project into the regional energy landscape. The infrastructure improvement aspects will be covered in addition to practical considerations as the paper outlines steps that were taken to Engineer, Procure, Construct and Commission a fast-tracked project. Our case study outlines project delivery innovation which helped drive successful completion. The team leveraged innovative design, procurement, and construction package sequencing to maximize schedule efficiency and reduce project risk. Time spent at the planning and budgeting stage helped ensure a clear path to completion with minimum impact to ongoing plant operations. The new system consists of two 25 MW gas turbines, coupled with heat recovery steam generators integrated into the existing plant infrastructure. The Owner, Tate & Lyle, initiated development and budgeting process for the project in 2018, Middough Inc. provided the engineering design and worked with major equipment suppliers to integrate their packages into the overall plant design. Detailed design started in mid-2019, continuing through project completion. Tate & Lyle self-executed construction and commissioning with engineering support from Middough. Design packages were utilized to optimize installation schedule and help construction contractors drive efficient work fronts. This project highlights growth in commercial and industrial power generation and necessity of excellent BOP design and engineering support partnered with an owner commitment to achieving high quality and performance in construction.

Sponsored by Black & Veatch: The power generation mix of the future will certainly emit far less carbon than in decades prior. And it will contain a large portion of renewable energy technologies. But it will not be a mix of just three or four ingredients to achieve net-zero goals by Destination 2050—it will contain multitudes. The race to decarbonization will take not only wind, solar, and energy storage, but baseload and thermal power along for the ride. The gas-fired transition to hydrogen plays a tremendous role, while conventional combined cycle gas turbines will remain an integral part of the future generation portfolio. To that end, carbon capture projects are being implemented and future ones are explored in the all-hands-on-deck struggle to clean our air and yet provide stable electricity for our people. This session will include Black & Veatch’s extensive work in all of these areas, with other experts in the field sharing experiences and visions on the operational side of the baseload path to low and no carbon. 

The conventional generators are being displaced as solar and wind become a significant proportion of the generation mix on the grid. This rapid change to non-synchronous resources, makes it more critical that these asynchronous generation are able to provide services required to maintain power grid stability and reliability. This growing demand is being met through smarter use of the inverter technology and plant controls deployed in such resources. A pioneering effort by First Solar, NREL and CAISO demonstrated that utility-scale solar plants can provide essential reliability services that enhance the reliability of the power grid as well increase the value of these Inverter-Based Resources (IBRs). These services have now been put in commercial practice. In another seminal study with a utility, it was shown that solar, when used flexibly, result in significant benefits. It can potentially provide over $130M in annual benefits to the CAISO grid. New standards like IEEE P2800 are being developed to change how IBRs connect to the transmission system. The further evolution of inverters technology – “grid-forming” inverters – has the potential to address some of the longer-term power system challenges such as reduced inertia and low short-circuit current and help transform the current grid into a future “digital” grid. A new paradigm for developers and utilities connecting and planning for these resources to meet the grid integration challenges is being set.

Heads of companies and thought leaders discuss specific challenges they have to meet their decarbonization goals or those set by government agencies, and how R&D can help individual companies and industries. The panel would focus on specific challenges and opportunities industries are facing, on electrification and its limits, and on specific measures/technologies needed.

Initiate is the hub at DISTRIBUTECH to hear about new technology, innovation, and up and coming talent in the energy sector. There will be 25 amazing startup companies pitching for a chance to win an award from Duke Energy and Clarion Energy Events. Stop by booth #3755 on the POWERGEN side to hear pitches and content centered around energy innovation.

Power grid complexity has increased with the integration of renewable-based resources.  Rotating Synchronous Machines and Power Electronics solutions guarantee the long-term stability and resilience of these power grids by providing critical stability parameters such as system inertia, short circuit power, and reactive power. In addition shutdown of conventional power generation sources increases the need for these grid stabilization solutions at strategic interconnection points. These solutions have been successfully implemented in regions pioneering the use of renewable energy including Western North America, Europe, and Australia.

For this presentation, we will focus mainly on the provision of system inertia and short circuit power. We will present and discuss in detail current and potential future solutions that can provide these required grid ancillary services. Grid stabilization solutions are presented for unmanned stations with outputs in the range of 500MVar reactive power, 2000MVA short circuit power, and up to 4000MW·s rotating inertia contribution, without the use of hydrogen cooling. Such solutions can be realized as New-Build or by conversion of existing power plants. 

Potential future technology mixes that combine generation, stabilization, and storage solutions are also presented.  Hybrid power trains have the flexibility to provide grid ancillary services as well as active power for load balancing.

Take 5 for a drink and a quick chat at our cantina receptions located throughout the exhibit hall.

Networking Bar Locations:

Company	Booth Name
Black & Veatch	4811
PTMW	3745
Power Plant Services	6146
Qualus Power Services	3827
Maddox	4245
Blue Wolf Performance Solutions	4516

The always complicated process forced upon developers and builders of new projects for the energy sector gets more challenging and problematic every year. Financial constraints, technology, and connectivity needs, regulatory hurdles, political pressures, and, last but not least, environmental goals and challenges are not always in alignment, so utilities and their partners have hard rows to hoe in bringing those together. A significant part of our build strategy is now planning for weather-related challenges with hurricanes, wildfires, and other natural disasters.  How do we prepare ourselves to keep the grid and infrastructure online or restore as quickly as possible when disaster strikes?  This session will look at how both utilities, developers, and partners navigate the building and install the intelligent equipment needed for Destination 2050. 

For over 100 years the engine-generator has reliably produced electricity for virtually any application everywhere around the world. Renewables, a somewhat newcomer to the scene, a new generation of batteries, and the threat of climate change promises to disrupt the engine generator world. There is an opportunity for everyone to win. That is combining the technologies into systems that cheaply, and reliably, produce electricity while polluting less. This presentation will look at the design of hybrid power systems based on economics and provide solutions as to how everyone wins.

The Initiate Hub (booth #3755) will host an invite-only mixer on Monday, May 23rd, from 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm. This exclusive mixer will bring together startup companies and utility innovation managers for an informal hour of networking and connecting.

Around the world, power producers are under pressure to deliver reliable, affordable, decarbonized electricity 24/365. On-demand power based on aero-derivative technology helps producers meet these competing goals. Rapidly expanding renewable energy sources provide zero-carbon generation, but wind and sun vary output. Renewable technologies are also more susceptible to damage from severe weather events such as hurricanes and snow/ice storms that can disrupt existing infrastructure. The changing generation mix from larger central plants to more distributed and intermittent power sources is making the grid less resilient. Due to the rapid growth in demand for electricity, power providers often can’t build out their energy infrastructure assets (generation, distribution, transmission, fuels) quickly enough to serve expanding populations and industry. This demand growth is further accelerated by the electrification of transportation and industrial sectors. Falling capacity margins plus increasing levels of power from intermittent sources, and cybersecurity threats, make it increasingly difficult to maintain grid reliability and power quality. As these issues become more pressing, the need is increasing for on-demand energy systems. We will detail several areas where aero-derivative on-demand power technology is addressing today’s speed imperative: -Ensuring reliable power supply in systems with increasing levels of intermittent renewable energy: Deployment of renewable power and the discovery of significant natural gas reserves in Israel have resulted in a change to the energy mix. A 400 MW natural gas power plant powered by aero-derivatives, capable of fast-start and quick ramp up/down, will provide dependable power that is critical to supporting renewables. -Helping accelerate electrification and economic growth in developing regions: Prior to installing 54 mobile aero-derivative units, regions of Algeria suffered an inadequate power supply and aging infrastructure that caused regular blackouts. Of the 1.3 GW, 350 MW of the additional capacity has been relocated quickly and affordably to address Algeria’s ever-changing needs. -Ideal solution for fast-track and mobile power generation needs: In 2019, PREPA installed three 30 MW mobile aero-derivative units to improve the resiliency of the grid following Hurricane Maria. This technology will help to achieve grid firming when natural disasters hit and will support Puerto Rico’s renewable energy objectives.

Join your colleagues for a drink on the exhibit floor! Thanks to our sponsors there will be bars available throughout the exhibit hall located at each sponsor's booth.

Networking Bar Locations:

Company	Booth Number
UBC Millwrights	5117
WEG Electric Motors	5025
S T Cotter Turbine Services Inc.	4139
Industronic Inc	4333
Tuff Tube Transition	4765

To register for the roundtables, click here!

These roundtable discussions provide excellent opportunities to network with peers while engaging with industry experts. Roundtables focused on specific industry topics are moderated by leading professionals in each field. The roundtables sell out quickly—don’t delay reserving your seat!

This session will explore the different financing mechanisms and capital structures that will be critical to enabling a more sustainable energy future and what actors will be key to making this a success. Alternative financing for medium sized players: Reconciliation, direct-pay tax credits What's next for Project Finance? CPPAs, VPPAs, and what about other options?

Hawaiian Electric Company’s (HECO) recently completed a 50 MW reciprocating engine power plant and a new 46kV switchyard on Schofield Army Barracks in Wahiawa, HI. This presentation will discuss the deal between HECO/Army/State, and how the plant was spec’d and designed to meet the needs of those stakeholders. Every design and construction decision was based on how well the result would satisfy the needs of the stakeholders. The presentation will also look at the following: • The benefits of the plant for HECO, the DOD and the local community • How the plant allows more integration of variable renewables • The trifuel design to integrate potential future LNG or a biogas as well as the local biofuel supply, and how it creates local jobs and supports local economy • Black start capability and challenges • The experience in operation after a couple of years and any lessons learned

As we see widespread power outages caused by more frequent weather and natural disasters, it's evident something needs to change. Relying only on a century-old grid design, characterized by energy produced at a distance from consumption, is no longer viable. Energy systems by 2030 have to look very different from today to keep up with the population and the electricity demand and be more resilient. Distributed generation through solar and storage must increase to firm access to electricity across all infrastructures. This is a real opportunity if distributed energy assets (DER) are connected through sophisticated communication and control systems that track the energy being generated and demand based on local economics, a communications and control system known as Dynamic Energy Management. In this session, Jacqueline DeSouza, President of Apparent, will dive into how Dynamic Energy Management uses sophisticated communications and controls data aggregation systems to match the mix of available energy (grid, solar, fuel cell, storage) in all waveforms to meet demand. DeSouza will demonstrate why this technology is at the heart of what's to come in clean energy and how it will adapt the energy generated to meet demand at every point of infrastructure, from residential and commercial microgrids to EV charging hubs and the broader energy market. Finally, DeSouza will describe how emerging technologies will improve and integrate distributed generation with the grid to achieve both and support the adoption of clean energy and EVs without a costly overhaul of grid infrastructure, providing a secure energy future for everyone.

The future of energy in Texas and the US is one of carbon-free promise, but numerous challenges face us in designing and operating an electricity system that does not emit greenhouse gasses. What is the best way to meet growing consumer demand for power while ensuring resiliency and reliability? How can we address potential disruptions to natural gas supply, given limited storage and transportation capacity? And how do we manage these challenges within a changing regulatory environment? Mario Azar, President of Power Business at Black & Veatch will kick off the Leadership Summit with a short introduction. Join us for a conversation with former US Secretary of Energy and former Governor of Texas, Rick Perry, and Brad Jones, Acting CEO of ERCOT. They have tackled energy challenges throughout the country and will weigh in on the unique issues that lie ahead as we march toward the Net-Zero Future.

Dominion Energy Innovation Center's DEIC Accelerate program introduced 15 startups to dozens of business units across Dominion Energy in its first two years. In this session, Adam Sledd of DEIC and Michael Beiro of Linebird will discuss how the program creates value for both the utility and the startups.  They will cover how a startup can maximize its opportunity to quickly build customer relationships, and how the utility benefits from creating a formal framework to engage startup companies.

To purchase a ticket, click here!

Workplace diversity is becoming a more common conversation in the business world and placing a focus on diversity and inclusion should extend farther than the hiring department. Diversity is a range of human differences, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, social class, physical ability or attributes, religious or ethical values, national origin, veteran status, and political beliefs. Join us for a networking lunch to hear industry leaders speak on the topic of diversity in the workplace and share the best practices they have experienced in this space.

Whether we have more jobs or less is a debate only time will settle, but there is no doubt 100% of jobs will be reskilled. How we work and Why is being recalibrated, and society overall will take a radical shift as we head into what has been described as the Fourth Industrial Revolution. How can we build the new capacities necessary? How will new tools shape new behaviors and drive new expectations? Which old practices to manage risk are actually now putting us at risk? And how will we measure we are doing it right?

Sponsored by Black & Veatch: As a provider of (pollution-free) water to their customers, decarbonization and resiliency are always among Placer County Water Agency’s top goals. As PCWA plans for a reduction in their carbon footprint, they are especially reimagining their fleet with zero-emission vehicles. In conjunction with moving towards a zero-emission fleet, they are also looking at their facilities to supply on-site renewable energy, to further reduce their emissions from their electricity needs. PCWA is an essential utility and must supply clean water to their customers, especially during emergency events. Resiliency is a significant consideration at every step of their planning. Changes in weather patterns and an increased number of natural disasters (such as hurricanes, forest fires, etc.) only add to the importance of planning for resiliency – for their facility and now also for their zero-emission fleet. This presentation will address the following, with examples from PCWA’s experiences: Fleet energy planning – Type of decarbonized vehicle (battery electric or hydrogen fuel cell electric) to consider for the fleet, the corresponding energy, and infrastructure needs. Decarbonized energy planning – based on the type of decarbonized vehicle technology, various considerations for fueling these vehicles with renewable energy sources. Resiliency – planning for long-duration outages and considerations for energy generation + storage infrastructure on-site that can provide needed backup power for an emergency operation scenario.

Dominion Energy Innovation Center's DEIC Accelerate program introduced 15 startups to dozens of business units across Dominion Energy in its first two years. In this session, Adam Sledd of DEIC and Michael Beiro of Linebird will discuss how the program creates value for both the utility and the startups.  They will cover how a startup can maximize its opportunity to quickly build customer relationships, and how the utility benefits from creating a formal framework to engage startup companies.

This presentation will begin with a general overview of the role and importance of energy in the treatment of water and wastewater. It will include background in on the energy usage for the treatment of water and wastewater facilities and a review of the renewed focus for “resource recovery” and driving net zero for energy neutrality at these facilities. The presentation will particularly focus on the opportunities for renewable energy generation at water treatment facilities. It will include some detailed review of two functioning case studies of renewable energy generation at several wastewater facilities. One project case studies include a operational project in Greater Lawrence Sanitation District in Andover, MA. This facility receives outside source separated organics (SSO) which are diverted from municipal solid waste and serves as a feedstock to the facilities anaerobic digestion process. The digestion process produces biogas which is utilized onsite in a 3.2MW combined heat and power (CHP) system which generates power and heat utilized onsite. The second project case study will be an overview of the bioenergy program at the Des Moines Wastewater Reclamation Facility (WRF) in Des Moines Iowa. This facility receives over 20,000 tanker trucks a year of outside organic wastes. These organic wastes are fed to anaerobic digesters which generated significant flows of approximately 1,800 scfm of biogas. The biogas produced is fed to a Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) processing system which processes the biogas into high-quality RNG for pipeline injection. This presentation will include a detailed review of the project drivers, economics, and revenue generated from the program which successfully started up for pipeline injection in early 2020. The presentation will also include a discussion on the policy implications of both the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and state (California Low Carbon Fuel Standard - LCFS) including an overview of the Renewable Identification Number (RINs) environmental attributes and the fuel pathways applicable to biogas and RNG produced from these sources. It will include various revenue scenarios applicable to renewable energy generation projects under these federal and state programs. The presentation will wrap up with an overview of the synergy between energy and water including a review and overview of industry drivers and opportunities for energy generation and private partners in the water industry.

Take 5 for a drink and a quick chat at our cantina receptions located throughout the exhibit hall.

Networking Bar Locations:

Company	Booth Name
Black & Veatch	4811
Flanders Electric	6045
PTMW	3745
Qualus Power Services	3827

What does it take to Engineer, Procure and Construct a combined cycle power plant including a liquified natural gas (LNG) Storage and Re-gasification Facility in a remote location with limited access? Siemens Energy, with POWER Engineers as the Designer of Record, is doing just that in a location where the local grid is completely isolated from the commercial grid, meaning the facility must be completely and reliably energy self-sufficient. The existing facility has aging oil-fired generators which were due for major upgrades, but rather than invest in the aging technology, Siemens companies (lead by Siemens Government Technologies) were engaged through an Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) to not just reshape the existing microgrid, but to reinvent and modernize it with a combination of renewable energy, battery energy storage and a plethora of building energy conservation measures. An impressive piece of this puzzle is the nominal 20 MW 2x1 combined cycle power plant, comprised of two Siemens Energy SGT-A05 gas turbines and a 10 MW Siemens Energy SST-300EP steam turbine tied to an air-cooled condenser. Reliable power generation being a priority, clean-burning natural gas (via the LNG storage and conversion to NG facility) is the primary fuel with oil backup just in case. The challenges of designing and fitting the requisite equipment on a narrow peninsula of hard coral is only surpassed by the challenges of constructing it. This presentation will cover the highlights, obstacles, and successes in executing such an interesting project.

Dominion Energy Innovation Center's DEIC Accelerate program introduced 15 startups to dozens of business units across Dominion Energy in its first two years. In this session, Adam Sledd of DEIC and Michael Beiro of Linebird will discuss how the program creates value for both the utility and the startups.  They will cover how a startup can maximize its opportunity to quickly build customer relationships, and how the utility benefits from creating a formal framework to engage startup companies.

Sponsord by Dynamis Power Systems: With the emergence of renewable power sources and significant advancements in fuel source availability, mobile power is becoming critically important to our overall infrastructure.  Dynamis Power is seeing these advancements gain traction in various applications and industries that require rapid mobility without sacrificing traditional power generation standards.  This presentation will provide the following: Macro trends in mobile power solutions Benefits and technology features of: Mobile engine packages Mobile turbine packages Mobile energy storage packages

Over the past decade, the United States has been transitioning electric generation from a predominately coal-fired generating fleet to a natural gas-fired and renewable portfolio. This is certainly the case in the wind-rich areas of the Midwest and Texas. While certainly producing more emissions, coal-fired resources did have two distinct advantages for providing reliable electricity: 1) a fuel source that had few competing uses and 2) a long-term, economical storage method for fuel. The power generation portfolio is becoming much more based on intermittent renewables and just-in-time fuel based natural gas-fired resources. A vast majority of the time, the natural gas production and delivery system can meet the needs of customers. However, in mid-February of 2021 Winter Storm Uri show us the vulnerability of the electric system. The system was not prepared to respond to such high demands in such extreme cold temperatures. At best, power generators received natural gas priced at 8 to 10 times normal pricing. At worst, natural gas was curtailed to many generators and they were unable to produce electricity when their customers needed it most. The result…prolonged rolling brown outs. Power generators needed firm, on-site fuel. This presentation will discuss 1) the options available for providing firm fuel backup at gas-fired power plants (ex., fuel oil, LNG, propane) for both existing and new power plants, 2) the advantages and challenges associated with each option, and 3) a cost-benefit evaluation comparing costs and market revenues.

Company	Booth Number
UBC Millwrights	5117
WEG Electric Motors	5025
S T Cotter Turbine Services Inc.	4139
Industronic Inc	4333
Tuff Tube Transition	4765

Join your colleagues for a drink on the exhibit floor! Thanks to our sponsors there will be bars available throughout the exhibit hall located at each sponsor's booth.

The reliability of remote, auxiliary, and standby power generation stations has become increasingly important due to the increased usage. A systems health can now be monitored in real time without the need of an increase in filed technician labor. This presentation introduces the recent advances in equipment condition monitoring technology that will allow you to be continuously aware of your systems performance as well as indications of emerging problems.

The fostering and nurturing of young talent is a central pillar of Initiate, whether an undergraduate or postgraduate student or a young professional at the beginning of their career.

Join us for the POWERGEN & DISTRIBUTECH Joint Networking Party, Power Play. Network with your industry peers at our sports-themed event.

In the Commercial and Industrial sector, distributed energy resources (DERs) have become increasingly pervasive, driven in part by available market revenue streams and accelerated by falling hardware prices for storage and renewable generation, available incentives, and increasingly sophisticated financing offerings. However, up until now participation in markets has largely been executed through singularly-directed or static strategies. For example, DER project owners and operators that only participate in capacity programs, which require load reduction commitments ahead of time, often leave value on the table. The next phase of a reliable and clean energy mix will not necessarily center around more DERs but around the better use of DERs. Millie Knowlton, Senior Manager of Strategy and Business Development at CPower Energy Management, will present on how to look across the entire continuum of energy value from both grid service programs and on-bill savings programs. Knowlton will share data from customer case studies over the past six months in PJM that leverage artificial intelligence-based optimization of on-site assets to illustrate the incremental value that can be captured when energy value streams are optimized. The presentation will educate on how to move underutilized assets further along the energy value continuum to participate in more services and value streams. Knowlton will cover market and energy programs that couple well together, depending on each asset type. Additionally, by leveraging automated optimization, project owners can better align the incentives of on-site improvements for greater returns from market participation. To help the audience determine the maximized value potential of their assets, the presentation will leverage CPower’s experience working with over 11,000 customer sites and across all types of assets from traditional back-up generators to energy storage. It will use case studies to illustrate the necessary components to scheduling, bidding, and dispatching assets on an ongoing basis, including the hardware, software, operational and compliance requirements. For site owners and third-party project owners or operators to earn the maximum value potential from DERs, they will need to be able to seamlessly balance priorities and make decisions based on changing information. Only then can DERs fully contribute to a more resilient grid.

Open forum discussion of best practices from those on the front line to implementation of those practices. 

Join us for the Initiate awards, where Clarion Events will announce 3 winners and Duke Energy will announce one 1-to 3 winners from the startup pitch competition.