Difference between revisions of "Supply Chains for Electricity Grids"
***** (***** | *****) (Created page with "== Introduction == == Further Information == == References == Category:Grid Category:Electricity") |
***** (***** | *****) m |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
== Introduction == | == Introduction == | ||
| + | Electricity grids are facing significant challenges. Not only they are based on engineering principles that are over a century old and are constrained by sometimes outdated infrastructure. Additionally, they must adapt to the increasing integration of renewable energy, rising load demand, and the emergence of new electricity demand in the transportation sector. Moreover, distributed generation not only supplies power to consumers but also returns electricity to the grid.<ref name=":0">US Department of Energy: [https://www.energy.gov/oe/articles/doe-and-industry-team-keep-lights-america DOE and Industry Team Up to Keep the Lights On for America], retrieved November 2024</ref> | ||
| + | |||
| + | It is essential to have strong and efficient supply chains in place to guarantee that the necessary equipment for system operators involved in the energy transition is delivered on time, in the required quantities, and without any compromise to quality or reliability.<ref>ENTSO-E (2024): [https://www.entsoe.eu/news/2024/06/26/empowering-and-fast-tracking-europe-s-transmission-grid-expansion-and-deployment/ Empowering and fast-tracking Europe’s Transmission Grid Expansion and Deployment], retrieved November 2024</ref> | ||
| + | |||
| + | Nevertheless, the topic of supply chains for technical equipment used in electricity grids has not yet been addressed in a comprehensive manner. | ||
| + | |||
| + | == Supply Chain Components == | ||
| + | |||
| + | === Transformers === | ||
| + | Electrical transformers represent one of the fundamental components of the electricity grid. They are used to increase or decrease AC voltage levels, for example raising the voltage coming from generators and power plants, which enables more efficient transmission over long distances. They are also used to lower the voltage coming from transmission lines, which can be used in industry or sent to a distribution substation. They are also used to reduce the voltage again for distribution to end users.<ref>Wikipedia: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_grid Electrical Grid], retrieved November 2024</ref> | ||
| + | |||
| + | Supply shortages of transformers are mainly caused by:<ref name=":0" /> | ||
| + | |||
| + | * Lack of materials and components | ||
| + | * Lack of skilled workforce | ||
| + | |||
| + | In the US, public power utilities have deferred or canceled one in five infrastructure projects that would require more resources than available due to shortages of distribution transformers.<ref>American Public Power Association (2024): [https://www.publicpower.org/system/files/documents/2024-1-18-Issue-Briefs-Supply-Chain.pdf Critical Electric Infrastructure and Supply Chain Constraints], retrieved November 2024</ref> | ||
| + | |||
== Further Information == | == Further Information == | ||
| + | |||
| + | * [[Portal:Grid|Grid Portal]] on energypedia | ||
| + | * U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) , [https://www.energy.gov/policy/securing-americas-clean-energy-supply-chain Securing America’s Clean Energy Supply Chain] | ||
| + | * | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
[[Category:Grid]] | [[Category:Grid]] | ||
[[Category:Electricity]] | [[Category:Electricity]] | ||
Latest revision as of 14:23, 6 November 2024
Introduction
Electricity grids are facing significant challenges. Not only they are based on engineering principles that are over a century old and are constrained by sometimes outdated infrastructure. Additionally, they must adapt to the increasing integration of renewable energy, rising load demand, and the emergence of new electricity demand in the transportation sector. Moreover, distributed generation not only supplies power to consumers but also returns electricity to the grid.[1]
It is essential to have strong and efficient supply chains in place to guarantee that the necessary equipment for system operators involved in the energy transition is delivered on time, in the required quantities, and without any compromise to quality or reliability.[2]
Nevertheless, the topic of supply chains for technical equipment used in electricity grids has not yet been addressed in a comprehensive manner.
Supply Chain Components
Transformers
Electrical transformers represent one of the fundamental components of the electricity grid. They are used to increase or decrease AC voltage levels, for example raising the voltage coming from generators and power plants, which enables more efficient transmission over long distances. They are also used to lower the voltage coming from transmission lines, which can be used in industry or sent to a distribution substation. They are also used to reduce the voltage again for distribution to end users.[3]
Supply shortages of transformers are mainly caused by:[1]
- Lack of materials and components
- Lack of skilled workforce
In the US, public power utilities have deferred or canceled one in five infrastructure projects that would require more resources than available due to shortages of distribution transformers.[4]
Further Information
- Grid Portal on energypedia
- U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) , Securing America’s Clean Energy Supply Chain
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 US Department of Energy: DOE and Industry Team Up to Keep the Lights On for America, retrieved November 2024
- ↑ ENTSO-E (2024): Empowering and fast-tracking Europe’s Transmission Grid Expansion and Deployment, retrieved November 2024
- ↑ Wikipedia: Electrical Grid, retrieved November 2024
- ↑ American Public Power Association (2024): Critical Electric Infrastructure and Supply Chain Constraints, retrieved November 2024
