FOMO for Distributech 2024? We've Got You Covered!

Distributech 2024, the leading T&D smart grid event, brought together over 17,000 industry professionals according to the event website [1]. While you might be bummed about missing out, this article will give you a glimpse of the event's highlights.

Event Highlights:

• Over 17,000 industry professionals attended the event [1].
• The event featured a large exhibition floor showcasing the latest technologies and solutions from leading companies.
• There were conferences and workshops covering a wide range of T&D related topics.

As we examine Distributech 2024, here's a breakdown of key trends based on what industry leaders were showcasing

Grid Modernization & Analytics:

• Smart Meter Focus: Companies like Itron, a leader in smart metering solutions, emphasized advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) for data collection and grid optimization.
• AI for Predictive Maintenance: Industrial AI solutions companies, presented on leveraging AI for predictive maintenance of grid infrastructure, reducing downtime and costs.
• Distribution Automation: providers of operational technology software, showcased solutions for automating tasks in the distribution network, improving efficiency and reliability.

Building a Resilient Grid:

• Cybersecurity Solutions: Players power generation, and leaders in industrial automation software, addressed cybersecurity threats facing the grid with their security solutions.
• Weather Resilience: data analytics companies, presented solutions to strengthen the grid against extreme weather events.

The Future of Energy Delivery:

• EV Charging Infrastructure: Power generation expertise, smart metering companies, presented on smart charging solutions for electric vehicles (EVs) to manage grid load effectively.
• Integration of Renewables: grid management companies, showcased solutions for integrating renewable energy sources like solar and wind into the grid.

Setting the Stage: A Hectic Setup Day

Large companies often begin booth construction days in advance [2]. Our experience, however, was typical of smaller vendors. Despite having a small kiosk, travel and setup time flew by. Just like countless other small businesses, we scrambled at FedEx to ensure everything arrived on time!

Day Two and Three: Learning from Industry Leaders

The real learning began with invitations to events hosted by industry giants like Itron, Inc. , GE Vernova , 埃思本软件 , and IBM . Here are some key takeaways:

• Smart Meter : Smart meters and analytics were a major focus, with discussions on advanced weather prediction, energy source integration, and smart grid implementation .
• Drones : Drone use for image and data collection, along with risk reduction in tasks like tower inspections, dominated the exhibition floor.
• AI Secures the Grid: Several companies showcased AI-powered security solutions for towers, grids, and data storage.
• Electric Vehicle Evolution: Discussions around electric vehicle (EV) adoption and the infrastructure needed to support charging were prevalent.
• Optimizing Assets: The importance of predictive analytics and fault detection for asset performance management was another key topic.
• Grid Resilience - severe weather: The need for a more resilient grid in the wake of severe weather events was a hot topic.
• Cybersecurity Concerns: With the industry's growing digital footprint, cybersecurity remained a major concern.
• The Talent Gap Widens: A potential talent shortage was a common thread in many conversations. Substation engineers were identified as a specialty in high demand, alongside drone technicians, ADMS/DERMS specialists, and smart meter analytics experts.

Distributech 2024 offered valuable insights into the future of the T&D industry. While you may not have been there in person, this glimpse into the event's key themes can help you stay ahead of the curve.

Sources:

• [1] DISTRIBUTECH International? 2024: The leading T&D Event https://www.distributech.com/
• [2] Exhibit at DISTRIBUTECH International 2024 https://www.distributech.com/