Smart Grid
This sector is transforming an existing industry
How we define it
The Smart Grid sector includes technologies across the power supply chain — from transmission to utility distribution to end-users — that effectively manage the supply and demand of electricity.
Why it matters
Energy management: Moving vast amounts of renewable energy from regions with high solar and wind capacity to population centers entails big investments in new high-voltage electric power lines and associated technologies. Efficient energy supply and demand management will require an array of new sensors, software, customer communication tools, and metering and appliance control technologies.
Grid resilience and responsiveness: Climate change heightens the strain on the electrical grid, especially in the Western United States. When combined with rising temperatures and unpredictable weather, ineffective grid management has devastating consequences — most recently in Texas and California. Intelligent grid technology is greener and safer by making the grid flexible, responsive, and “smart.”
Metrics
Project Drawdown
The cleantech for this sector contributes to 4 Project Drawdown solutions and the reduction/sequestration of 27.98 - 68.64 gigatons of carbon equivalent (2020-2050).
Drawdown Solutions: Distributed Energy Storage, Distributed Solar Photovoltaics, Grid Flexibility, Microgrids
Key GRI Environmental Standards
Sustainable Development Goals Target 7.3, Target 7.b, Target 9.1
