GE Grid Solutions and LineVision have formed a partnership to sell utilities what they say is the world’s first integrated suite of grid enhancing technologies, or GETs, which can be used to increase transmission capacity on existing infrastructure.
GE and LineVision will combine dynamic line ratings, or DLR, dynamic power rating and optimal power flow controllers to significantly increase transmission capacity while ensuring grid reliability, the companies said Wednesday.
“These technologies represent a new model of grid infrastructure investment which will accelerate the transition to a net zero grid,” LineVision CEO Hudson Gilmer said in a statement. “Transmission capacity is the limiting factor preventing the clean energy economy from becoming a reality.”
DLRs measure real-time capacity of power lines, which is usually higher than static line ratings, allowing more electricity to flow over the facilities.
By using transmission facilities more efficiently, GETs could double the amount of renewable energy that can be integrated onto the grid and produce about $5 billion in energy production cost savings, according to a February 2021 report by the Brattle Group.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has taken several recent actions on GETs.
In February, the agency issued a notice of inquiry asking whether DLRs would help ensure just and reasonable wholesale rates by improving the accuracy and transparency of transmission line ratings.
Also, FERC’s pending transmission planning reform proposal would require transmission providers to more fully consider DLRs and advanced power flow control devices in their regional transmission planning processes.
The U.S. Department of Energy last month opened the first round of applications for $13 billion in competitive funding for grid flexibility and grid resilience projects, including GETs.
Some of LineVision’s customers are Duquesne Light Co., National Grid and Xcel Energy.
LineVision’s DLR sensors can increase transmission capacity by up to 40%, according to National Grid, which has invested in the company.
