Renewable Energy and the Smart Grid

Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA --Renewable energy may only produce about 4 percent of electricity worldwide, but producers rely on its predictability options for adding to the grid during peak hours. In order to develop a smarter grid, the grid must be operated as reliably and cost-effectively as possible. Advancements in wind and solar forecasting technology aim to make renewable energy reliability a reality.Several companies develop technology that allows utilities and power players to know approximately how much wind and solar to expect from their plants minutes, hours and even days in advance. Dr. Bruce Bailey, president and CEO of AWS Truepower, said decision makers who have the responsibility of knowing how much power will be available "should view forecasting methods as a smart grid advancement."