Building the Grid of the Future: Data and AI Driven Transmission System for Efficiency, Resilience, and Prosperity

Economic growth in many ADB developing member countries (DMCs) remains constrained by energy supplies and difficulty in managing electricity grids. Energy development in Asia and the Pacific is mostly focused on electricity generation and end uses, but electricity supply growth is constrained by inadequate transmission and distribution (T&D) systems. New generation capacity and output cannot be readily brought online in a timely manner unless transmission capacity and efficiency increase rapidly to improve grid flexibility. As more intermittent renewables are added, a more flexible grid and energy storage is needed to maintain grid stability and time-shift generation output. Electrification of transport, industrial heat, and other energy applications traditionally supplied with fossil fuels, is increasing the strain on T&D systems. Rapid expansion of data centers illustrates the physical limitations of existing T&D systems as well as the traditional planning, design, and permitting processes that result in years of waiting for grid access.

T&D systems need to become smarter, more flexible, more resilient to geophysical events (earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions), and generally need to be expanded as fast as possible. Advanced composite core conductors (CCC) are one of the best tools available for rapid and cost-effective expansion of T&D capacity and efficiency while improving geophysical resilience and minimizing environmental and social impacts.