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Digital twins protect institutional knowledge
The adoption of digital twins in the power and utilities (P&U) sector is driven by several key factors that reflect the evolving landscape of the industry.
One notable driver is the impending retirement of experienced personnel, which creates knowledge gaps that can hinder operational efficiency. As seasoned professionals exit the workforce, organizations must find ways to transfer critical insights to newer employees who lack the same level of experience. This generational shift can lead to disruptions in operational continuity, making it essential for utilities to implement systems that capture and disseminate knowledge effectively.
In addition to workforce transitions, the expectations of new entrants into the industry are reshaping how utilities operate. Younger professionals, often more tech-savvy and accustomed to digital solutions, seek intuitive, technology-driven tools that enhance their work experience and streamline processes. This shift necessitates a reevaluation of existing systems and practices to align with modern expectations. Utilities that fail to adapt risk losing talent and falling behind in a competitive landscape where innovation is paramount.
Operational cost pressures further compel utilities to explore innovative solutions. As organizations strive to do more with less, digital twins offer a pathway to improve resource allocation and reduce maintenance costs. By providing real-time data and predictive analytics, digital twins enable utilities to anticipate equipment failures, schedule maintenance proactively and extend asset life-spans. This proactive approach not only reduces downtime, but also translates to better service availability for customers, thereby enhancing their overall experience.
Moreover, the growing complexity of the grid, driven by the integration of renewable energy sources and advanced technologies, underscores the need for sophisticated management tools that can provide real-time insights. Digital twins help utilities to manage these complexities more effectively, enabling customers to receive consistent and reliable energy supply, even during peak demand periods. As utilities navigate the challenges of managing diverse energy sources, digital twins can facilitate better coordination and integration, ideally leading to systems that can function harmoniously.
Finally, operational resiliency has become a focal point for utilities, as they must navigate financial, cybersecurity, educational and weather-related risks. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events and the potential for cyber threats necessitate a robust response strategy. Digital twins can play a crucial role in enhancing resilience by enabling proactive decision-making and scenario planning. By simulating various conditions and responses, utilities can prepare for potential disruptions. This proactive approach ultimately allows customers to experience minimal service interruptions and maintain confidence in their utility provider during critical times.
Digital twins are evolving within the P&U sector. Today, many implementations are isolated and discrete, but a more integrated future awaits. Traditional non-twin models primarily focus on reporting what has happened, while discrete digital twins analyze past events. However, the industry is moving toward integrated enterprise digital twins that unify IT and OT assets for a comprehensive view.