AES Ohio Teams Up with Google to Modernize the Grid
AES Ohio (formerly Dayton Power & Light), an operating company owned by AES Corporation, has partnered with Google’s research division to help determine the optimal approach for grid modernization. Google’s research division, called “X” (formerly Google X) is developing a virtual model of the AES Ohio grid on which simulations will be run to help determine the best way to increase the efficacy of introducing renewable energy sources while at the same time optimizing reliability.
Details on the AES Ohio and X Partnership
The grid being simulated covers Ohio and Indiana. The virtual simulation will enable the testing of new ideas to enhance the overall efficacy of the system. Although it seems relatively straightforward, it’s a unique approach because it will provide a holistic, real-time view of the entire system, which is generally difficult to do.
According to a blog post published by X, “the central hypothesis we’ve been exploring is whether creating a single virtualized view of the grid — which doesn’t exist today — could make the grid easier to visualize, plan, build and operate with all kinds of clean energy.”
Overall, the main objective is clarity. Current technologies do not offer full visibility around how the introduction of new energy sources will impact the grid from end to end. However, this initiative could finally solve that problem, enabling a ‘test and learn’ model to accelerate innovation.
This is not the first time the two companies have worked together. In fact, this latest initiative is part of a larger, decade-long partnership the companies formed in 2019 to utilize Google’s cloud technology as a key element of AES providing carbon-free energy to Google’s data centers in Virginia.
From an emergency preparedness perspective, I think this is a fantastic initiative. It is clearly cutting edge, and should offer maximum insight by combining X’s technical expertise with the industry expertise of AES Ohio.
