Western Power will alter its systems as part of a new multi-year cooperation with Tata Consultancy Services in order to decarbonize its transmission and distribution network.
TCS has been chosen as the major systems integrator (SI) for an overhaul of “several domains, including asset management and network operations” by the government-owned energy company.
According to the corporation, the integrator will also serve as a supplementary SI for the government-owned power provider in the asset operations, finance, and corporate domains.
TCS stated that it will “help underpin Western Power’s commitment to continuous improvement in network dependability, efficiency of field services teams, and customer safety.”
The cooperation is also expected to assist a movement toward a “modular grid that is inventive and adaptable through new tech plugs in and out of the grid,” with the goal of ensuring the resilience of the power network.
TCS stated, “Western Power’s creative advancements in grid operation will unleash future potential for customers, companies, and the state, as well as deliver cleaner and smarter electricity.”
Western Power wants to handle “climate risks and end-of-life assets” as it transitions to a modular grid, according to its most recent annual report.
“Whereas our network used to be made up of cables, poles, and substations, we’re now incorporating microgrids, community batteries, and SPS [standalone power systems],” according to the paper [pdf].
“There is no doubt that the shifting generating mix has brought issues in regulating network voltage and network stability, but it has also given incredible potential.”
TCS was chosen for its “domain understanding in the utility and engineering industries,” according to Tracy Deveugle-Frink, Western Power’s head of ICT.
They have a rising presence in the Western Australian business environment and are ideally positioned to collaborate with us as we achieve our corporate goals,” she said.
TCS will also collaborate with Western Power on the Symphony project, a trial initiative aiming at arranging rooftop solar and other large appliances as a virtual power plant.
