Smart electric power grids are important to maintain steady service as weather factors may impact alternative technologies used to replace fossil fuels. American and Japanese cooperation on smart grid demonstration projects on the Hawaiian Islands have been developing since 2011. The islands are thousands of miles from any land mass and have had to import fossil fuels for their energy needs.
Wind and solar installations are expected to supply 40% of Hawaii’s electric power in the near future. The focus is on a smooth integration of clean energy into the grid and supplying the increased demand from electric vehicles through distributed control systems that manage resources. Load controls will allow smart switching so power goes where it’s needed, shuts off where it’s not and allows a buy back from individuals with wind or solar installations. Large scale users, like hotels, will be offered discounts if they opt-in to programs that reduce their energy needs at peak demand.
“With its high level of variable renewable energy, Maui is a perfect location to test these Smart Grid technologies. Through this Japanese-U.S. partnership, we can demonstrate how these technologies can help solve Maui’s energy challenges and be used in other parts of the world,” said Richard Rocheleau, Director of the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute at the University of Hawaii.
Other states have adopted some similar smart grid technologies - like opt-ins for sending units that monitor air conditioning to balance energy loads. The smart distribution of energy can eliminate the need for additional power plants and reduce green house gas emissions.