New requirements for innovative intellectual energy hardware, as part of the “Smart power system of Russia” technology platform, were the focus of the presentation by Alexei Konev, director for innovation at Russia’s Energy Agency. He made his presentation at the EP China 2012 in Beijing, China.
The deployment of a smart energy system will call for equipment with enhanced characteristics: advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) (smart meters and smart sensors), various power storage units, devices based on high-temperature superconductors, online self-monitoring systems etc.
“Technologies and components of the electric grid also require improvement. For instance, flexible AC transmission systems (FACTS), superconductor cables, semiconductors and power electronics, storages, short circuit voltage selectors,” said Konev.
With regard to the technology platform, 2012 should see the development of a strategic concept for smart technologies in Russia’s power sector, a road map and a research program. Framework development is also expected to be begun.
The distributed power segment is characterized by the most diversified demands for hardware, said Igor Kozhukhovsky, director-general of Russia’s Energy Forecasting Agency (EFA).
Utility heating systems, industry, businesses and households all draw up specific ‘wish lists’ dictated by the differences in hardware usage. For instance, many consumers have ecologically-driven demands for hardware, specified Kozhukhovsky.
The 2020 power sector modernization program draft envisions deep modernization of 19.6 GW of generation facilities. However, to reach this target the Government should introduce tools for specific economic stimulation of investors.
“The Council of generators has been offering specific solutions but these have not been reflected in state legislation,” said Anton Vivchar, deputy director of the Power Generators’ Council of Russia.
Still, generation companies work to draw up unifies principles of constructing an economic policy. Vivchar said he believes it is logical to base all work on joint principles of hardware unification and prioritize cogeneration.
“It is our responsibility to introduce a comfortable institutional environment for the generation companies: tax preferences, rapid amortization on high-efficiency equipment and reduction of credit rates for the acquisition of innovative prototypes,” elaborated Vivchar.
Viktor Yakushev, an official with Russia’s INTER RAO, made a presentation about his company’s practices regarding corporate requirements for electric power hardware.
A round-table discussion on the current situation with demands for hardware was hosted by INVEL Non-profit partnership within the framework of the EP China 2012 business agenda.
SmartGrid.ru, the industry news and analysis web portal, was the forum’s media partner from Russia.
