More focus on nuclear's potential in a smart grid future

Continuing the discussion of nuclear's potential in an increasingly clean-energy focused industry, John Norris, a commissioner of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, recently gave a speech on the topic. "Preserving Our Country's Nuclear Fleet" focused on the viability of nuclear power plants in the United State's long-term energy needs and carbon-free goals. Norris discussed the topic of smart grid integration, and how nuclear can deliver support for renewable, clean power sources until solar and wind generation are able to meet the nation's energy needs more effectively.

"It's important to note that subsidies have existed for all forms of energy in this country," noted John Norris, a commissioner of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. "The additional supply of new energy, regardless of whether it is subsidized or not, will always impact existing energy supplies. That does not make the PTC bad policy. I believe that our energy policies should focus on promoting new wind, solar, and other forms of renewable energy, and maintaining our existing nuclear fleet, as these resources bring diversity to our fuel mix and are consistent with our nation's carbon reduction objectives."

The ideas that Norris put forth aren't new, but they do bring renewed focus on the importance of optimizing power infrastructure for diverse power delivery and the integration of secondary and tertiary sources. Nuclear options may not be ideal in the face of the growing potential of solar farms and wind turbines, but it offers a faster path toward clean energy that utilities should consider. By integrating high-quality terminal servers and serial to Ethernet converters into their existing smart grid efforts, firms can start focusing on strengthening their infrastructure as a whole and making it capable to support the needs of the nation for low-cost, carbon-free power.

Earlier in the month, The Energy Collective noted significant support for nuclear options growing across the energy industry. The FERC's addition to that support lends credence to nuclear's role in enabling positive change within the industry, both as a shift away from fossil fuels and a focus on cleaner power as a whole.

Perle offers a range of cost effective serial-to-Ethernet converters to help meet NERC-CIP compliance for the protection of critical cyberassets in substations. The IOLAN SDS HV/LDC Terminal Server is designed to meet harsh environments associated with Power Substations with attributes such as support for substation AC and DC voltage ranges, extended operating temperatures and meeting emission, immunity and safety approvals associated with substation IT equipment.