Exploring advanced technologies to improve smart electric grids – AIP.ORG

Report on the Digitalization of Smart Grids and its Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

The modernization of electricity grids through digital technologies is a critical enabler for achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The transition from conventional, one-way power distribution to dynamic, two-way “smart grids” facilitates the large-scale integration of renewable energy sources, directly supporting SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). A comprehensive review by Aghdam et al. analyzed over 200 studies to identify key digital tools that enhance grid performance, resilience, and efficiency. This report summarizes these findings, emphasizing their role in building sustainable energy systems.

Core Digital Technologies for Advancing SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy)

The integration of intermittent renewable power sources into national grids presents significant challenges that can be addressed with advanced digital tools. These technologies are foundational to creating a modern energy infrastructure capable of delivering clean and reliable energy for all. Key enabling technologies include:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
• Data Analytics
• Digital Twins
• Internet of Things (IoT) Devices
• Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)
• Edge and Cloud Computing

Impact on Sustainable Infrastructure and Cities (SDG 9 & SDG 11)

The development of smart grids constitutes a fundamental upgrade to critical energy infrastructure, directly aligning with the objectives of SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). This modernized infrastructure provides the backbone for sustainable urban development, a core target of SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). The primary benefits include:

1. Increased Resilience: Enhanced ability to detect faults and manage distributed energy resources improves the grid’s stability and reliability.
2. Greater Flexibility: Two-way communication between utilities and consumers allows for dynamic load balancing and optimized energy distribution.
3. Higher Efficiency: Optimized grid scheduling and reduced energy losses contribute to a more efficient energy system.
4. Improved Market Integration: Digital platforms facilitate the seamless integration of distributed generation and storage into the broader energy market.

Enhancing Efficiency and Climate Action (SDG 12 & SDG 13)

Digital tools collectively address key operational issues, leading to more efficient energy systems and empowering consumers, thereby supporting SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Specific contributions are:

• Forecasting of Renewable Output: AI and data analytics help manage the intermittency of renewable sources, which is crucial for reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
• Optimization of Grid Operations: Algorithms optimize scheduling and energy flow, minimizing waste and maximizing the use of clean energy.
• Better Customer Engagement: Advanced metering allows consumers to monitor and manage their energy use, promoting responsible consumption patterns.
• Cost Efficiency: Improved operational management and efficiency can lead to more affordable energy for consumers.

Future Research Directions for Sustainable Energy Systems

To accelerate the transition to fully sustainable energy systems, further research and development are required. The review identified several key opportunities to enhance the impact of digitalization on achieving the SDGs:

1. Interoperability: Establishing standards to ensure seamless operation between different digital technologies and platforms.
2. Data Sourcing: Securing more comprehensive data sets to train and improve machine learning models for forecasting and optimization.
3. Standardized Benchmarks: Developing uniform benchmarks for the comparative analysis of smart grid technologies and performance.
4. Emerging Technologies: Exploring the potential of 6G communications, Large Language Models (LLMs), and distributed autonomous organizations to reshape energy system governance and resilience.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

   • The article’s central theme is the modernization of electricity grids to better accommodate and manage renewable energy sources. It directly discusses technologies that support “clean energy” by improving the integration of renewables, which is the core of SDG 7.

2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   • The text focuses on upgrading energy infrastructure from a “one-way model” to dynamic “smart grids.” It highlights innovations like AI, machine learning, IoT, and digital twins to create more resilient and sustainable infrastructure, which aligns perfectly with the goals of SDG 9.

3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Smart grids are a critical component of modern, sustainable urban infrastructure. By enabling “greater resilience, and higher efficiency,” these technologies help build cities that can manage resources effectively and withstand disruptions, contributing to the aims of SDG 11.

4. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • The transition to smart grids is crucial for climate action because it facilitates the large-scale adoption of renewable energy sources. By addressing the “intermittency” of renewables, these technologies help reduce reliance on fossil fuels, a key strategy for mitigating climate change.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

   • Target 7.2: “By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.” The article directly addresses this by discussing how smart grids manage the “increased prevalence of renewable power sources” and address their “intermittency.”
   • Target 7.3: “By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.” The article explicitly states that modern smart grids result in “higher efficiency” and address “cost efficiency in smart grid operations.”
   • Target 7.a: “By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology… and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology.” The article itself is a review of over 200 studies, contributing to the body of research on clean energy technology and identifying future research opportunities in areas like “6G communications” and “large language models.”

2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   • Target 9.1: “Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure…” The article highlights that smart grids offer “greater resilience” and that digital tools can be used for the “detection of faults,” which are key aspects of reliable and resilient infrastructure.
   • Target 9.4: “By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies…” The entire article is about upgrading conventional electric grids with digital and clean technologies like “advanced metering infrastructure, Internet of Things devices, and machine learning algorithms” to improve efficiency.

3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.b: “By 2030, substantially increase the number of cities and human settlements adopting and implementing integrated policies and plans towards… resource efficiency, mitigation and adaptation to climate change, resilience to disasters…” The development of smart grids is an implementation of a plan towards resource efficiency (through “higher efficiency”) and resilience (“greater resilience”), which are critical for sustainable cities.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Implied Indicators for SDG 7

   • Share of renewable energy: Progress towards Target 7.2 can be measured by the “increased prevalence of renewable power sources” that are successfully integrated into the grid.
   • Energy efficiency improvements: The article implies that a key metric for Target 7.3 is the “higher efficiency” and “cost efficiency” achieved in smart grid operations compared to conventional grids.

2. Implied Indicators for SDG 9

   • Infrastructure resilience: The article suggests that “greater resilience” and the capability for “detection of faults” are measurable outcomes of adopting smart grid technologies, serving as indicators for Target 9.1.
   • Adoption of clean technologies: An indicator for Target 9.4 is the rate of deployment of the digital tools discussed, such as “advanced metering infrastructure,” “IoT devices,” and “machine learning algorithms” within the energy sector.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: aip.org