“ AS THE PRICE POINT FOR SENSOR TECHNOLOGY REDUCES AND THE ABILITY TO OPTIMISE THE INTEGRATION OF EQUIPMENT INCREASES , IT MAKES FOR A MORE COMPELLING BUSINESS CASE FOR ADOPTION ”
— Dale Geach , Siemens
in digital infrastructure , such as 5G and AI , energy companies would be able to construct an ultra-fast information network capable of self-improvement , analysis and optimisation .
IIoT will also have a place in facilitating the passage of energy from its old paradigm to one based on renewable power , smart grids and virtual power plants . Not only that but the health and safety of workers can now be ensured in a way that was previously unfeasible . “ It would have been impossible to integrate a productive amount of renewable
energy into the grid without software to manage its complexity ,” Walsh explains . “ IIoT is helping us to keep field teams safe , avoid unplanned outages at power stations and make energy companies more economically viable during volatile times . Also , throughout the pandemic , it has enabled remote working for thousands of employees without jeopardizing operations .”
Energy companies are already beginning to explore the practical advantages of incorporating virtual and augmented reality ( VR and AR ) to assist engineers in real-time . As the sector continues to experiment with new digital technology , the need for IIoT networks will only become more essential as the foundation which underpins it all . Ultimately , Walsh concludes , it is by recognising the value of IIoT that companies can become “ more resilient and more capable of meeting and adapting to their consumers ’ needs .”
63 www . energydigital . com