In the bustling halls of DISTRIBUTECH 2024, where the latest innovations in power distribution once again took center stage, the Nokia booth was constantly filled with experts and professionals from the utility sector gathered to delve into the latest offerings brought forth by the Nokia team. Mauricio Subieta, the company’s Chief Technology Officer of the Energy Segment, found himself immersed in a constant stream of inquiries and discussions, eagerly sharing his insights and expertise with the shuffling crowd of industry leaders.
While engaging with utility professionals at DISTRIBUTECH was plenty to keep the Nokia team busy, Subieta was gracious to set aside some time for a sit-down interview with Energy Central. During our conversation, he eagerly delved into the critical themes shaping the future of power distribution and from the intricacies of modernization and digitalization to the imperative of collaboration and information sharing, he carries no shortage of insights on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
As the power industry navigates a landscape marked by rapid technological advancements and shifting consumer demands, Subieta's vision for developing innovations in innovation, digitalization, security, and more serve as a critical guide to the sector at large. Keep reading below as he shares his thoughts on the transformative journey ahead for power distribution in the years to come.
Trends to Define the Coming Years
In today's utility landscape, the imperative for staying relevant lies in the realms of modernization and digitalization. Gone are the days when these concepts merely adorned executives' long-term strategic plans to appear forward-thinking. Now, utility leaders must demonstrate tangible efforts in implementing these principles in real-time, showcasing their commitment to adapting and thriving in an increasingly digital world. Specifically, the focus on modernization and digitalization of substations, especially in the context of integrating renewables and managing demand variability, emerges as a crucial theme for Subieta.
In recent years, clean energy mandates and significant investments in renewables have become paramount, reshaping the focus for grid modernization efforts. Moving forward responsibly necessitates even more meticulous planning than in the past decade to align with these evolving priorities. "Wind farms, both on and offshore, are things that for us are new,” points out Subieta, “But for Europe, they are now a common thing to have. They've already learned how to use that and how to manage their demand responsibly." Key to the United States learning properly how to do so comes from the interaction of substations with renewable energy sources like wind farms. These physical and digital tools need to be considered hand-in-hand moving forward.
He also has his eyes towards the future of automated tools that can optimize and improve the grid of tomorrow, with particular excitement towards increased automation, moving towards true machine-to-machine automation. Utilities can expect a shift towards minimizing human intervention in daily operations to enhance efficiency and reduce errors.
"I think automation, but at long last true automation, is what's going to happen. I feel that as we see some of the things that we're being asked by some of our customers on testing how automation can make their lives easier, and the time is now." – Mauricio Subieta
That said, Subieta warns against getting too caught up in the hype of artificial intelligence (AI) and similar tools that seemed to dominate speeches at DISTRIBUTECH. Instead, he highlights the need to focus on practical applications and real solutions, as these tangible solutions are what will drive meaningful progress in the industry. This practical focus centers on progress in areas like virtualization of substations and the need for practical demonstrations to understand new technologies. "Having a little more background on virtual substations is going to allow utilities to make better questions,” emphasizes Subieta. “So, my recommendation is just look at some background information on that area of progress."
Lastly, amid the increasingly digital world of utilities will of course bring up an increased risk to and need to focus on cybersecurity. Especially in the context of evolving threats and technological advancements, the areas of the utility industry focused on cybersecurity will need to continue to aim to stay multiple steps ahead of bad actors who look at their digital systems as areas of potential vulnerability. For Subieta, this focus includes discussions on the potential impact of quantum computing on security measures.
The Always-Packed Nokia Booth at DISTRIBUTECH 2024
Best Practices to Navigate Upcoming Innovation
Navigating this new world of an increasingly digitalized utility is not a task to be taken lightly, and in turn this conversation addressed both the challenges and opportunities associated with emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing. He extols the need for clearer visions and practical applications to address issues such as environmental impact and cybersecurity.
"I'd like to understand what is the vision of the vendors who are developing these technologies to ensure that they could have better performing batteries, for example, using alternatives like hydrogen cells.” – Mauricio Subieta
Again, he also emphasizes the need to balance embracing new technologies with realistically managing expectations and acknowledges the potential of AI and digitalization while cautioning against overhyped expectations and the importance of practical implementation. "Amidst the buzzwords like AI and digitalization,” he notes, “there's an emphasis on identifying real applications and tangible solutions that drive meaningful progress in the industry."
To do so effectively, one of the best tools that Subieta emphasized multiple times was the utilization of collaboration and information sharing between different regions and teams within the industry. For Nokia, initiatives like hosting international contingents and facilitating visits to innovation centers promote a global exchange of knowledge and best practices. Indeed, among the key assets that Nokia brings to this critical conversation at this moment in time is the uniquely global perspective. Especially, he emphasized the importance of looking beyond just the North American power industry, identifying and leveraging the success stories and innovations in regions like Europe and Asia. Recognizing the value of global collaboration and knowledge sharing to pursue an advanced utility sector, Subieta confirmed this approach is one taken seriously by the Nokia team. "We have this close contact within the European and Asian teams,” he noted, “where we're actually all together discussing on a monthly basis what we can do to help in bringing those concepts here to the United States."
Subieta Showcasing One of the Many Exciting Power Utility Focused Demos at DISTRIBUTECH 2024
Taking the Next Steps to Tomorrow
As another successful DISTRIBUTECH conference was put in the books at the end of February, Subieta's reflections on the future of power distribution resonate as a necessary call for innovation and collaboration in the industry. From the bustling corridors of the conference to the pages of EnergyCentral.com, his insights have illuminated the path forward for professionals across the power sector.
The journey towards a more resilient and sustainable power grid is fraught with challenges, yet brimming with opportunities. As stakeholders across the globe converge to tackle the pressing issues of modernization, digitalization, and security, the excited conversation serves as a welcome reminder of the transformative potential that lies within our grasp.
In the ever-evolving landscape of power distribution, one thing remains certain: the need for bold ideas, unwavering commitment, and collaborative action. Leaders should indeed heed Subieta's call to embrace the future with open minds and boundless determination.
If you missed Nokia at DISTRIBUTECH be sure to visit their booth at UTC in Mobile, Alabama in May 2024.