Full Title: Grid Flexibility Study
Author(s): PA Consulting
Publisher(s): NEMA
Publication Date: January 13, 2025
Full Text: Download Resource
Description (excerpt):
Resurgent electricity consumption growth challenges grid reliability according to NEMA-PA Consulting Grid Flexibility study:
– The electroindustry is at the forefront of a nationwide drive to improve the reliability and resilience of the power grid ahead of growing power demand from data centers, e-mobility, building electrification, and manufacturing reshoring
– After two decades of stagnant power demand growth and scant transmission and distribution additions, power gap risks are expected to rise during peak demand events
Reliability risks are rising:
– Demand growth is likely to increase twice as rapidly over the next 25 years compared to the last quarter century, with wide variation in growth rates across regions
– Both diurnal and seasonal peak demand periods are shifting unevenly across regions as buildings and mobility are electrified
– Recent generation capacity additions are intermittent and far from urban centers
– Transmission and distribution additions to meet demand growth are 5 to 10 years out
The study highlights technology solutions that can address the growing power shortfall risk over the next five years caused by the congruence of surging power demand and increased reliance on intermittent renewable energy.