NRECA joins with tech companies to create first ever grid simulation studio
The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) announced on Tuesday that it is working with energy technology experts to create the first ever electric grid simulation tool that will be able to analyze energy innovations virtually.
NRECA is working with ProsumerGrid, Inc., on the $3 million “Department of Energy’s Advances Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E)” project. Through the program, ProsumerGrid and its partners will work to develop software that can virtually assess the efficacy of Distribution System Operators (DSOs) in a way that is otherwise impossible.
ProsumerGrid said that the technology to simulate and test the physical impacts of DSOs on the grid does not currently exist, so it is working with partners to create the technology.
The software platform will be able to simulate how DSOs would function on the grid, including the impact on control and pricing, before the technology goes live. This gives organizations the best chance to prepare and assess the true real-world cost and benefits before implementation.
To create the technology, ProsumerGrid is also working with Newport Consulting, Southern California Edison, ICF International and the New York State Smart Grid Consortium.
Development is expected to begin by the end of the month.
