New energy, new thinking: Why Renewables Grid Integration Requires an Orchestration Mindset

Integrating renewables into the grid has been ramping up fast. This year alone, global renewable capacity additions were predicted to soar to more than 440 GW (the largest increase ever).

But, as digital utilities and energy organizations accelerate towards a more sustainable future, renewables energy integration presents both opportunities and challenges.

In reality, successfully embracing renewables isn’t just about adopting new energy sources — it’s about adopting a new way of thinking. Not just using the right digital tools but also using them in the right way.

What does this look like in practice? It’s about adopting an orchestration approach.

Modernizing the grid is about much more than just adopting a series of point solutions to address specific challenges. While that might solve immediate issues, it falls short of addressing the bigger picture: achieving a comprehensive and sustainable grid modernization strategy.

The transition to renewables and the pursuit of Net Zero requires a more holistic approach.

This is where the concept of orchestration comes into play.

Gartner’s definition of orchestration is: “Prescribing and negotiating interactions between components — to enable recomposition and forming processes.”

When this thinking is applied to the energy sector, orchestration becomes the accelerator in the journey toward a sustainable energy grid. It's not just about making the individual components work efficiently, but also about seeing them work together  to drive a fundamental shift in how the grid operates.

Grid orchestration transforms not only how we can operate and manage the grid, but also the mindset surrounding energy operations.

Traditionally, grids were designed to accommodate centralized power generation and unidirectional energy flow. With the influx of distributed energy resources and renewables, our mindset has changed as we shift towards a decentralized model.

Microgrids are a great example of this new way of thinking. These localized energy networks can operate independently or in conjunction with the main grid. Grid orchestration allows these microgrids to balance their own energy generation, storage, and consumption, while also participating in larger-scale energy supply.

By adopting an orchestration mindset, you can enhance overall grid resilience and reduce strain during peak demand.

What does this mindset look like in the context of renewables integration overall? Well, remember that orchestration is about achieving synergy among diverse energy sources.

Let's consider the example of a wind farm and a solar power plant. On windy days, the wind farm generates surplus energy, whereas, on sunny days, the solar plant thrives. Rather than functioning in isolation, an orchestrated grid enables these sources to complement each other. Excess energy from the wind farm can be stored and used on days with low wind activity, maximizing energy efficiency and reducing waste.

The grid orchestration mindset also enables you to address the intermittency challenge of renewables. For instance, when the wind suddenly drops and wind turbines produce less power, an orchestrated network can quickly ramp up energy production from other sources, ensuring a consistent power supply to consumers. This flexibility prevents service disruptions and optimizes the utilization of available resources, all while minimizing carbon emissions.

Senior managers in utilities and energy organizations are no strangers to the challenges associated with the grid integration of renewable energy sources.

From managing the intermittency of renewable sources to navigating complex regulatory landscapes, the road to a sustainable grid is full of obstacles.

Armed with a new mindset, orchestration offers a robust, flexible way forward. Here are some benefits it offers:

1. Optimized resource allocation

Orchestration optimizes how we use various energy sources in real time, optimizing expenditure, reducing downtime, and ensuring a steady energy supply.

This helps senior utility managers meet consumer demands during peak times with less reliance on fossil fuels.

2. Enhanced grid reliability

By diversifying the energy mix through orchestration, the grid can more easily ensure a reliable supply of power at all times.

If one source falters, others can kick in, preventing blackouts and ensuring a consistent supply of power.

3. Adaptability to policy changes

Renewable energy policies and regulations are subject to change — and fast.

Orchestration equips organizations with the agility to adapt to new policies and seamlessly integrate them into their operational strategies, without missing a beat.

4. Contribution to Net Zero goals

Orchestration paves the way for a smoother transition to Net Zero emissions.

By strategically orchestrating energy sources, utilities can drastically reduce their carbon footprints and align with sustainability targets.

To truly embrace renewables integration and achieve grid modernization, senior managers need to stop thinking in silos and instead adopt a grid orchestration mindset.

This approach not only maximizes the potential of renewable sources but also transforms the entire grid ecosystem, fostering adaptability, resilience, and sustainability.

At GE Vernova Digital, our array of grid software solutions empowers organizations to integrate and orchestrate their renewable energy assets. Specifically, our DERMS, ADMS and AEMS solutions provide a clear, live picture of the renewable demands being placed on the grid, so you can quickly adapt to any changes or needs in real time. All are underpinned by our GridOS® platform, unlocking the full potential of grid orchestration for utilities.

For a sustainable energy future to become a reality, we need to change how we think about renewables.