5 Ways the Clean Energy Industry Relies on Fast Internet to Thrive

Today, about one-third of all energy generation globally comes from renewable sources.

As fossil fuel prices rise and the threat of climate change escalates, it’s becoming a more and more integral part of our energy landscape. In fact, led by wind and solar, the renewable energy market is only growing. In Canada, the wind and solar energy sectors expanded by 10.5% in 2022 — adding more than 1.8 GW of new generation capacity to the country.

It’s clear that clean energy has become a critical component of the energy industry, both throughout the world and in Canada specifically. But to continue on that growth path, while still providing reliable service at every step, providers require the right technology. And that includes strong Internet connections to keep it all running.

Reliable connections are critical to this growing industry for a number of reasons. Let’s look at five.

1. Smart Grids

Unlike many more centralized traditional energy sources, renewable energy production like wind, solar and geothermal can often be found spread across various locations. By distributing these energy sources, providers can use land more efficiently and rely on infrastructure that already exists. But to stay efficient they also need a way to deploy and manage those individual locations together in a way that’s standardized and scalable.

Smart grid technology helps them do that, allowing providers to monitor and manage energy production and consumption across locations in real time. Through a reliable Internet connection, smart grid technology lets providers address service issues quickly, balance demand throughout the day, reduce grid imbalances and enhance overall grid stability and reliability.

2. Internet of Things Sensors

Internet of Things (IoT) devices and sensors have become invaluable to clean energy providers. They use those devices and sensors to collect data on energy production, environmental conditions and equipment performance — sending it to a central location through an Internet connection. These connected sensors help detect issues, perform predictive maintenance and optimize the output of renewable energy sources.

In doing so, IoT devices help clean energy providers lower costs, streamline their networks, maintain reliable energy production and identify issues in real time. They also help providers ensure their network is efficient and reliable, allowing them to better manage their energy output and maintain strong safety standards.

3. Remote Monitoring and Control

Given the dispersed nature of many renewable energy sources, clean energy providers need a way to monitor and control those assets remotely — and usually across less lived-in or rural areas. Not only that, but there are often many individual pieces of equipment to keep track of. Just think about the number of wind turbines or solar panels each provider has working at one time.

Remote monitoring and control, with the right Internet connection, can help providers manage all of those assets through centralized systems, even from afar. This helps them reduce the need for physical intervention and minimizes downtime if something goes wrong

4. Energy Management Systems (EMS)

Energy management systems (EMS) bring together renewable energy sources, energy storage solutions and demand-side management to enable companies to optimize their energy usage.

EMS platforms use data analytics to optimize energy usage, maximize self-consumption of renewable energy, and efficiently manage electricity flows. By using sensors to measure energy usage and a shared EMS interface, these platforms can help companies manage their environmental footprint, optimize energy consumption and detect any issues or malfunctions that are affecting their consumption. They let businesses cut costs, maximize their self consumption of renewable energy and efficiently manage electricity flows. But that’s only possible with reliable connectivity to support them.

5. Demand-Side Connectivity

Finally, the alternative energy industry also often connects with their consumers directly in demand-side management programs. Internet-enabled smart meters, mobile apps and real-time energy consumption data allows consumers to make better-informed choices on when and how they use energy, helping to promote energy efficiency and sustainability.

This allows residents and businesses to cut their energy costs while reducing their environmental footprint. It also lets providers continue to meet their customers’ ongoing needs without the risk of unexpected surges or the need to build out new infrastructure.

Conclusion

The renewable energy industry is growing, and that’s a good thing. It continues to play a critical role for the world and Canadians specifically. But for the renewable energy industry to thrive, it requires the right Internet to keep it connected, with guaranteed Service Level Agreements (SLAs), reliable service and redundancy options that will ensure energy sources continue to thrive no matter what.

And with primary and backup connections designed specifically for businesses across Canada’s urban, rural and remote locations, Xplore Business can help.

Learn more about our coast-to-coast business solutions.