Have you ever wondered how your house or place of business receives power? Our modern life with all its amenities would be impossible without this infrastructure, though most of us seldom think about it.
So, let’s take a closer look at the main components of our grid, including transmission and distribution lines. These are the structures that enable our homes and industries to function. It’s especially timely for us to focus on this, as we’re transitioning toward integrating renewable energy into our existing electrical grid infrastructure.
At Beca, we’re at the forefront of this innovation. We’re actively working toward zero-emission targets with our clients and partners, aiming for a grid that’s more robust, reliable and ready for cleaner energy — for our communities now, and for generations to come.
What are distribution and transmission lines?
Transmission power lines are just like “the motorways” of the electrical grid system. These high-voltage lines stretch across vast distances, delivering electricity from power plants and renewable energy zones to substations. Supported by towering pylons and built for a very high voltage level — as much as 800 kV occasionally — they are indispensable to getting large amounts of electricity efficiently over long distances.
Distribution power lines make up the second largest component of the system. These are the grid's "local streets," in this metaphor. As power pours in from transmission lines into substations, distribution lines prepare to take over and deliver it to our homes, businesses and communities. Distribution lines run at a lower voltage level than transmission lines, and, together with supporting poles, underground cables and transformers, are responsible for safely and reliably delivering power to its destination.
Source: Energex
Bringing balance to the grid
Modern power transmission systems also benefit from Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). These devices act as a backup to the grid; they store energy when there is excess energy and discharge it during times of high demand. In essence, BESS helps in the management of supply and demand and enables the two to be in harmony at all times. Since the future generation of energy is expected to depend on intermittent energy sources like solar and wind energy, BESS technology is expected to form a crucial part of electricity transmission system designs.
In New South Wales and Victoria, we're tackling one of today's most pressing energy issues: linking renewable energy zones to the grid. This includes addressing the issue of ageing infrastructure and constructing new transmission lines to accommodate the increasing amount of renewable energy.
However, our obligations go beyond infrastructure creation. We're also revolutionising energy distribution from power generation to consumption by modernising existing infrastructure to accommodate future needs while giving immediate advantages.
Why does all of this matter? When you turn on the lights or charge your phone, you're contributing to something far bigger and more important: smarter networks, cleaner energy and a world better prepared to confront whatever comes next.
Our mission at Beca is to provide the energy solutions we need today while also laying the groundwork for future generations.
Why is the efficiency of distribution and transmission networks important?
Effective distribution and transmission networks not only transport power but also maintain the overall sustainability, stability and reliability of our system. To create a dependable and robust electrical system, we must overcome significant grid management challenges.
Source: Off The Grid News
The major obstacles include:
High voltage transmission lines can reduce energy loss to some extent, but not completely. When electricity travels long distances through conductors, it produces heat, resulting in inefficiency. Inductive reactance and capacitive coupling are the two most common causes of power loss in alternating current lines. These issues become more noticeable in large systems or when transferring power between distant locations.
Ageing infrastructure
The majority of today's power grid was built many years ago and was never designed to support modern energy systems. The fluctuating load and intermittent renewable energy sources are too much for transformers and substations designed to supply consistent and predictable loads. Aged components increase the risk of power system failure, resulting in more outages and higher maintenance costs.
Grid stability
Renewable energy sources like sun and wind, while vital for the energy revolution, are inherently variable. The intermittent supply these sources produce is beyond the capacity of traditional grids. BESS may store extra energy and release it as needed, however, their reliance on modern control systems complicates operations. Furthermore, integrating these devices onto older grids requires major modifications to avoid transmission network instability.
Line capacity
Many existing power lines are nearing their capacity limits, especially in places with significant growth in renewable energy generation. Although upgrades to high voltage direct current (HVDC) systems increase efficiency and allow for larger loads, there are trade-offs. Overhead lines are susceptible to severe weather, but subterranean cables, while more secure, are much more expensive and technically difficult to construct. Balancing these alternatives while fulfilling expanding demand is an ongoing problem for network operators.
Driving progress with technological advancements
Source: SAAB RDS
Meeting today's electrical energy concerns requires rethinking how we power our grids. It’s not enough to just replace obsolete infrastructure; it’s also necessary to integrate clever, creative technology that might help renewable energy grow.
Here's how we're getting it done:
- Smart grids serve as the contemporary grid's “brain”: they use digital technologies to monitor and manage power flow in real time. They react to changes in supply and demand, enhancing dependability, minimising downtime and increasing energy efficiency.
- HVDC transmission is a game-changer for delivering electricity across vast distances. It’s far more efficient than standard alternating current lines, reducing energy losses and making it easier to integrate renewable energy sources such as wind and solar into the electricity grid.
- BESS balances the grid by storing excess electricity during off-peak hours and releasing it when demand rises. This flexibility protects the grid's stability while encouraging the usage of renewable energy.
- Advanced monitoring systems use sensors and IoT devices to monitor grid operation. They capture real-time data, letting operators identify problems early and arrange maintenance before they even occur. Using these technologies, we can prevent unnecessary disruptions.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) can analyse large amounts of grid data, spot patterns and predict when problems may arise. Using these methods can improve our transmission structures and the whole distribution network, resulting in fewer equipment failures and a more reliable and efficient grid.
- Underground lines provide a durable, weather-resistant alternative to overhead power lines. They stay out of sight, which improves aesthetics and they are also better suited to places prone to harsh weather.
Future directions
Smart technologies like AI and the Internet of Things (IoT) are key to the future of transmission and distribution networks. They enhance grid monitoring and management, enable problem prediction and allow for real-time adjustments.
These are some of the most prominent trends of our present and near future:
- IoT and AI integration: This will help us to better oversee and control grid operations.
- Predictive maintenance: Using AI to spot and fix problems before they cause disruptions.
- Real-time adjustments: IoT devices enable quick responses when electricity demand levels change.
- Renewable energy integration: Creating smart grid solutions to handle solar, wind and other renewable sources.
- Advanced grid solutions: Innovations that support efficient and reliable electrical power delivery as we move toward a greener future.
Powering the future together with Beca
At Beca, we’re transforming electric power networks through innovative projects and sustainable practices. With a focus on creative thinking and deep collaboration, we don’t just consult — we partner with you to deliver real-world solutions.
Our team of thinkers, designers, and problem solvers brings expertise and fresh ideas to every project. From solar farms and battery storage systems to wind projects, bioenergy facilities, green hydrogen initiatives, and geothermal plants — we’re with you at every step.
We see energy challenges as opportunities to build a greener, more resilient future. Let’s work together to achieve your net zero goals and turn the energy transition into reality.
Contact us to learn how we can help make a lasting impact. Ignite your thinking with Beca.