To give an example, sensors monitor the operational values of high-voltage switchgear, such as time of operation and operational currents, while providing performance data, allowing us to learn how infrastructure ages over the years.
As resources, both high-voltage infrastructure and the maintenance team become critical, this will be invaluable. Here in the Netherlands, grid operator TenneT is upgrading its substations to IEC 61850 standard (see “Zoom in”) governing the operation of smart grids.
As contractors, we face two main problems:
- Firstly, to upgrade substations, we need to do it while they are in operation.
- Secondly – and more seriously – there is a lack of trained staff on the market. This is a real bottleneck going forward. Essentially, engineers need to have a combined knowledge of high-voltage infrastructure and networking/IT.
In the past this was not the case, where a deeper knowledge of high-voltage infrastructure was sufficient. Think about it this way, this is like transitioning from a traditional landline to smart phones, but for critical energy infrastructure. At SPIE, we are responding by forming a new team of highly skilled professionals who can help our customers to install and maintain the new substations. We also offer training to client teams: our aim is always to enable them to be able to maintain their infrastructure in the longer run. In that sense, we see ourselves as training wheels on a bicycle. In addition, with the roll-out of digital infrastructure, grid operators will have to pay increased attention to data security. After all, digital substations generate, store, and transmit huge amounts of sensitive grid data which must not fall into the wrong hands. That’s why we’re working towards an ISO 27001 cybersecurity certification for SPIE Nederland.
