What are the challenges and opportunities that await us in the immediate future with smart grids

Fortunately, technology is an unstoppable train and among the most interesting challenges that will be posed immediately are the smart gridor network systems capable of optimizing the decentralized management of energy and their integration within already consolidated green technologies.

Hive Powera leading provider of innovative solutions for smart grids, has decided to reveal five trends directly related to smart grid technology that will affect throughout the course of 2023.

The smart grid technologies of 2023

Integrated renewable energies

More and more often we are hearing about distributed energy resources (DER), or renewable energy sources, such as residential solar panels, wind turbines or small biomass power plants capable of providing a clean and efficient means of generating energy. But how do they relate to smart grids? Basically they serve to ensure the integration of these new energy sources directly into the existing electrical infrastructure, thus allowing intelligent distribution.

The charging of the future is smart and bi-directional

The registrations of electric vehicles (EV) are experiencing a surge that was unthinkable just a few years ago: for example, in March, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport reported that the percentage of electric vehicles (EV) in Italy increased by 40.8% compared to the ‘last year.

This increase assumes that, in the short term, the number of smart charging stations will also grow and that vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology will finally be cleared and supported, which allows electric cars to function like huge batteries, storing energy when possible and feeding it back into the home electricity grid.

Storage systems, banks for the electricity grid

Storage systems are, for the electricity grid, a kind of portable charger, which stores energy when demand is low and releases it during peak periods. Their adoption this year will depend on the awaited legislation on renewable energy communities and on the incentives that the government will be able to offer to citizens.

Small but powerful: “micro” energy distribution

One of the most innovative technologies is that relating to microgrid, i.e. small local distribution systems, fully complete and capable of operating both autonomously and connected to the national electricity grid. A microgrid offers greater resilience, reduced energy costs and also better energy quality.

Artificial intelligence and its impact on energy

In 2023 we expect a growing use of AI algorithms in smart grid management. Within the market there are already some innovative solutions such as FLEXOHive Power’s AI engine that optimizes the charging schedules of appliances, solar and electric vehicles, analyzing the weather and renewable sources.

“2023 marks an important step forward for Italy towards a more sustainable and resilient energy future. Smart grid technologies and continuously evolving solutions in the sector represent a fundamental opportunity to encourage and simplify the path towards greater energy efficiency and increasingly integrated use of renewable energies.

With our cutting-edge solutions, we are thrilled to be an active part of this transformation and every day we are committed to exploring new possibilities to respond to the needs of citizens, businesses and institutions”, he finally commented Gianluca Corbellini, CEO and co-founder of Hive Power.