Grid modernization test bed

Technology innovations don’t happen overnight, especially in a slow moving industry like energy. But when the right environment is created, with contributions from the key players, breakthroughs in understanding can sprout and new ways of doing things can take root. That’s the idea of Pecan Street, a smart grid demonstration project that Intel is proud to be a part of. Utilities, scientists, and technology companies are all converging in Texas to explore the frontiers of what’s possible when you combine real-time monitoring plus analytics. This new, short video captures the essence of the project and includes a look at the amazing visualization wall to see how big data is being turned into useful insights.

What’s also great to see is that the word is getting out about the good work going on at Pecan Street. Recent power outages have people talking about what makes the electric grid vulnerable and what can be done to increase reliability. This recent feature on PBS goes inside a home on Pecan Street to show how families are part of the system, generating electricity, sharing data, and using data to inform their energy decisions. There are currently over 130 smart grid projects going on in 40 states, with so many test beds under cultivation, it will be  exciting to see how these innovations will prove their value, overcome obstacles to adoption, and ultimately impact electric systems.