Power sector betting on robotics to enhance operations
Robots and drones now play a crucial role in the power sector as companies increasingly use robotics to handle the inspection of risky, time-consuming and hard-to-reach assets, as well as maintaining those assets and improving their operations, according to a new report by GlobalData.
The report, "Thematic Research: Robotics in Power," explores how robots and drones have entered the power industry and are finding applications across various segments such as transmission and distribution (T&D), wind, solar, nuclear, hydropower and fossil fuels. Currently, there are three main use cases for robotics in utilities: inspection of assets, automated and remote maintenance, and the handling of nuclear materials. These apply primarily to assetheavy segments of the sector, including generation and T&D.
For more information, visit www.globaldata.com.
Final major module for Vogtle 3 & 4 project arrives on-site
The final major module for construction of the Vogtle 3 & 4 units has arrived on-site, meaning all 1,485 major modules required to complete construction have now been manufactured and safely delivered. The arrival of the final major module marks the completion of sourcing construction modules from 25 suppliers and vendors from around the globe.
In addition, several milestones for Unit 4 have recently been achieved, including the second of four concrete placements for the operating deck inside the containment vessel. The placement of 58 cubic yards of concrete forms a 2-foot-thick floor in support of loading and staging equipment inside containment, in preparation for the third containment ring and top-head placements. To date, more than 667,000 cubic yards of concrete have been placed for units 3 & 4, enough to build a sidewalk from Miami to Seattle.
For more information, visit www.georgiapower.com or call (888) 660-5890.
Grid analytics market skyrockets to $2.3B
As data becomes central to new business models in the energy sector, the global grid analytics market is expected to accelerate from $1.15 billion in 2018 to $2.31 billion in 2025, at a compound annual growth rate of 10.4 percent, according to new research by Frost & Sullivan. This data, combined with a sophisticated analytics platform, can deliver valuable insights that can lead to improved customer service and operational metrics.
"The market will gradually switch to predictive and prescriptive analytics," said Farah Saeed, research director, Energy & Environment at Frost & Sullivan. "Analytics will incorporate statistical models that flag areas of inefficiency, evaluate and predict events in a timely manner, and eventually include artificial intelligence to deliver a holistic decision-making tool."
For more information, visit ww2.frost.com or email jaylon.brinkley@frost.com.
Duke Energy seeks to renew nuclear plant licenses
Duke Energy will seek to renew the operating licenses of the 11 reactors it operates at six nuclear stations in the Carolinas for an additional 20 years.
The first Duke Energy nuclear power plants will approach the end of their current operating licenses in the early 2030s. Rigorous, ongoing preventive maintenance programs and technology upgrades and investments over the years have contributed to their continuing strong operating performance. In 2018, Duke Energy's nuclear fleet marked its 20th consecutive year with a fleet capacity factor -- a measure of reliability -- greater than 90 percent.
Duke Energy expects to submit the license renewal application for Oconee Nuclear Station in 2021, followed by its other nuclear stations. Oconee is its largest nuclear station, with three generating units that produce more than 2,500 megawatts.
For more information, visit www.duke-energy.com.
Protect Our Power raising awareness to meet security challenges
Protect Our Power Executive Director Jim Cunningham recently issued the following statement to raise awareness on cybersecurity challenges and potential solutions.
"Virtually every facet of our society and our economy is dependent upon reliable electricity supplies," said Cunningham. "For its part, Protect Our Power is meeting with elected and regulatory officials at the national and state levels to raise awareness of systemic hurdles and potential solutions. We have commissioned studies to identify gaps in state regulatory policies as well as supply chain vulnerabilities, and we have launched a Best Practices in Utility Cybersecurity project to strengthen the ability of key players throughout the electric sector to implement protective measures that go above and beyond standards of compliance."
For more information, visit www.protectourpower.org or call (321) 332-6963.
