Control Room of the Future
Control Room of the Future
As grid complexity increases, network operators must transition to more integrated, interconnected operations
Network investment is increasing network size, complexity and available data
A combination of rising electricity demand, grid resilience needs, and digital transformation is fueling a surge in global grid investment. As spending accelerates, control rooms must evolve to manage an increasingly complex grid.
- Investments in digital-related grid efficiency hit $63B in 2022, representing a 50% increase since 2015.
- Grid digitalization investment is expected to double from $81B in 2024 to $152B by 2030.
- 1.06B smart meters were deployed by 2023, with connected devices expected to exceed $25B by 2030.
- Major U.S. utilities are investing $10B in smart grid upgrades for resilience.
Proliferation of flexible energy sources, provides control rooms with a unique opportunity to harness them in network management activities
As renewables and DERs play an increasingly important role in power systems, control rooms must adapt to manage decentralized assets and coordinate more dynamic energy flows:
- The U.S. will add 217 GW of DERs by 2028, with 50% from demand-side flexibility.
- By 2030, renewable energy will account for 46% of global electricity generation, with solar and wind contributing 30%. This expansion represents a 90% increase in renewable electricity production, equivalent to meeting the combined power demand of the U.S. and China.
- In the U.S. alone, renewable capacity is projected to grow by 500 GW by 2030.
- U.S. demand response reached 33 GW in 2023, reflecting a greater reliance on consumer-side flexibility.
In working with leading network operators globally, Sia has identified six defining characteristics of the control room of the future
Predictive, not reactive: Leverages analytics, automation, and real-time monitoring to anticipate system disturbances and proactively optimize grid performance.
Integrated & Market-Responsive: Seamlessly connects with system operations and flexible markets to dynamically manage DERs and network constraints.
Automated & Data-Driven: Utilizes automation and real-time data processing to enhance decision-making, enabling autonomous and optimized control room actions.
Structured & Accountable: Operates under a clear governance framework with well-defined roles to prevent operational silos.
Intelligent & Real-time: Implements live network simulations and forecasting to drive informed, real-time decision-making.
Collaborative & Interoperable: Engages with market players, utilities, and digital platforms to improve cross-sector coordination and system-wide efficiency.
Sia has collaborated with leading Network Operators worldwide to develop a proven, structured methodology for advancing control room transformation
Our Approach:
Assess & Define Strategic Intent
- Conduct an in-depth current state review.
- Identify key strategic questions.
- Develop a future-state vision & strategic principles.
Strategic Roadmap & Transformation Initiatives
- Define strategic goals & KPIs.
- Develop and prioritize key transformation initiatives.
- Establish a governance framework.
- Sequence initiatives in a structured roadmap.
Design & Implement Target Operating Model
- Evaluate & redefine the control room operating model.
- Build a transition strategy & business case.
- Roll out the operating model in phases.
- Continuously monitor performance.
