Staying on Top of IEEE Standard 1547-2018: Connecting Distributed Energy Resources

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If you’ve seen solar panels on rooftops or wind power generated off coastal locales, you’re witnessing examples of DERs. Use of smart thermostats, electric vehicles, EV charging systems, fuel cells, or heat pumps also shows DERs. Additionally, participation in a local microgrid demonstrates the use of distributed energy resources, also known as DERs.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), distributed energy resources involve “a variety of technologies that generate electricity at or near where it will be used” rather than centralized sources. DERs support single homes, businesses, huge industrial facilities, college campuses, and entire municipalities. This is often achieved through a microgrid that connects to a central utility’s distribution lines. They are popular because they reduce electricity costs, improve power quality, and support renewable energy. They’ve become increasingly popular.

Benefits of Distributed Energy Resources

Thanks to DERs, homes and businesses can reduce grid dependence. The grid is aging, with portions over a century old. DERs also minimize power outage risks, which are rising due to severe storms and disasters. At the same time, DERs offer users greater control. They allow users to generate energy for personal use, sell it, or modify demand.

As such, one doesn’t have to look far to see evidence of the growing market and demand for DERs worldwide. For instance:

• On the solar panel front, Fortune Business Insights predicts the global solar power market will nearly double. It is expected to grow from US$254 billion in 2023 to US$437 billion by 2032.
• Statista projects the global battery energy storage market will grow from US$5 billion in 2023 to US$18 billion by 2030, more than tripling.
• Electric cars, which were 2% of all vehicles globally in 2018, accounted for about 18% of cars sold in 2023.
• Smart thermostat sales in the U.S. are set to triple, growing from roughly US$1.3 billion in 2022 to US$3.9 billion by 2029.

Growing Demand

The outlook for DERs continues to be positive. Declining initial price points are driving demand for these technologies. Additionally, federal support and funding through the Inflation Reduction Act are boosting demand. They offer financial rebates and incentives to encourage adoption. Similarly, the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s Order No. 222 will compensate DER owners for power provided to the grid. According to the World Resources Institute, this will create “a new long-term value stream for the people and entities using these resources.”

Similar actions are happening globally to support DER proliferation. In Europe, the ‘European Green Deal’ and ‘Clean Energy for all Europeans’ initiatives promote renewable energy sources and DERs. The International Energy Agency confirms DERs are crucial for China’s energy transformation.

Ultimately, experts confirm that the ongoing transition to DERs will promote a more reliable, energy-efficient, and equitable energy system worldwide.

Challenges Abound

While DERs offer benefits such as resilience, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability, challenges exist too.

Harmonious operation of these systems requires investments in new technology. With many small-scale DERs activated worldwide, experts warn of potential issues. Integration with central power sources can lead to quality, compatibility, and reliability challenges. These will need more grid management control.

For these reasons, the IEEE Standard 1547 is crucial. It ensures the interconnection, interoperability, and safety of DERs connected to the grid.

“Before this standard, connecting renewable energy to the grid was challenging.” Christopher Sanderson, an industry expert, explained, “Each technology had its own protocols and requirements.” The IEEE Standard 1547 allows different DERs to work together seamlessly, he stated. It ensures electricity from various sources is reliably and efficiently integrated into the grid.

Navigate IEEE Standard 1547 Through a Targeted Course Program

Introduction to IEEE Standard 1547-2018: Connecting Distributed Energy Resources is a six-course program by IEEE. It trains technical teams on implementing this important standard. The course covers testing, verification, interoperability, and power quality issues from DER-grid interconnections.

Connect with an IEEE Content Specialist today to learn more about getting access to this program for your organization.

Interested in access for yourself? Visit the IEEE Learning Network (ILN).

 

Resources

Hurst, R.W. What is Distributed Generation? Distributed Energy Resources. The Electricity Forum.

Distributed Generation of Electricity and its Environmental Impacts. United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Richmond-Crosset, Kyle and Greene, Zachary. (30 September 2022). How Distributed Energy Resources Can Lower Power Bills, Raise Revenue in US Communities. World Resources Institute.

(May 2022). Unlocking the Potential of Distributed Energy Resources. International Energy Agency.

Ali, Junaid. (16 August 2024). The Future of Energy and Distributed Power. Forbes.

(5 August 2024). Solar Power Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Technology. Fortune Business Insights.

Sanderson, Christopher. (30 June 2024). The Power of Standards: How IEEE-1547 Shapes Our Energy Future. LinkedIn.

Will Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) Change How We Get Our Energy? European Parliament.

Prospects for Distributed Energy Systems in China. International Energy Agency.

Tuesday, 17th September 2024