Enabling the Energy Sector with 5G

While reliable electricity was deemed to be a global issue, integration of 5G in the energy sector is set to solve it to a large extent. As 5G? offers a flexible, ubiquitous and cost efficient alternative for the power terminal access network, it is enabling the evolution of new power grid architectures. The fast growing technology is transforming the world at a rapid pace and to meet the future demands, it becomes imperative for the energy sector to improve consistently.?

Some additional features of the 5G like over 100 times more bandwidth, 20-50 times lower latency, and high reliability rate makes it efficient in aiding the energy sector for future. The telecom sector has revolutionized in the past few years with the coming of 4G and 5G technologies, as they allow easy flow of information from any part of the world in no-time. The use case of 5G in the energy sector is expected to grow exponentially in a similar fashion.?

With the government's promotion of renewable energy consumption, several small scale enterprises are mushrooming rapidly that are producing electricity to some extent. With the current grid architecture, these can have two-flow of electricity but the excess of it cannot be utilized effectively. However, the coming of 5G will enable and ensure that these excess productions are utilized in the form of a distributed energy grid.?

According to a survey conducted by Infosys, fifty-six percent of energy and utility companies are planning use cases for 5G and 20% have already defined their 5G services along with ecosystem associates. The lower latency and higher bandwidth of 5G will ensure a smooth transition of grid modernization. It also helps in automating power flow, voltage stabilization, and load management resulting in intelligence and efficient energy flow.?

Understanding the need for smart grids:

The traditional use of fossil fuels for power generation has led to global warming and other forms of climate change. It is due to this reason that governments are increasingly promoting renewable sources of energy production. In this initiative, the common masses have realized the importance of the green energy sector and this accounts for growing demands for solar panels and other renewables. While investing in solar and wind energy, the consumers are also becoming ‘producers’. Channelizing and positive utilization of this excess energy produced from multiple sources was a challenge for the government in the past. With 5G integration, the smart grids will ensure utility of these excess power.?

Features of 5G enabled smart grid:

5G enabled smart grids will be disruptive and provide several advantages as compared to the earlier grids in existence. Let us look at some of the common features that smart grids would have-?

-It will reduce the power outage time for consumers

-Improve power supply reliability

-It will increase the management efficiency

-It will transform grids into integrated energy service provider

-Will significantly cut down power supply faults and failures

-Will enable new energy installations

-It will ensure faster customer service response

Key skills required for 5G in energy sector:

Some of the key skills that can get you a job in 5G powered energy sector are:

1. Experience design: It is one of the key aspects of 5G integration as enhancing user experience/satisfaction is one of the main requirements of the energy sector for the future. Enhanced experience design will ensure seamless connectivity and less faults.??

2. Artificial Intelligence/ Machine Learning: Skills in AI/ML can be used effectively to design smart grids that are intelligent and power optimizing.?

3. IoT: Since IoT is integral to technological advancement, 5G is also reliant on IoT for better integration and functioning. By enabling smart meters, it can help monitor energy usage and reduce consumption.

4. Blockchain: Skills in blockchain will help to ensure data reliability and security while enabling faster value functions at the same time.?

-SDN/NFV: Software Defined Networking and Network Functions Virtualization is key to 5G empowering energy sector as SDN and NFV entails smart features like separating data and control panels and functioning on software rather than hardware.?

5. Cloud and edge computing: It facilitates real-time streaming of data that helps monitor and control power outages and plan accordingly.?

The 5G integrated energy sector would be much more efficient and effective in terms of actual application. It will also play a key role in promoting community participation as energy flow and storage would be managed much better than ever before.