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. 

Distributed generation and automated transactions are rapidly changing how we produce and consume electricity and offer alternative ways to deliver reliable and secure power, generated from various sources. This is driving new use cases for battery energy storage and microgrids―from remote regions not connected to the main grid and facing extreme conditions to urban areas with critical power reliability needs to locales and operators seeking to better manage EV charging.

At the same time, many digitalization efforts in energy are rooted by the adoption of renewable resources, as we actively try to decarbonize. This also drives increased complexity. Renewable resources are variable by nature and the grid needs new inertia and stability services to use the low-cost energy they provide. In the grid of tomorrow, data streams and an approach like AI can help us decide which actions to take. E-mobility infrastructure also requires advanced digitalization technologies to control, optimize and coordinate the vehicle charging process, including integration with battery energy storage systems and local Distributed Energy Resources (DERs).

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.

Tor register for this session, click here!

Utility companies are facing tough challenges this year due to the energy transition. From boosting clean energy to ensuring reliable and resilient services, utilities need to rethink their operational strategies to help keep pace. Companies are turning to technology to help meet these new demands. But how can utilities with complex systems take on the challenge of new technology?

Join this session to learn how your organization can navigate digital transformation. You'll learn how to gain operational efficiencies, strengthen customer relationships, and speed up your road to net-zero.

With the world moving toward a low-carbon economy, power generators must overcome the energy trilemma: providing affordable, resilient, and sustainable energy. By combining advanced digital control systems, predictive analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, Mitsubishi Power is helping customers integrate the entire plant ecosystem to seamlessly interact with the electrical power grid, energy storage, hybrid plants, and renewable generation sources. The TOMONI intelligent solutions suite is helping operators and owners increase O&M savings to accelerate their path to decarbonization. Key Takeaways: Create the digital infrastructure/platform to power your energy system Apply data-backed models to make real-time decisions in an increasingly complex world of power generation Enable decarbonization and optimize your systems making them more resilient, secure, and profitable

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.

Join large gas turbine OEM’s and hear them talk about the role of gas-fired generation in the future, how they see the energy mix developing, and the latest developments and innovations in the energy space.  

PAID EVENT: Reach out to info@powergen.com to add this to your registration 

The world is undertaking an energy transformation that will reshape electricity networks with renewable, clean, and resilient energy solutions. Yet, the electric grid and related transmission assets at the core of this energy transition were designed and built between 40 and 80 years ago - and much of that infrastructure is at or near the end of its useful life while being challenged to do more. Power utilities are at the center of this challenge; tasked with integrating record levels of new, renewable, energy assets while accommodating dramatically increased multidirectional power flows, and hardening the grid to prepare for increasingly severe weather events exacerbated by climate change. To meet the world’s ambitious climate goals, utilities must use innovative solutions to optimize the existing grid to help ensure a safe and expeditious transition to a de-carbonized world. Building new transmission will be necessary to ensure an energy transition, however given the timelines associated with financing, siting, permitting, and building new power lines, Grid Enhancing Technologies must also be utilized to optimize the existing grid. Summary The latest on the implementation and deployment of grid enhancing technologies Hear directly from utilities on the benefits of GETs Hear from policymakers about the latest on proposals and regulations promoting the expansion of GETs Hear from renewable energy executives on the benefits of GETs Who Should Attend: Guests will include representatives from leading utilities and RTOs/ISOs, who will share their experiences with the integration of GETs on networks.The world is undertaking an energy transformation that will reshape electricity networks with renewable, clean, and resilient energy solutions. Yet, the electric grid and related transmission assets at the core of this energy transition were designed and built between 40 and 80 years ago - and much of that infrastructure is at or near the end of its useful life while being challenged to do more. Power utilities are at the center of this challenge; tasked with integrating record levels of new, renewable, energy assets while accommodating dramatically increased multidirectional power flows, and hardening the grid to prepare for increasingly severe weather events exacerbated by climate change. To meet the world’s ambitious climate goals, utilities must use innovative solutions to optimize the existing grid to help ensure a safe and expeditious transition to a de-carbonized world. Building new transmission will be necessary to ensure an energy transition, however given the timelines associated with financing, siting, permitting, and building new power lines, Grid Enhancing Technologies must also be utilized to optimize the existing grid. Summary The latest on the implementation and deployment of grid enhancing technologies Hear directly from utilities on the benefits of GETs Hear from policymakers about the latest on proposals and regulations promoting the expansion of GETs Hear from renewable energy executives on the benefits of GETs Who Should Attend: Guests will include representatives from leading utilities and RTOs/ISOs, who will share their experiences with the integration of GETs on networks.

Gas-powered electric generating units (EGU) provide key flexibility and stability to the electrical grid and are likely to continue playing a significant role in peaking power generation and grid stabilization as decarbonization progresses. Given the ambitious goals for the power sector to have net zero carbon emissions by 2035, however, these assets must find ways to reduce carbon emissions while maintaining flexible and reliable operation. The cofiring of hydrogen in gas turbines (GT) presents an opportunity to decarbonize without compromising on generator output. Not all existing gas turbines are currently capable of cofiring significant amounts of hydrogen. However, many existing GTs and most new units can accommodate at least 30% hydrogen cofiring now with greater capabilities planned for the future of up to 100%. While the GT OEMs will be focusing on the challenge of expanding hydrogen cofiring capabilities for the turbines themselves, there remain several balance-of-plant (BOP) impacts that must be addressed by others. Whether hydrogen is to be produced and stored on site or delivered to site via tube trailers or pipelines, many considerations need to be evaluated. Several modifications to piping systems, water systems, emissions control and monitoring systems, safety systems, and more may be required to enable the cofiring of hydrogen. As the percentage of hydrogen cofiring increases, further modifications can be necessary. This presentation will cover the BOP related topics that a gas-powered EGU should consider in order to enable safe and reliable hydrogen cofiring. A case study will be presented within the presentation to highlight the modifications needed to an existing plant to enable hydrogen cofiring.

According to Accuweather, the damage costs from the winter storm in mid-February could be as high as $130 billion in Texas alone. In addition to the extreme cold conditions, loss of power was a contributor to the massive damages Texans suffered. The purpose of this white paper is to serve as an initial overview and assessment of electrical system reliability failures experienced during the extreme weather event that occurred within the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) Interconnection service territory from February 14, 2021 until February 18, 2021. The Southwest, Midwest, and Northeast experienced an extreme winter weather event in February 2021. The ERCOT service area underwent extreme winter weather from February 14 through February 18, 2021, with record low temperatures for much of the state of Texas. Those extremes created significant operational (equipment), electrical system (grid), fuel constraints and curtailments as with liquid natural gas (LNG) pipelines, and market (pricing) disruptions. A total of 356 generating units or approximately 50% of the total generating assets were forced offline during the event within the ERCOT service area. Frequency was ultimately impacted and registered below the 59.4 Hz limit for more than four minutes. Load shedding began on February 15 and reached a peak of approximately 20,000 MW. Load shedding was required for more than 70 hours before full system load could be restored. There were likely several triggers for the number of forced outages related to the extreme weather but generally, they appear to fall into two primary categories. These categories are 1) the inability of a unit to either start or maintain operational status related to weatherization, including both fuel-based facilities as well as renewables—primarily wind—and 2) reduction or loss of priority reassignment of natural gas for gas-fired facilities. It should be noted that there has been significant attention focused on wind assets, but the facts indicate that all resources were substantially impacted with no one category necessarily more affected than others. There are more likely other events related to icing of transmission and/or distribution systems that may have contributed to loss of service/contingent business interruptions of power, but these are beyond the scope of this paper.

As utility organizations need to transition from current generation mix to carbon free generation, while high levels statements are made, the actual transition and execution is left to technical teams who are challenged with economics, transmission, generation mix physics (reliability/regulatory requirements), integration and implementation of the transition itself.  This session is to provide the perspectives of mid-level staff at utilities on the actual execution of the transition plan.  Discussion regarding challenges of transitioning existing fossil fleet to decommissioning while bringing more variable renewables resources on line, challenges regarding the current transmission grid and how it influences mis transition, early indicators regarding operability and control of the emerging grid mix and other challenges that have become opportunities for innovation and utility growth.  The panel will be focused less on the challenges of transition but rather the opportunities and innovation the transition is creating for utilities and the entities that support them.

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.

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.

Global pressure on the use of traditional fossil fuels and the emission of greenhouse gases such as CO2 is enormous. Consequently, the gas turbine (GT) industry is taking action. One of the key efforts of reducing CO2 emissions in gas turbines is to shift the use of natural gas (typically CH4) to alternative fuels such as Hydrogen (H2). The various gas turbine OEMs, as well as utilities and other users of gas turbines, are currently investigating the impact of firing H2 in gas turbines. A lot less focus is given to its impact on other complementary equipment to gas turbines such as Heat Recovery Steam Generators (HRSGs), while a great deal of the global gas turbine fleet is connected with HRSGs. This paper will give insight into what the main impacts are of firing H2 in gas turbines on HRSGs. For example, the combustion of hydrogen will occur at higher flame temperatures than natural gas. One of the side effects of that fact is the production of more nitrogen oxides (NOx). Secondly, the water dew point of the flue gas increases when firing hydrogen in the GT. This means that cold parts which are in contact with flue gas will form condensation quicker. Thirdly, firing H2 adds extra volume to the exhaust gas flow compared to firing natural gas. Last, but certainly not least, are the additional safety aspects that apply when firing H2 in the gas turbine. This paper will explore design considerations for the HRSG based on the above impacts.

Long-duration energy storage is a broad definition.  This panel will attempt to clarify one of the most important bands of the energy sector.

Panelists Erik Steimle and Hugh McDermott will provide updates on pumped hydro and flow battery technology.  Long-time energy storage expert Doug Houseman will discuss all other options for utilities and developers.

Hosted by Jay Dauenhauer of the Energy Cast Podcast, this panel will be a lively and engaging discussion, exploring the possibilities and advantages of long-duration energy storage.

Sponsord by Cutsforth: Cutsforth will present a case study where EMI Monitoring and the associated signature assessment identified anomalies in a Transformer and Isophase Bus, which led to the replacement of a number of cracked insulators during a planned outage. During the presentation, Cutsforth will describe the conditions that led to the discovery, the type of signals related to the failure mode, and the importance of comparative data when diagnosing a transient event and key conclusions.

Sponsored by PolyJoule: This session offers an introduction to a new energy storage option using conductive polymer technology, from PolyJoule, an MIT-spinoff. The presentation will explain how the technology works, what applications it serves, and specifically how the company intends to fix grid volatility using this new energy storage technology.

Mix in the energy generation portfolio has been changing in recent years. More renewable energy resources are being added to the generation portfolio, creating new opportunities and challenges. Among other challenges of flexibility, these changes can also bring the challenges of grid frequency control. Bulk generation has inherent inertia due to turbines and generators that help control the frequency. As the penetration of renewables continues to increase, the power system inertia will be affected in a way that will require advanced control and optimization schemes to respond to under frequency and other disturbances of the grid. There are many EPRI and other research organizations performing research in this area from the grid aspect. Further research in the area of generator and governor control may be warranted. The objective of the project is to explore gaps in the research related to frequency response. Specifically, frequency response research gaps in the area of generator and governor controls.

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.

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.

A great deal of work has gone into reducing and eliminating the carbon footprint in an economical and sustainable manner for utility and district energy applications. Much information has been presented on using hydrogen as a fuel for combustion gas turbines to support zero-carbon-emission CHP solutions. However, not enough has been said about applying the same approach to generate heating and process steam utilizing the packaged boilers in these same facilities. Hydrogen is a proven and viable fuel source whether the packaged boiler serves as a back-up to the CHP system, if it is used for heating steam, or whether it is producing steam to generate power in a steam turbine. The technology needed to facilitate hydrogen firing and eliminate CO emissions from the system is not new and does not increase risks associated with packaged boiler or burner design and operation. In order to ensure success, there are specific design factors in both the boiler and combustion system that must be considered. These system designs can significantly affect system efficiency as well as environmental regulation compliance. This presentation is designed to inform the audience about the key considerations when looking at firing hydrogen as a fuel in their packaged boiler. Green steam is not only a possibility but is a necessity. Understanding the entire system will prepare users for a successful project.

In today’s energy market with the increased use of renewable energy and high efficiency combined cycle power plants, many of the once base loaded pulverized coal power plants must cycle and/or operate at low load. Many plants are operating at 25% - 50% of MCR which is exposing new operating challenges that impact not only the efficiency of the plant at these loads but also the reliability of the boiler. Most professionals in the power industry are aware of the additional stresses cycling or low load operation can have on the boiler material and water chemistry. Conversely, Storm has found that there are several operator controllable parameters that are often overlooked but if addressed can improve the reliability of the overall plant. 1. Pulverizer Operation – Under cycling or low load situations the pulverizers at some point are operating on at the minimum primary air setpoint. At this point, the mill is most susceptible to coal rejects. While excessive coal rejects are considered a “stealth” heat rate penalty by Storm Technologies; it is also a safety concern due to the raw fuel that is spilling through the throat. 2. Out of Service Burner Health – Burners that are out of service are exposed to much greater temperatures than in-service burners. Out of service burner temperatures without cooling air often have metal temperatures north of 1,200°F – 1,300°F. This can easily cause the metals to warp and crack which impacts the efficiency of the burner. 3. Total Airflow Control – NFPA 85 requires a pulverized coal boiler to maintain 25% of full load airflow as the minimum airflow allowed during operation. Storm has found boilers operating with nearly 100% more airflow than is required for combustion when operating at low loads. 4. Poor Ignitor Flames – During startup, shut down or when oil ignitors may be put in service Storm has found that many cases, the ignitors suffer from “lazy” flame patterns. This is known to be the source of liquid oil carry over, elevated opacity levels and can even cause an air heater fire. The presentation will cover these four topics in more detail. Providing recent examples of field gathered data and the solutions that have been proven to mitigate these common, often overlooked, challenges plants face these days while cycling or operating at low loads.

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.

To register for this sesson, click here!

The industry is undergoing a fundamental change faced with unpredictable climate change and move towards electrification, non-traditional energy sources and providers. But the investments in infrastructure have failed to keep pace leading to catastrophic results in some cases. Electricity has also gone from a novelty to a necessity in the last 100+ years, and we’ve seen a varied response, often dependent on geography, socioeconomics, and the partnerships and vision of individual utilities to address the challenge of re-imaging the very nature of the grid. Utilities must establish a comprehensive and strategic vision to re-building the grid with resiliency, sustainably and with affordability in mind. Integrating modern technologies within existing infrastructure, testing them in real time while maintaining current services. These organizations, historically slow moving and risk adverse must learn to turn (and innovate) fast. At the same time, some utilities are well ahead of the curve, topping the leader board in supporting sustainable energy. However, these frontrunners also serve as our frontline, dealing with the pain of first-time issues and new challenges unique to early adopters. Join us for an insightful panel discussion that will explore the challenges and some real-world examples of how utilities, state and local governments are rising to meet these challenges head on.The industry is undergoing a fundamental change faced with unpredictable climate change and move towards electrification, non-traditional energy sources and providers. But the investments in infrastructure have failed to keep pace leading to catastrophic results in some cases. Electricity has also gone from a novelty to a necessity in the last 100+ years, and we’ve seen a varied response, often dependent on geography, socioeconomics, and the partnerships and vision of individual utilities to address the challenge of re-imaging the very nature of the grid. Utilities must establish a comprehensive and strategic vision to re-building the grid with resiliency, sustainably and with affordability in mind. Integrating modern technologies within existing infrastructure, testing them in real time while maintaining current services. These organizations, historically slow moving and risk adverse must learn to turn (and innovate) fast. At the same time, some utilities are well ahead of the curve, topping the leader board in supporting sustainable energy. However, these frontrunners also serve as our frontline, dealing with the pain of first-time issues and new challenges unique to early adopters. Join us for an insightful panel discussion that will explore the challenges and some real-world examples of how utilities, state and local governments are rising to meet these challenges head on.The industry is undergoing a fundamental change faced with unpredictable climate change and move towards electrification, non-traditional energy sources and providers. But the investments in infrastructure have failed to keep pace leading to catastrophic results in some cases. Electricity has also gone from a novelty to a necessity in the last 100+ years, and we’ve seen a varied response, often dependent on geography, socioeconomics, and the partnerships and vision of individual utilities to address the challenge of re-imaging the very nature of the grid. Utilities must establish a comprehensive and strategic vision to re-building the grid with resiliency, sustainably and with affordability in mind. Integrating modern technologies within existing infrastructure, testing them in real time while maintaining current services. These organizations, historically slow moving and risk adverse must learn to turn (and innovate) fast. At the same time, some utilities are well ahead of the curve, topping the leader board in supporting sustainable energy. However, these frontrunners also serve as our frontline, dealing with the pain of first-time issues and new challenges unique to early adopters. Join us for an insightful panel discussion that will explore the challenges and some real-world examples of how utilities, state and local governments are rising to meet these challenges head on.The industry is undergoing a fundamental change faced with unpredictable climate change and move towards electrification, non-traditional energy sources and providers. But the investments in infrastructure have failed to keep pace leading to catastrophic results in some cases. Electricity has also gone from a novelty to a necessity in the last 100+ years, and we’ve seen a varied response, often dependent on geography, socioeconomics, and the partnerships and vision of individual utilities to address the challenge of re-imaging the very nature of the grid. Utilities must establish a comprehensive and strategic vision to re-building the grid with resiliency, sustainably and with affordability in mind. Integrating modern technologies within existing infrastructure, testing them in real time while maintaining current services. These organizations, historically slow moving and risk adverse must learn to turn (and innovate) fast. At the same time, some utilities are well ahead of the curve, topping the leader board in supporting sustainable energy. However, these frontrunners also serve as our frontline, dealing with the pain of first-time issues and new challenges unique to early adopters. Join us for an insightful panel discussion that will explore the challenges and some real-world examples of how utilities, state and local governments are rising to meet these challenges head on.The industry is undergoing a fundamental change faced with unpredictable climate change and move towards electrification, non-traditional energy sources and providers. But the investments in infrastructure have failed to keep pace leading to catastrophic results in some cases. Electricity has also gone from a novelty to a necessity in the last 100+ years, and we’ve seen a varied response, often dependent on geography, socioeconomics, and the partnerships and vision of individual utilities to address the challenge of re-imaging the very nature of the grid. Utilities must establish a comprehensive and strategic vision to re-building the grid with resiliency, sustainably and with affordability in mind. Integrating modern technologies within existing infrastructure, testing them in real time while maintaining current services. These organizations, historically slow moving and risk adverse must learn to turn (and innovate) fast. At the same time, some utilities are well ahead of the curve, topping the leader board in supporting sustainable energy. However, these frontrunners also serve as our frontline, dealing with the pain of first-time issues and new challenges unique to early adopters. Join us for an insightful panel discussion that will explore the challenges and some real-world examples of how utilities, state and local governments are rising to meet these challenges head on.The industry is undergoing a fundamental change faced with unpredictable climate change and move towards electrification, non-traditional energy sources and providers. But the investments in infrastructure have failed to keep pace leading to catastrophic results in some cases. Electricity has also gone from a novelty to a necessity in the last 100+ years, and we’ve seen a varied response, often dependent on geography, socioeconomics, and the partnerships and vision of individual utilities to address the challenge of re-imaging the very nature of the grid. Utilities must establish a comprehensive and strategic vision to re-building the grid with resiliency, sustainably and with affordability in mind. Integrating modern technologies within existing infrastructure, testing them in real time while maintaining current services. These organizations, historically slow moving and risk adverse must learn to turn (and innovate) fast. At the same time, some utilities are well ahead of the curve, topping the leader board in supporting sustainable energy. However, these frontrunners also serve as our frontline, dealing with the pain of first-time issues and new challenges unique to early adopters. Join us for an insightful panel discussion that will explore the challenges and some real-world examples of how utilities, state and local governments are rising to meet these challenges head on.The industry is undergoing a fundamental change faced with unpredictable climate change and move towards electrification, non-traditional energy sources and providers. But the investments in infrastructure have failed to keep pace leading to catastrophic results in some cases. Electricity has also gone from a novelty to a necessity in the last 100+ years, and we’ve seen a varied response, often dependent on geography, socioeconomics, and the partnerships and vision of individual utilities to address the challenge of re-imaging the very nature of the grid. Utilities must establish a comprehensive and strategic vision to re-building the grid with resiliency, sustainably and with affordability in mind. Integrating modern technologies within existing infrastructure, testing them in real time while maintaining current services. These organizations, historically slow moving and risk adverse must learn to turn (and innovate) fast. At the same time, some utilities are well ahead of the curve, topping the leader board in supporting sustainable energy. However, these frontrunners also serve as our frontline, dealing with the pain of first-time issues and new challenges unique to early adopters. Join us for an insightful panel discussion that will explore the challenges and some real-world examples of how utilities, state and local governments are rising to meet these challenges head on.The industry is undergoing a fundamental change faced with unpredictable climate change and move towards electrification, non-traditional energy sources and providers. But the investments in infrastructure have failed to keep pace leading to catastrophic results in some cases. Electricity has also gone from a novelty to a necessity in the last 100+ years, and we’ve seen a varied response, often dependent on geography, socioeconomics, and the partnerships and vision of individual utilities to address the challenge of re-imaging the very nature of the grid. Utilities must establish a comprehensive and strategic vision to re-building the grid with resiliency, sustainably and with affordability in mind. Integrating modern technologies within existing infrastructure, testing them in real time while maintaining current services. These organizations, historically slow moving and risk adverse must learn to turn (and innovate) fast. At the same time, some utilities are well ahead of the curve, topping the leader board in supporting sustainable energy. However, these frontrunners also serve as our frontline, dealing with the pain of first-time issues and new challenges unique to early adopters. Join us for an insightful panel discussion that will explore the challenges and some real-world examples of how utilities, state and local governments are rising to meet these challenges head on.The industry is undergoing a fundamental change faced with unpredictable climate change and move towards electrification, non-traditional energy sources and providers. But the investments in infrastructure have failed to keep pace leading to catastrophic results in some cases. Electricity has also gone from a novelty to a necessity in the last 100+ years, and we’ve seen a varied response, often dependent on geography, socioeconomics, and the partnerships and vision of individual utilities to address the challenge of re-imaging the very nature of the grid. Utilities must establish a comprehensive and strategic vision to re-building the grid with resiliency, sustainably and with affordability in mind. Integrating modern technologies within existing infrastructure, testing them in real time while maintaining current services. These organizations, historically slow moving and risk adverse must learn to turn (and innovate) fast. At the same time, some utilities are well ahead of the curve, topping the leader board in supporting sustainable energy. However, these frontrunners also serve as our frontline, dealing with the pain of first-time issues and new challenges unique to early adopters. Join us for an insightful panel discussion that will explore the challenges and some real-world examples of how utilities, state and local governments are rising to meet these challenges head on.The industry is undergoing a fundamental change faced with unpredictable climate change and move towards electrification, non-traditional energy sources and providers. But the investments in infrastructure have failed to keep pace leading to catastrophic results in some cases. Electricity has also gone from a novelty to a necessity in the last 100+ years, and we’ve seen a varied response, often dependent on geography, socioeconomics, and the partnerships and vision of individual utilities to address the challenge of re-imaging the very nature of the grid. Utilities must establish a comprehensive and strategic vision to re-building the grid with resiliency, sustainably and with affordability in mind. Integrating modern technologies within existing infrastructure, testing them in real time while maintaining current services. These organizations, historically slow moving and risk adverse must learn to turn (and innovate) fast. At the same time, some utilities are well ahead of the curve, topping the leader board in supporting sustainable energy. However, these frontrunners also serve as our frontline, dealing with the pain of first-time issues and new challenges unique to early adopters. Join us for an insightful panel discussion that will explore the challenges and some real-world examples of how utilities, state and local governments are rising to meet these challenges head on.The industry is undergoing a fundamental change faced with unpredictable climate change and move towards electrification, non-traditional energy sources and providers. But the investments in infrastructure have failed to keep pace leading to catastrophic results in some cases. Electricity has also gone from a novelty to a necessity in the last 100+ years, and we’ve seen a varied response, often dependent on geography, socioeconomics, and the partnerships and vision of individual utilities to address the challenge of re-imaging the very nature of the grid. Utilities must establish a comprehensive and strategic vision to re-building the grid with resiliency, sustainably and with affordability in mind. Integrating modern technologies within existing infrastructure, testing them in real time while maintaining current services. These organizations, historically slow moving and risk adverse must learn to turn (and innovate) fast. At the same time, some utilities are well ahead of the curve, topping the leader board in supporting sustainable energy. However, these frontrunners also serve as our frontline, dealing with the pain of first-time issues and new challenges unique to early adopters. Join us for an insightful panel discussion that will explore the challenges and some real-world examples of how utilities, state and local governments are rising to meet these challenges head on.The industry is undergoing a fundamental change faced with unpredictable climate change and move towards electrification, non-traditional energy sources and providers. But the investments in infrastructure have failed to keep pace leading to catastrophic results in some cases. Electricity has also gone from a novelty to a necessity in the last 100+ years, and we’ve seen a varied response, often dependent on geography, socioeconomics, and the partnerships and vision of individual utilities to address the challenge of re-imaging the very nature of the grid. Utilities must establish a comprehensive and strategic vision to re-building the grid with resiliency, sustainably and with affordability in mind. Integrating modern technologies within existing infrastructure, testing them in real time while maintaining current services. These organizations, historically slow moving and risk adverse must learn to turn (and innovate) fast. At the same time, some utilities are well ahead of the curve, topping the leader board in supporting sustainable energy. However, these frontrunners also serve as our frontline, dealing with the pain of first-time issues and new challenges unique to early adopters. Join us for an insightful panel discussion that will explore the challenges and some real-world examples of how utilities, state and local governments are rising to meet these challenges head on.The industry is undergoing a fundamental change faced with unpredictable climate change and move towards electrification, non-traditional energy sources and providers. But the investments in infrastructure have failed to keep pace leading to catastrophic results in some cases. Electricity has also gone from a novelty to a necessity in the last 100+ years, and we’ve seen a varied response, often dependent on geography, socioeconomics, and the partnerships and vision of individual utilities to address the challenge of re-imaging the very nature of the grid. Utilities must establish a comprehensive and strategic vision to re-building the grid with resiliency, sustainably and with affordability in mind. Integrating modern technologies within existing infrastructure, testing them in real time while maintaining current services. These organizations, historically slow moving and risk adverse must learn to turn (and innovate) fast. At the same time, some utilities are well ahead of the curve, topping the leader board in supporting sustainable energy. However, these frontrunners also serve as our frontline, dealing with the pain of first-time issues and new challenges unique to early adopters. Join us for an insightful panel discussion that will explore the challenges and some real-world examples of how utilities, state and local governments are rising to meet these challenges head on.The industry is undergoing a fundamental change faced with unpredictable climate change and move towards electrification, non-traditional energy sources and providers. But the investments in infrastructure have failed to keep pace leading to catastrophic results in some cases. Electricity has also gone from a novelty to a necessity in the last 100+ years, and we’ve seen a varied response, often dependent on geography, socioeconomics, and the partnerships and vision of individual utilities to address the challenge of re-imaging the very nature of the grid. Utilities must establish a comprehensive and strategic vision to re-building the grid with resiliency, sustainably and with affordability in mind. Integrating modern technologies within existing infrastructure, testing them in real time while maintaining current services. These organizations, historically slow moving and risk adverse must learn to turn (and innovate) fast. At the same time, some utilities are well ahead of the curve, topping the leader board in supporting sustainable energy. However, these frontrunners also serve as our frontline, dealing with the pain of first-time issues and new challenges unique to early adopters. Join us for an insightful panel discussion that will explore the challenges and some real-world examples of how utilities, state and local governments are rising to meet these challenges head on.The industry is undergoing a fundamental change faced with unpredictable climate change and move towards electrification, non-traditional energy sources and providers. But the investments in infrastructure have failed to keep pace leading to catastrophic results in some cases. Electricity has also gone from a novelty to a necessity in the last 100+ years, and we’ve seen a varied response, often dependent on geography, socioeconomics, and the partnerships and vision of individual utilities to address the challenge of re-imaging the very nature of the grid. Utilities must establish a comprehensive and strategic vision to re-building the grid with resiliency, sustainably and with affordability in mind. Integrating modern technologies within existing infrastructure, testing them in real time while maintaining current services. These organizations, historically slow moving and risk adverse must learn to turn (and innovate) fast. At the same time, some utilities are well ahead of the curve, topping the leader board in supporting sustainable energy. However, these frontrunners also serve as our frontline, dealing with the pain of first-time issues and new challenges unique to early adopters. Join us for an insightful panel discussion that will explore the challenges and some real-world examples of how utilities, state and local governments are rising to meet these challenges head on.The industry is undergoing a fundamental change faced with unpredictable climate change and move towards electrification, non-traditional energy sources and providers. But the investments in infrastructure have failed to keep pace leading to catastrophic results in some cases. Electricity has also gone from a novelty to a necessity in the last 100+ years, and we’ve seen a varied response, often dependent on geography, socioeconomics, and the partnerships and vision of individual utilities to address the challenge of re-imaging the very nature of the grid. Utilities must establish a comprehensive and strategic vision to re-building the grid with resiliency, sustainably and with affordability in mind. Integrating modern technologies within existing infrastructure, testing them in real time while maintaining current services. These organizations, historically slow moving and risk adverse must learn to turn (and innovate) fast. At the same time, some utilities are well ahead of the curve, topping the leader board in supporting sustainable energy. However, these frontrunners also serve as our frontline, dealing with the pain of first-time issues and new challenges unique to early adopters. Join us for an insightful panel discussion that will explore the challenges and some real-world examples of how utilities, state and local governments are rising to meet these challenges head on.

Abstract: Installation and connection of battery energy storage systems (BESS), is growing enormously because of multiple benefits they could bring to utilities and consumers. These inverter-based systems exhibit fast dynamics response to disturbances and could change the power system behavior especially in high penetration distributed energy resource (DER) areas. By developing an EMTP-RV model of the BESS and power distribution system, a range of connection impacts can be identified and assessed based on time domain analysis. Major studies include the BESS short circuit current contribution, momentary interruption, reactive support and voltage control, transient overvoltage (including ground transformer performance testing), real power (charge/discharge) ramp up/down, reactive power ramp up/down and power quality analysis (flicker and harmonic studies). In this presentation, a Detailed Technical Connection Impact Assessment (DTCIA) of a 3.2MW/6.4MWh behind-the-meter (BTM) utility scale BESS, located in Niagara region will be discussed and results will be analyzed. Discussion includes all required studies to be done to permit BESS connecting to point of connection (POC) and how to perform the study by choosing right platform, modeling, study procedure and interpretation methodology. The Studied BESS system was due to start operation in May 2020.

More than 110 countries and 200 of the world’s largest companies have pledged to achieve net zero carbon by or before 2050. It is on all of us to reach this critical goal quickly. The power industry must lead the way, enabling the electrification and decarbonization of the broader economy. The question is “How does the U.S. power sector achieve net zero by 2050?” Join us today on the journey to achieve decarbonization. Together, we can create a Change in Power. Key Takeaways: Decarbonize power generation and enable other sectors to do the same Lower the cost of green hydrogen to stimulate adoption Industry leaders need to be entrepreneurial collaborators

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.
 

Sponsored by Baker Hughes: Electrification in Mobility is gathering pace, and power is becoming the most critical input to these operations.  The future of airports is to electrify terminal infrastructure, ground service equipment, busses, and regional cargo airplanes.  Cruise Ships and Cargo Ships are ripe for shore power conversion, and there is significant political support for electrifying port operations.  Municipalities are planning for city bus fleet electrification with many projects underway.  As our country electrifies transportation, on-site power generation often offers a cleaner, cheaper, more resilient solutions.  Authority Planners, Design Firms, and Energy Technology companies are committed to designing and deploying on-site Microgrids to meet local and industry-set decarbonization goals.  This talk identifies specific Transportation Applications and discusses how to best approach each with an integrated solution.

Renewable generation proliferation in the energy market is driving the need for flexibility in gas fired power plants to enable a wider and emissions compliant operability range. The ability for a gas fired plant to peak fire while maintaining emissions compliance, full life interval capability, improved simple and combined cycle heat rate and the ability to achieve extended turndown, positions a gas fired asset to benefit from an improved capacity factor, and overall economic viability in an increasingly renewables’ dependent energy market. A novel and innovative combustion system retrofit platform, called the “FlameSheet™ Combustor, has been combined with advanced turbine and compressor upgrade packages commercially operating in F-class combustion turbines. Currently, FlameSheet™ is operating on two F-class platforms, Siemens 501FD2 and GE Frame 7FA.03, due its multi-platform flexibility. Coupling FlameSheet™ with advanced turbine and compressor upgrade packages have allowed operators to meet higher peak firing and lower minimum load while maintaining low emissions, widening the total operating window. The results of these upgrades will be presented with emphasis on plant performance data on turndown and peak firing capabilities including repairability of components showcasing the added benefit of extended maintenance interval capabilities. The output and heat rate improvement achieved with this upgrade scope that has enabled improved capacity is also highlighted. As shale gas continues to grow as a dominant source of the U.S natural gas supply, the need for fuel flexible combustion systems enabling tolerance to higher ethane/ethylene concentrations associated with shale gas is required for improved operability. The adverse impact and means to mitigate such higher ethane/ethylene content with standard OEM F-Class heavy-duty combustion systems is also presented as part of the capabilities of FlameSheet™ combustion retrofits.

The Department of Energy (DOE) and the NETL national lab have created an advanced, open-source computational platform through the Institute for the Design of Advanced Energy Systems (IDAES). The IDAES platform is the next generation, multiscale and optimization framework that bridges the gap between process simulators and algebraic modeling languages. IDAES can be used as a digital twin to improve the efficiency and reliability of the existing power generation fleet, and to accelerate the development of integrated advanced-energy systems. IDAES is built upon an extensible, equation-oriented process model library that supports both steady-state and dynamic modeling. The system enables rigorous, large-scale mathematical optimization that supports better decision making by considering the behavior of integrated processes and systems. Robust optimization, and stochastic programming methodologies support both process and grid infrastructure design applications, and handle multi-stage decision-making, allowing users to perform co-optimization of design, planned upgrading/retrofitting, and/or operational control of advanced energy systems. The IDAES platform consists of a library of classes, methods and functions that are assessed via Python-language programs and methods. Python offers the IDAES user access to the broad range of data analytics and reporting supported by the high-level language but requires the user to have programming knowledge of the language. MapEx Software has developed a desktop software application that allows the IDAES user to build models via a flowsheet-based, graphical user interface, which frees the user from the need to write Python language code. Initial applications of the IDAES analytic platform include performance monitoring and operational enhancement of a coal-fired power plant in New Mexico. Results from the IDAES modeling will be shared where IDAES was able to identify and suggest resolution of a pump surge problem that limited the low-load capability of the power plant. Dynamic modeling of plant load change identified the stresses induced in key plant equipment and enabled estimates of the equipment life consumption caused by different rates of load change.

The model of electric utility organizations has not successfully accommodated necessary investments in grid innovation. This session will explore pathways to accelerate grid modernization and innovation through evolved models of grid operators. Lessons from the Utility Business Model Working Group discussion that Grid Forward co-organizes with SEPA, Grid Wise Alliance, and EPRI will be leveraged.

In many countries coal power plants desiring to remain in operation must consider not only heat rate improvements, but also their flexibility to provide a backbone for expanded renewable energy generation portfolios. Falling under the umbrella term of “decarbonization,” there are many unknowns regarding the best paths forward. While heat rate and cycling/low-load improvement methods are well-known, there is a dearth of current reliable data on the potential benefits and costs of these methods. Thus, many plant owners and engineers rely upon outdated guidebooks and generic cost curves when assessing even high-level decarbonization options. Under the former EPA Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) Rule, Black & Veatch conducted detailed heat rate improvement studies on 98 US coal-fired units, as well as 37 other global non-ACE heat rate studies. The result is a database of more than 1,700 individual heat rate improvement projects studied across 135 units. Each study utilized detailed boiler and turbine modeling, plant equipment analysis, logistics of implementation, co-benefits and associated risk factors, and cost estimation. This data set is both timely and unique, and the anonymized data will support global coal decarbonization and flexibility improvement efforts. This presentation will offer key findings from this database, and highlight the most efficient and cost-effective options found across this fleet, including a focus upon heat rate improvement options that also support decarbonization strategies via improved cycling and low-load performance. Finally, this presentation will list the heat rate improvement options that were eventually selected for deployment by plant owners, with discussion as to why these options were chosen.

Sponsored by Plug Power: To make our carbon reduction goals a reality, our electric grids must use a significant amount of renewable but intermittent resources.  Integrating solar and wind at a meaningful scale will require solutions to critical challenges including (1) seasonal discrepancies in electricity generation (2) dispatchable clean supply with fast ramp rates for supply-side balancing and (3) zero emission sources of energy to fill in the gaps.  The world was built using fossil fuels but the path to zero and net zero electricity requires an ecosystem of devices that work together to maximize solar and wind energy.  Fuel cells and hydrogen are two of the key devices that can be deployed in tandem with solar and wind assets to enable a zero-carbon future. Plug is building an end-to-end green hydrogen ecosystem to bring renewable energy to customers around the globe, helping them meet their business and sustainability goals. Plug Power is a leading manufacturer of fuel cells, hydrogen systems and green hydrogen. This session will cover our commercially available PEM technologies and provide a glimpse toward the future.  We will explain how PEM fuel cells coupled with green hydrogen can help meet carbon reduction goals.

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.

Much of the attention and interest with energy storage has focused on the ability to firm capacity for solar generation (and to a lesser extend, wind generation) but energy storage can mimic and even outperform most generators in a variety of ways. This presentation will provide a brief overview of solar coupled and standalone energy storage system architectures before focusing on how storage systems can provide performance capabilities including: - Fast frequency response - full load response times under 250ms - Peaking capacity - both front and behind the meter applications - Islanding and grid forming - ability to support loads in the event of an outage with a seamless transition - Black-start - supporting restoration of power after a partial or total outage - Reliability - distributed design to provide high levels of reliability and availability for the generation facility - Reactive power support - the use of power electronics allows the battery energy storage system to function as a STATCOM when not in use as a BESS. And some battery-side design considerations require additional power electronics to be included in the system, allowing for a much wider power factor during charge and discharge than is required. Case studies will be provided using Mitsubishi Electric projects (solar coupled and standalone) which are operational in multiple ISOs, including our project in ERCOT which was operational throughout the 2021 winter storm and demonstrates storage's ability to provide energy and ancillary services in cold and hot extremes. And if POWERGEN sees benefit in showing the overlap with the distribution market (given the co-location with DistribuTECH) the case studies can be extended into our systems being used for distribution equipment deferral. Finally, the presentation will present the future for storage in renewable coupled and standalone applications with and without an investment tax credit (will be updated based on status of the legislation and our work with the bill sponsors).

Not all that long ago most plants were coal-fired and base-loaded. They also had a plethora of instrumentation and technicians to assure that the steam cycle was under control and protecting the metallic assets of the plant. Now, all bets are off even if that coal facility is still in operation. Moving to a combined cycle or heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) does not necessarily mean the job is any easier. Trends in monitoring the water cycle chemistry in a power generation facility have evolved as well, but not all for the better. This review will take a look at several areas within the steam cycle to examine what can be done to enhance monitoring for optimal asset protection. Often decisions on which parameters to monitor are influenced by budget and not by the information being provided. On the other hand, sophisticated analysis of a single parameter does not always offer overall protection. A proper understanding of the information gleaned from any measurement is key in making informed decisions regarding water chemistry. Several key parameters will be considered which impact the quality of steam being produced. Conductivity is a widely monitored parameter which provides important information on water quality for the steam cycle. Yet this data is often mis-used to the detriment of the turbine and piping it is supposed to be protecting. The differences and limitations of specific, cation and degassed cation conductivity need to be understood. Proper control of pH is one of the most critical parameters in controlling corrosion in the steam cycle. Yet this is hard to do if the proper sensors are not being used. In some cases, calculated pH can be utilized as an alternate method with certain advantages. Corrosion product transport is a generic term which encompasses a number of different monitoring techniques to verify effectiveness of the chemistry program and to support the other measurements discussed above. These include iron monitoring and the use of film forming products and amines. There is much confusion around this topic regarding what works and what doesn’t. A synopsis will be offered. Finally, presence of cationic and anionic species, including sodium, silica, chlorides, and sulfates will be considered. The current trends, benefits, and drawbacks of these important parameters, along with those previously addressed, will be discussed in light of the frequent cycling encountered at coal and gas-fired units.

In what may be an industry first,  machine learning applied in a trial program at 740 MW CCGT merchant plant has proven its power both to detect previously unidentifiable performance anomalies in real time and forecast performance to enhance day-ahead merchant power market bid strategies.  This case study summarizes the initial situation, trial program solution, results and future prospects.  

The definition of a microgrid is a decentralized group of electricity sources and loads that normally operates connected to the traditional wide area synchronous grid but can also disconnect to "island mode" and function autonomously as physical or economic conditions dictate. Based on aging electric infrastructure, growing electric demands and focus on carbon reduction the microgrid market is growing to meet these global requirements. Recip engines are an integral part of a microgrid now and into the future based on their ability to provide consistent, sustainable, reliable electricity and thermal energy. Recip engines can operate on many different fuels such as natural gas, diesels, biogas, propane, etc. They are also being designed and configured to operate on clean zero-carbon fuels such as hydrogen, renewable natural gas to meet carbon reduction goals. Manufacturers are also focusing on making sure current reciprocating engine microgrids can be retrofitted to operate on zero-carbon fuels as they become readably available and are cost-effective. This abstract will focus on two operating microgrids that incorporate reciprocating engine technologies today. One operates an engine in a simple cycle mode and the other incorporates an engine operating in combined heat and power application (CHP). The first project contains a continuous duty generator set rated for is a 423 kW for a microgrid project located at the Chattanooga, TN airport. The customer is the local municipal utility, Electric Power Board of Chattanooga (EPB). This project utilizes a recip gen set, PV solar panels, battery energy storage, and a microgrid controller. EPB worked with the University of Tennessee to develop the microgrid controller as part of a grant. The second project is a 5-MW microgrid for Tasteful Selections, a vertically integrated farmer-owned, farmer-driven bite-size potato growing, packing, and shipping operation. Combining 3.6 MW cogeneration firm power with 120-kW solar and 1.25-MW/625-kWh lithium-ion battery storage, the microgrid has approximately 5-MW total capacity with provisions to add additional renewables, including more solar and renewable natural gas. It is architected to create efficiency at every turn, from capturing and repurposing heat to optimizing engine efficiency and advanced load side management. The microgrid incorporates solar energy generation and battery storage to provide Tasteful Selections a pathway to net-zero carbon.

The small but measurable deficit in an operating condenser and cooling tower performance that results in continual turbine backpressure losses of more than 0.1 in hg is often overlooked. However, that slight deficiency can cause a yearly plant revenue reduction of over $500,000 for a large nuclear facility. Since there are few new design advancements from the condenser and cooling tower manufacturers today, that leaves the burden of improving the performance of the cooling system to the utilities. Of course, condenser and cooling tower maintenance, such as the periodic cleaning of the tubes of the condenser, reducing air leakage, or clearing fouling from the cooling tower, are essential in keeping a level of performance.  But there are also other cost-effective equipment modifications that extend performance above any past backpressure deficiencies. This presentation will explore some of the simpler improvements that can be accomplished by modest, focused utility projects after an analysis of collected performance data or quantitative testing to define the specific shortcoming. These added condensers or tower improvements can also concurrently reduce the likelihood of plant down powering during extreme summer conditions which may become more frequent due to climate change. 

The proposed contribution is a panel discussion of Waste-to-Energy (WTE) and the increasing interest in development of such projects in the U.S. and internationally. With increasing interest in sustainability, renewable energy and reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, Waste-to-Energy and Waste Conversion Technologies will be of growing importance for the foreseeable future. Currently, Waste-to-Energy represents 4% of the total energy mix of renewables and a small fraction of total U.S. energy generation. Diversion of organic waste from landfills, which are a major source of methane and greenhouse gas equivalent emissions, will be a major driver of WTE in the future. This panel will be comprised of experts who will discuss various aspects that need to be considered in developing WTE projects. The panel will discuss several technologies that are currently being deployed in the U.S. and Europe and speak to the challenges of implementing projects using biological and thermal conversion technologies. Thermal processes for converting fiber and plastic waste to clean distillate fuels will also be described. An Environmental expert will discuss the positive aspects for a net reduction in Greenhouse Gas emissions when Waste-to-Energy is used as an alternative to landfilling our waste. The panel will include a representative from an ESCO to discuss financing and developing Waste-to-Energy for Municipalities, DoD, industries, Universities, and other government entities. Their perspective can be shared on the challenges and risks associated Waste-to-Energy projects and how they can be financed. The ESCO expert has direct experience with Waste-to-Energy, to include also Landfill Gas projects and Biomass conversion. This panel will have direct knowledge of Waste-to-Energy market and be able to discuss what they see for the future of Waste-to-Energy as part of the evolving energy mix.

As nations on a large scale and businesses on a smaller scale are making commitments worldwide to reduce carbon emissions, hydrogen is considered an important part of the solution as we look to the future. 2G Energy’s Combined Heat and Power units with a reciprocating engine as the prime mover have now entered the field of hydrogen use, with the world’s first reciprocating engine CHP that runs on 100% hydrogen fuel. These engines are highly efficient, field-tested, and are more robust and less expensive than fuel cells. Hydrogen is used as a climate-neutral fuel in the CHP system in order to convert it back into electricity and also heat or cold in an efficient, economically attractive, and environmentally friendly way. With zero carbon emissions, hydrogen CHP is the energy supply of the future. Several case study examples of hydrogen CHP are now in operation in Europe. The Berlin Airport, APEX Group, and Stadtwerk haBfurt in Germany, and Orkney Airport in Scotland all have implemented 2G CHP systems using hydrogen as fuel and incorporate reciprocating CHP into their larger-scale projects.

Workers in the utilities and energy industries are at an increased risk of serious injuries and fatalities (SIFs). According to a recent study from safety consulting firm DEKRA Insight, workers in utilities had a SIF exposure rate of 32 percent, compared with 25 percent across the larger industrial workforce. There is a moral and business imperative to do better. Much attention is paid to better protecting our critical infrastructure, including the entire power supply chain, while improving efficiency, environmental impact and productivity. The same attention is not applied to the workforce that keeps that infrastructure up and running. What's more, as experienced workers retire across utilities and power generation is is even more crucial to deploy tech-enabled solutions that can protect and empower newer workers while integrating into increasingly digitized systems. Connected worker solutions starting to fill these needs. This presentation will dig into 1) the detailed drivers for connected-worker solution adoption, 2) types of solutions available and key differentiators, 3) learnings from deployments across Nuclear (w/ Westinghouse), Biomass (w/ Enviva) and industrial applications from mining to oil & gas with similar worker profiles from frontline and lone worker to hazardous location work, as well as networking and data privacy challenges and 4) key considerations in building your business case for deploying connected worker solutions and expected ROI,

Sponsored by Gridmatic: In applying AI to optimize storage participation in wholesale markets, Gridmatic developed insights into the financial performance of storage systems. This talk will present 2021 results for all storage systems in ERCOT that will be of interest to various stakeholders such as asset operators (IPPs, Utilities, Power Marketers), financial investors, and developers. These insights, described within two scenarios - actual performance and potential (AI-powered) performance - uncover the profitability gap inherent in current approaches to market participation.

Presentation will cover the actions and decisions required by both the host Utility and the Engineering Design Company to successfully decommission Coal Plants and provide continuing operation of assets remaining on site after the coal units are out of service. I will cover the selection of the Engineering company to conduct the Phase 1 Study to develop alternatives for evaluation, the Phase 2 Detailed Design of the redesign, rerouting, and repowering of remaining assets, and the proper preparation for the Phase 3 construction. I will cover the selection of assets remaining on site and how to address mid-project scope changes to that. I will cover the development of an effective joint project team between the utility and the Engineering company and the communication and coordination of work activities. I will address how to work around the documentation gaps in Utility drawings and documentation. I will cover the leadership and management of the multi-discipline Engineering and design effort. Safety and environmental concerns in such projects will be addressed, as well as the impacts of technology, economics, and politics on the project. I will discuss the necessity of early construction contractor and vendor involvement in the design process. I will also discuss lessons learned from our previous projects.

Firing hydrogen or primarily hydrogen is a definitive way to reduce carbon emissions and operating fuel costs. However, without the right knowledge and technical specifications in place, firing H2 can be dangerous and lead to increased NOx formation. Typical low-NOx burners may not be capable of firing H2 without flashback issues or damage to the burner or boiler. This presentation will examine why H2 is different than traditional fuel gas steams and the impact of those differences on flame characteristics, burner design, refractory materials, control systems, and emissions. We will use data from both new and retrofit installations to illustrate how properly engineering a system to fire H2 can generate multiple benefits.

Sponsored by Baker Hughes: The market is looking for outcome-based solutions to increase plant reliability and availability, reduce O&M costs and improve plant performance with a focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In this session, Baker Hughes, with its proven expertise on equipment for energy-critical applications, will explain how it is defining a Digital Services Framework that addresses these market needs. The Digital Service Framework can permit partners to be sustained by Baker Hughes support and expertise while continuing to leverage their main asset management digital infrastructure through APIs and connectors. The advanced services outlined in the Digital Framework focus on predictive maintenance and emissions management capabilities.

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. 

Offshore wind development costs and schedule volatility are more multifaceted and complex than other power generation development for several reasons. The projects require custom-built vessels, equipment, ports, onshore infrastructure, global sourced materials, and a uniquely trained workforce. Locally, projects face challenges associated with logistics, jurisdictional requirements, and community expectations.

As the power-generation world is racing to satisfy global decarbonization goals it must manage project risks effectively. A well-funded and carefully developed project plan is the centerpiece of a project risk program that can convert unknowns to managed risks.

This presentation will provide an understanding of typical power project risk management concepts and methods, and how they apply to projects in the offshore wind power industry. It will further explore how the industry can learn from past experiences as it matures. 

This presentation shows concepts to support the decarbonization goals considering Aeroderivative technology as well as a portfolio of digital products to achieve an energy transition to meet the said goals. The Aeroderivative Gas Turbines technology (Aeros) demonstrated that it could meet an affordable and sustainable energy supply model, either through complementing Renewable Sources in hybrid configuration injecting at the same point of interconnect (POI) or utilizing a mixture of gas and green hydrogen. The GE Aeros have been operating in several sites in Thermal Hybrid mode with Renewable Sources (Solar and Wind) and Energy Storage (BESS) thanks to the digital controls that enable those assets to operate as a fully integrated single resource including forecasting and dispatch optimization capabilities. Additionally, the Aero technology have demonstrated the capability of operating with renewable fuels including hydrogen that reduces the carbon emissions when mixed with natural gas in distributed generation scheme. The Use cases: A_ Thermal Hybrid Operation 24/7: Thermal Hybrids allow the RE (Renewable Energy) asset to generate to its fullest capacity while turning down the thermal asset and hence reduce the curtailment, fuel burnt, the pure Thermal LCOE (Levelized Cost of Electricity) as well as Carbon emissions to enable complying with the decarbonization imperatives. This use case will serve as the new base load from a hybrid asset that has a lower carbon emission when compared a pure thermal one bringing to the table many advantages and reducing the grid wide efforts to balance renewable assets with other interconnected ones. B- Green Hydrogen operation – Aero as a long term storage technology The Aero Gas turbines offer multiple options to achieve lower carbon emissions, by using a renewable fuel such as hydrogen. The proposed use case herein constitutes of feeding an Electrolyzer with the electrical power from a Solar PV asset to generate green hydrogen. The H2 will be compressed and stored during the availability of the solar Energy and then deployed to be mixed with Natural gas to burn during the evening and early dawn hours. This option eliminates the alternative of mixing the hydrogen in the gas infrastructure pipelines and instead deploy it on a distributed micro scale and determine the associated LCOH, LCOE and associated carbon reduction. In such scheme, the Aero technology will be utilized as a long-term storage technology.

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.

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.

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.

Sponsored by FuelCell Energy: Description Coming Soon!

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.

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

Sponsored by Symphony Industrial AI: Asset reliability and process professionals face an enormous challenge to tame the tsunami of data and turn it into useful information. Sensor data is growing 50 times faster than business data with only 2% of it being used!  By 2025 the number of devices will double to 21 billion.  AI alone is not sufficient to determine cause and actions without raising false positives. A must going forward is the ability to create models that harness AI’s processing power and the expert’s understanding of operating nuances. The methodology involves building fit-for purpose anomaly and performance digital twins that work in tandem with process knowledge, failure library (FMEA) engines and advisory rule engines. The digital twin detects faults, finds efficient zones, and allows “what-if” scenarios to create the best possible outcomes and capture operating dynamics in real-time. Armed with this data, the twin “self-learns” to adaptively adjust parameters that drive higher energy efficiency and lower emissions. In this presentation, we will explore optimizers, that working with plant controls, can improve the heat rate of coal-fired boilers, lower emissions, and reduce boiler tube failures and condenser leakages. Imbalance in electrical systems can be spotted early and faulty areas isolated to ensure overall network performance with high uptime and power factors.

Decades ago, high energy prices created market entry points for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). Since then, market conditions have expanded coverage and evolved, and now battery energy storage is as inexpensive as it has ever been, and declining year over year, opening new markets as the cost of traditional solutions is more expensive than a BESS solution. Many different applications of BESS have been installed and operated: frequency regulation, frequency reserves; energy arbitrage; renewable energy smoothing, and time-shifting; to non-wires-alternatives that substitute for building out new transmission and distribution lines to customers. In this session, three case studies for three different customers will be discussed and lessons learned and recommendations to paths forward will be identified.

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.

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.

Climate change is an all-hands-on-deck challenge, and everyone should be able to participate in the low-carbon economy. But, despite the fact that low-income families are on the front lines of a warming climate, their clean energy adoption lags higher-income customers. Pecan Street will review the reasons for this discrepancy, examine efforts to address it, and preview the organization’s upcoming community-driven research with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

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.

Description Coming Soon!

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.

The local energy market (LEM) enables consumers and prosumers (those who can generate solar photovoltaic energy, for instance), within a defined network topology, to trade renewable energy amongst each other in a peer to peer (P2P) fashion. In this presentation, we showcase the results of a case study utilising Powerledger's blockchain enabled technology using real customer data to evaluate the performance of P2P trading. The results demonstrate mitigation in congestion and lesser dependency on the grid and reducing or deferring capital expenses for network augmentation.

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

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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?

Sponsored by Energy Exempler: Integrated resource planning, co-optimizing gas, and power simultaneously. Learn how you can leverage the cloud and compute power to optimize the clean energy matrix of the future.

The safety of an energy storage system cannot be overemphasized. At the moment, in the US both manufacturers and installers refer to UL-rated systems and install to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards. Although energy storage standards from both organizations are relatively young (UL 9540 began in 2016; NFPA 855 in 2020), they received input from hundreds of stakeholders, including engineers, manufacturers, first-responders, and safety policymakers — all in an effort to prevent loss of life and property. There should be other standards for the rest of the world for example the EU. The panel section will discuss energy storage safety and across the world the standards being adopted. Many safety concerns, especially with lithium-based batteries, relate to thermal runaway — when a battery experiences an increase in temperature that eventually leads to cell short-circuiting or disintegration that can spark a fire. The panel discussion will address these thermal runaways and safety concerns regarding how to discard used battery systems safely.

Conquering power plant outages from workforce to outage planning. How to Plan, prepare, and execute outages to deliver a shorter, more productive project through milestones and lessons learned. Speakers from NextEra, Constellation Nuclear, and UBC Millwrights share their strategic processes to minimize downtime and increase the bottom line. A collaborative approach with the power plant owner and skilled labor workforce provider, and even contractors - is results-driven. The comprehensive process includes safety, performance, productivity, schedule, and budget - all part of the process that allows for repeatability and success.

Workforce to support owners and contractors with flexible solutions, training, mobility, and customer support to ensure the labor resource pool has the skills and proficiency to perform the work. 

What You’ll Take Away from this Sessions

• Who comes to the planning table
• When to start planning: maintenance, repairs, new installations, balance of plant
• Post-outage lessons learned
• Realtime Problem Solvers
• Benefits of a collaborative relationship to minimize downtime and increase the bottom line. 
• Skilled Craft Labor Workforce
  • Readiness: Adapt to meet industry needs and standards
  • Training & preparing the workforce
  • Qualifications and recruitment
  • Availability and Mobility of Workforce
• Leadership
• Labor shortage and solutions to supplement the workforce
  • Issues that utilities and contractors are facing with an aging and outgoing workforce
  • Innovative recruitment initiatives, diversity, and workforce development

Who Should Attend:

• Power Generation Owners, Executives, Maintenance Managers, Procurement
• Contractors who provide maintenance, repairs, new installations, modernizations, the balance of plant
• Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)

The effort to decarbonize our power grid has been underway for several years as evidenced by the massive deployment of wind and solar resources. As we add more intermittent renewable resources to the grid and reduce our dependency on fossil fuels, we increase the need for energy storage of all durations. This presentation will focus on the reasons “hydrogen” is not just a buzzword in the energy industry and how Mitsubishi Power is creating the hydrogen infrastructure in the U.S. Key Takeaways: Hydrogen is cost effective for long duration storage today Technologies surrounding hydrogen are safe and proven Mitsubishi Power and key partners are actively developing hydrogen infrastructure across the U.S.

Global electricity demand is set to increase three times by 2070, driven by economic growth and expansion. To meet this growth while reducing carbon footprint, the rapid adoption of CO2 reduction technologies is a pathway for sustainable growth. This presentation will provide an overview of the technology and recent developments. Carbon Capture Technology: The first step is deciding which assets to target, and then selecting an appropriate technology optimized for that operation. Technologies are ready today that can be deployed at scale-based for any number of factors. Learn about different carbon capture technologies to help achieve your CO2 emission targets. Storage, EOR & Carbon Sinks: IEA’s sustainable development scenario shows that over 90% of the world’s captured CO2 will need sequestration, but there are other options based on several factors. Learn of different industries that can put carbon to use.

A convergence of technology development, policy support, and industry investment trends are accelerating the pace of Hydrogen (H2) technology demonstrations, increasing the likelihood of power sector impacts. In preparation for a largescale power sector shift toward decarbonization for a low carbon future, several major power equipment manufacturers are developing gas turbines that can operate on a high H2-volume fuel. Many have H2 capable systems now that range from 5 to 100% H2 by volume. Units with 100% H2 capabilities are either using a diffusion burner or some version of a wet low emissions (WLE) burner. Most dry low emission/dry low NOx (DLE/DLN) technologies are currently limited to ~50% H2 or less. Therefore, research is currently underway to develop low NOx gas turbine combustion systems with improved Hydrogen capability. This presentation plans to provide an overview of the technical challenges of Hydrogen usage and inclusion within gas turbine combustion systems. This will include operational considerations of flashback, blowoff, combustion instabilities, and NOx emissions.

In February 2021 the Texas grid was just minutes away from total, uncontrollable blackouts that would have gone on for weeks if the load shed hadn’t been in place. At the time, demand response was an underutilized resource in Texas and it continues to be overlooked. DR may not have been able to address every issue that arose during the 2021 storm, but it can certainly help prevent future challenges -- especially as more wind and solar come on the grid. As we approach the one-year anniversary of the storm, CPower's Joe Hayden will explore what we have learned and changed, and what more should be done.

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

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Moderated by AWS Energy & Utilities business development leader Rolf Gibbels, this panel of utility chief information officers (CIOs) and energy security experts explores current utility digital transformation programs and their role in meeting the decarbonization and decentralization challenges posed by the energy transition. Hear updates from Duke Energy and Sempra Energy, and learn about an AWS energy and utilities global research study. Key Takeaways: Examples and lessons learned from current utility digital transformation programs and plans. Summary review of top utility cloud solution use cases. Review of AWS cloud security resources to support customers.Moderated by AWS Energy & Utilities business development leader Rolf Gibbels, this panel of utility chief information officers (CIOs) and energy security experts explores current utility digital transformation programs and their role in meeting the decarbonization and decentralization challenges posed by the energy transition. Hear updates from Duke Energy and Sempra Energy, and learn about an AWS energy and utilities global research study. Key Takeaways: Examples and lessons learned from current utility digital transformation programs and plans. Summary review of top utility cloud solution use cases. Review of AWS cloud security resources to support customers.Moderated by AWS Energy & Utilities business development leader Rolf Gibbels, this panel of utility chief information officers (CIOs) and energy security experts explores current utility digital transformation programs and their role in meeting the decarbonization and decentralization challenges posed by the energy transition. Hear updates from Duke Energy and Sempra Energy, and learn about an AWS energy and utilities global research study. Key Takeaways: Examples and lessons learned from current utility digital transformation programs and plans. Summary review of top utility cloud solution use cases. Review of AWS cloud security resources to support customers.Moderated by AWS Energy & Utilities business development leader Rolf Gibbels, this panel of utility chief information officers (CIOs) and energy security experts explores current utility digital transformation programs and their role in meeting the decarbonization and decentralization challenges posed by the energy transition. Hear updates from Duke Energy and Sempra Energy, and learn about an AWS energy and utilities global research study. Key Takeaways: Examples and lessons learned from current utility digital transformation programs and plans. Summary review of top utility cloud solution use cases. Review of AWS cloud security resources to support customers.Moderated by AWS Energy & Utilities business development leader Rolf Gibbels, this panel of utility chief information officers (CIOs) and energy security experts explores current utility digital transformation programs and their role in meeting the decarbonization and decentralization challenges posed by the energy transition. Hear updates from Duke Energy and Sempra Energy, and learn about an AWS energy and utilities global research study. Key Takeaways: Examples and lessons learned from current utility digital transformation programs and plans. Summary review of top utility cloud solution use cases. Review of AWS cloud security resources to support customers.Moderated by AWS Energy & Utilities business development leader Rolf Gibbels, this panel of utility chief information officers (CIOs) and energy security experts explores current utility digital transformation programs and their role in meeting the decarbonization and decentralization challenges posed by the energy transition. Hear updates from Duke Energy and Sempra Energy, and learn about an AWS energy and utilities global research study. Key Takeaways: Examples and lessons learned from current utility digital transformation programs and plans. Summary review of top utility cloud solution use cases. Review of AWS cloud security resources to support customers.Moderated by AWS Energy & Utilities business development leader Rolf Gibbels, this panel of utility chief information officers (CIOs) and energy security experts explores current utility digital transformation programs and their role in meeting the decarbonization and decentralization challenges posed by the energy transition. Hear updates from Duke Energy and Sempra Energy, and learn about an AWS energy and utilities global research study. Key Takeaways: Examples and lessons learned from current utility digital transformation programs and plans. Summary review of top utility cloud solution use cases. Review of AWS cloud security resources to support customers.Moderated by AWS Energy & Utilities business development leader Rolf Gibbels, this panel of utility chief information officers (CIOs) and energy security experts explores current utility digital transformation programs and their role in meeting the decarbonization and decentralization challenges posed by the energy transition. Hear updates from Duke Energy and Sempra Energy, and learn about an AWS energy and utilities global research study. Key Takeaways: Examples and lessons learned from current utility digital transformation programs and plans. Summary review of top utility cloud solution use cases. Review of AWS cloud security resources to support customers.

Session to Identify some of the key federal and state/utility incentives that may act as catalysts or game changers in decarbonization.  Some may influence how equity partners invest in generation, how utilities can access funding for transition, how disruptors (ESCO, Bitcoin, Residential scale, EVs) can change the market conditions and others.  The focus of the panel will be on the economics and financial incentives rather than regulatory drivers.  The session should provide answers to some key questions utilities are asking today: What are the policy incentives going to be and what should they be? Will federal incentives work for IPPs, COOPs, Public power, IOUs Example. Will they function like Section 45Q for Carbon storage – tax credit that now has portability feature to sell it/monetize it at a discount for those without tax authority/liability How are utilities going to track their carbonization metrics? Discussion points with ITC, Direct pay and other mechanisms that are being used in marketspace today to drive work?

Sponsored by HCL: At HCL, we are helping power utilities realize the energy transition narrative and enable a sustainable and smarter future for our planet. Our Zero Impact Platform introduces a set of functionalities to optimize energy consumption in operations at the enterprise level – enabling you to optimize the performance of key assets and equipment, enhance OEE and other KPIs and reduce your energy footprint. 

This panel discussion with three subject-matter experts from leading US utilities will explore experiences, ongoing activities, ideas, and visions related to digitalization.  It is well understood that collecting data is a requirement but certainly only the starting point for making digitalization work, and that it takes people, processes, and technology to create benefits for the business.  Discussion topics may include benchmarking, data-driven and first-principles modeling,  KPI, and decision support for operations, maintenance, and trading/dispatch.

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.

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.

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 Gas Technology Institute (GTI®), Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®) and General Electric Global Research (GE-GR) are executing the “STEP” [Supercritical Transformational Electric Power] project, to design, construct, commission, and operate an integrated and reconfigurable 10 MWe sCO2 [supercritical CO2] Pilot Plant Test Facility. The $155.7* million project is funded with $115 million from the US DOE’s National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL Award Number DE-FE0028979) and $40.7* million (*including building investment) from the team members, equipment suppliers, and others interested in sCO2 technology. The presentation and panel session will discuss the attributes the sCO2 power cycles can offer a wide range of power applications and how the project is a significant step toward sCO2 cycle based power generation commercialization and is informing the performance, operability, and scale-up to commercial plants. Secondly, the presentation provides a description of the pilot facility and an update of the project’s progress, including first-of-a-kind equipment challenges, delivery, and installation. These efforts have already provided valuable lessons learned for technology commercialization. The pilot facility is currently under construction at SwRI’s San Antonio, Texas, USA campus. Now well into Phase 2, a ground-breaking was held in October of 2018, and civil work and the construction of a dedicated 22,000 ft2 building is complete. Finally, a top-level review of the planned testing will be provided focusing on the operations and tests needed to mature the technology and provide traceable performance characteristics that can be translated to commercial scale benefits.

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.

Increasingly, there are solar, storage, and other resources sufficient to energize communities affected by wide-area power outages, but there are limited community-oriented control systems capable of acting on their behalf. While traditional microgrids are effective for the individual customers who own them, they do not help communities nor minimize the broader impact of outages. Present utility distribution management systems are likewise not supportive of community microgrids because they are centralized and designed to serve customers from the bulk system. If these central locations are disrupted or offline, local community systems cannot operate, regardless of their DER levels. In mid-2021, Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) was tapped by the Department of Energy (DOE) to study the key technical and business challenges impeding the implementation of community microgrids through the Solar Energy CommUnity REsiliency (SECURE) project. This presentation will highlight the technology advancements and utility perspectives from the project, now in progress. Working with industry partners and electric utilities, the SECURE project aims to remove barriers to community microgrid adoption and optimize the reliability and value of distributed energy resources (DER) during normal conditions.

PAID EVENT: Reach out to info@powergen.com to add this to your registration 

SECC’s Consumer Symposium is a one-of-a-kind event that focuses on energy customers and their relationships with the smart grid, grid edge tech, and related programs & services. Through engaging sessions with industry thought leaders, Symposium attendees will gain actionable insights for developing innovative solutions to engage consumers in smart energy in 2022 and beyond. Summary: Learn primary research on what residential consumers need and want Hear industry thought leaders discuss innovative strategies and programs Get real-life insights on customer programs from leading utilities Who Should Attend: Utility employees focusing on customer engagement, customer service, market research, marketing/communications, and smart energy technologies Technology vendors and consultant firms partnering with utilities in these areas Consumer advocates, regulatory staff, and other industry stakeholders

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.

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.

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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.

Managing generation assets in today’s volatile electricity markets and regulatory environment is a challenge to all power plant owners. Decisions must frequently be made on capital expenditures and maintenance budgets that are prudent given projected market opportunities. Such decisions need to balance plant costs against projected revenues and profits, which are directly related to plant availability. Optimizing plant capital and maintenance expenditures requires knowledge about current and future market conditions and opportunities. It also requires knowledge about each critical component of a generation unit. The capacity-weighted average age of the U.S. generation fleet is approaching 30 years. The combined cycle (CC) fleet is younger but has many units approaching 20 years of operating life. While this fleet is aging, our analysis shows that significant number of the assets have transitioned from heavy cycling in the early 2000s to baseload operation as the coal fleet has retired. Depending on the original design and construction, the suitability of the installed equipment’s actual operating regime, owners and operators have been concerned about the remaining life of their asset. 25 to 30 years used to be a typical expected operating life for a CC power plant, but it is unlikely that a large portion of the generating fleet will be retired in the next 5-10 years. Owners are planning on operating CC assets even as they approach 40 years life. So, what does this mean for owners? Will maintenance cost increase with equipment age, and/or reliability impacted with equipment failure? Our analysis shows that historical maintenance activities, plant design and operating practices is a good indicator of future reliability and cost. While gas turbine maintenance is scheduled per original equipment manufacturer recommended plans, the balance of plant and steam turbine require a separate assessment for asset management. Several gas turbines will approach 120-140,000 operating hours, requiring significant investment from operators, and a careful engineering analysis of high-risk equipment, can assist in minimizing costly replacement of other equipment onsite. The purpose of this presentation is to highlight the CC fleet’s remaining useful life and probability of failure as well as the expected cost to extend the fleet’s useful life.

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.

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.

Sponsored by IMI Critical Engineering: Retrofit3D allows for simple, quick and cost-effective improvements to control valve performance through trim-only upgrade solutions. Retrofit3D harnesses the power of additive manufacturing to create custom engineered trim that is designed and optimized for the specific application. The talk will provide insight into Retroft3D and its applications through real-life case studies.

Island communities face unique challenges when it comes to managing their power grids, including extreme frequency fluctuations, unpredictable weather, and limited resources. Local utility Guam Power Authority (GPA) provides electricity through an electric grid that includes, about 1,800 miles of transmission and distribution lines with a load of about 200 MW.  
 
To provide a resilient energy system, GPA deployed two energy storage systems: one battery to mitigate solar fluctuation, and the other to provide active frequency support coordinated by two sophisticated controllers. The two controllers provide real-time asset control: renewables ramping, smoothing, real and reactive power control, and energy shifting by leveraging the battery system. 
 
This presentation will explore the unique challenges islands face, and the specialized solutions available to them, using Guam’s challenges as a case study.

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.

Sponsored by Force 5 Solutions: Most power utilities have a fragmented approach to managing risk at their points of entry. Here, safety, security, and compliance often make decisions in silos and deploy a disconnected technology stack. At this intersection is great risk. Geared toward safety and security leaders, we’ll provide examples from power utilities across all six NERC regions and discuss how we can strengthen the points of entry (from substations to generation to corporate lobbies) in every location of our critical enterprises.

Island communities face unique challenges when it comes to managing their power grids, including extreme frequency fluctuations, unpredictable weather, and limited resources. Local utility Guam Power Authority (GPA) provides electricity through an electric grid that includes about 1,800 miles of transmission and distribution lines, with a load of about 200 MW.  

To provide a resilient energy system, GPA deployed two energy storage systems: one battery to mitigate solar fluctuation, and the other to provide active frequency support coordinated by two sophisticated controllers. The two controllers provide real-time asset control: renewables ramping, smoothing, real and reactive power control, and energy shifting by leveraging the battery system. 

This presentation will explore the unique challenges islands face, and the specialized solutions available to them, using Guam’s challenges as a case study.

Sponsored by SPI Utilities Solutions: Failures often stem from lapsed and deferred maintenance and cleaning routines and can lead to financial losses that rapidly add up. This is the story of how both innovative technology and insightful thinking were used to determine fault locations that led to unplanned outages and establish maintenance programs that allow power plant maintenance teams to affect repairs and safeguard against future failures. 

As new wind farms are developed and existing farms repowered, thoughtful consideration must be taken into the technology selection and layout of the project. There is a new trend in the wind energy industry that leverages new large-scale wind turbines with rated capacity that is significantly higher than the industry standard over the past 5 years. By taking advantage of these new designs, there are also additional benefits in regards to wind resource capacity factors due to increased hub heights. Large scale technology ultimately allows for broader project adoption in previously underutilized geographies. Additionally, new innovations in the area of wind turbine support structures, including novel tower and foundation design; allow for the realization of cost effective tall towers and optimized turbine foundations. Such foundations utilize much smaller amounts of concrete and reinforcing steel. The application of some of the new novel foundation designs, would vastly reduce the amount of CO2 emissions that occur within the concrete, steel fabrication and the overall transportation emissions. Innovation in blade design is also a large factor in enabling the deployment of such large turbines. Lastly the infrastructure that is put in place, for example access roads and collection system within the project site, will be reduced due to less turbines required to achieve the targeted power generation capacity. Collectively all the above trends lead to significant reduction in carbon footprint for the operational project. This results in a smaller number of utilization factors for the construction activities and eventual operations and maintenance. This reduced carbon footprint comes with cost benefits pertaining to construction, O&M and lifetime extension mechanisms that are put in place for these projects. This session will focus on strategies, technology and methods for the reduction of carbon footprint for forthcoming utility scale wind power projects.

Renewable energy has disrupted the energy marketplace. Fuel is free for renewables, and coupled typically with “must run” governmental requirements, they are the first to dispatch on the power grid. Wind and solar are a function of the weather and can experience rapid swings in load. The result of this type of highly variable power demand is that gas turbine power plants must effectively respond to the load swings and capture periods of profitability. It’s called “chasing renewables” and is highlighting operational limitations of the installed base of gas turbine power plants in a time where reducing maintenance cost are more critical to maintain profitability. Alternative fuel combustion offers the potential of a low-cost energy source for power generation. Some of these fuels, such as those produced as by-products at petrochemical plants and refineries, can be readily available, and absent the ability to ‘flare this gas’, it awaits the implementation of robust gas turbine combustion systems to harness their energy in a meaningful way. Additionally, Hydrogen also has the ability to be a ‘battery fuel’ as excess energy produced by wind and solar can be used to produce hydrogen through electrolysis. Pertaining to gas turbine combustion