Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS) are quickly gaining adoption as an indispensable tool for managing the large influx of distributed energy resources (DERs). The ability to optimize and orchestrate huge numbers of DERs is essential to integrate large amounts of intermittent renewable generation while also ensuring grid reliability.

Recently, over a nine-hour period, Spain's electrical grid accomplished something significant: renewable generation—including wind, solar and hydropower—exceeded the nation's total electricity demand. While still far from the 2050 net-zero target, Spain is on its way thanks to the Iberdrola Group, a global energy leader that is taking bold action to achieve a 100% renewable electricity system.

We are excited to announce OPTIMIZE 24, our worldwide user conference, taking place April 29–May 3 in Houston, Texas.

Learn answers to questions about distributed energy resource management systems from the webinar, "How Iberdrola's Load Flexibility and DERMS Support Spain's Push for 100% Renewables."

Learn answers to questions about distributed energy resource management systems from the webinar, “Achieve the Potential of DERMS, Connect Utility Operations with Customer Programs.”

Electrification is accelerating across all economic sectors as the world increases demand for resources, energy and sustainability. The shift from fossil-based systems to electric will drive change within the existing power infrastructure and beyond with new microgrids and self-generation at industrial sites.

Distributed energy resources (DERs) pose challenges and opportunities for utilities. Power quality and voltage issues, for instance, can threaten grid reliability and damage transformers, capacitors and other infrastructure. DERs also benefit utilities by leveraging customer investments to achieve sustainability goals, reduce peak demand and avoid the need for expensive grid upgrades.

Generation utilities, independent power producers and energy market participants use OSI’s generation management suite of applications to meet optimal system performance and regulatory compliance.

Utility providers are facing a period of intense change as the world makes its way through the energy transition. For companies with the vision and determination to take advantage of the opportunity, distributed energy resource management systems (DERMS) offer not only a solution to challenges, but also a pathway to significant value.

Hydrocarbon Processing sat down with Sally Jacquemin, Vice President and General Manager, Power and Utilities, Aspen Technology, and Ron Beck, Senior Director, Solutions Marketing, Aspen Technology, to discuss electrification in the oil, gas and processing industries, including the use of renewables and microgrids.