EPRI’s new program aims to strengthen grid resilience

The Electric Power Research Institute has launched a global initiative to prepare future grids by modernizing how the electricity-generating sector detects, anticipates, and responds to emerging risks and manages technological transformation. The nonprofit energy research and development organization intends for the initiative, called Rapid Adaptation of Grid Defense, Analytics, and Resilience (RADAR), to provide a scalable framework, advanced tools, and targeted training for strengthening grid resilience and reliability.

New paradigm: In announcing the RADAR initiative, EPRI noted that the electricity blackout that affected the Iberian Peninsula this past April-which was the first known blackout caused by excessive voltage-"highlighted how rapidly changing grid conditions can overwhelm traditional monitoring and control processes."

The organization further pointed out that "nearly every global power system is likely to undergo a dramatic transformation in generation and demand, with increasing levels of inverter-based and distributed resources. This is ushering in a new paradigm of highly dynamic grids, requiring next-generation control strategies, planning processes, and workforce training to maintain reliability."

RADAR goals: According to EPRI, the RADAR initiative aims to achieve three outcomes:

• Development of a practical blueprint and path that organizations can adapt into their own functional organizational design to ensure reliability amid rapid grid changes.
• Identification and addressing of limitations, and demonstration of approaches to close gaps in current tools, data, and workflows to better manage the complexity of modern-day grids.
• Development and implementation of training for utility personnel to address advanced topics in power system planning and operations.

An international membership: RADAR's founding members include Duke Energy, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, and other U.S.-based utilities. Founding members from other countries include France-based Réseau de Transport d'Électricité and U.K.-based Scottish and Southern Energy.

Daniel Brooks, EPRI's senior vice president of energy delivery and customer solutions, said, "By working together, RADAR can accelerate frameworks for assessing vulnerabilities and the adoption of best practices and scalable solutions for resilient future grids."

Nelson Peeler, Duke Energy's senior vice president of grid strategy, planning, and integration, said, "As the global energy industry rapidly evolves, RADAR provides an essential platform to strengthen grid protection and deliver smarter analytics. This initiative enables us to act decisively to maintain grid reliability and security, which ensures customers receive consistent and dependable service."