Ventyx Unveils Future-Looking Solution for Distribution System Operations to Help Utilities Realize Vision for Smart Grids Powered by Renewable and Distributed Energy

SAN FRANCISCO, June 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Ventyx World 2013 -- Ventyx, an ABB company, today announced from Ventyx World 2013 an innovative solution that will help utilities to effectively integrate the fast-growing number of renewable and distributed energy resources around the world into their grids in order to sustainably balance supply and demand. The Ventyx Distribution System Operations Solution is being developed with strategic input and testing by E.ON, one of the world's largest investor-owned power and gas companies, which supports more than 26 million customers in 30 countries.

According to the International Energy Agency, global demand for energy could increase by as much as 35 percent by 2035. Given nearly 60 to 70 percent of energy loss occurs in the distribution system, global utilities are feeling a growing sense of urgency to improve the efficiency of distribution networks, while also integrating more renewable energy sources into the grid.

"The next generation in smart grid distribution system operations must be able to handle unprecedented operational demands to meet customers' always-on expectations," said Peter Sigenstam, vice president and head of E.ON Innovation Centre Distribution. "We have already begun implementing Ventyx's software solutions to support our next-generation smart grid initiative at E.ON, and anticipate we'll be operational by early 2014 for initial testing and development. We're proud to further extend this partnership by guiding the development of Ventyx's new distribution system solution."

The Ventyx Distribution System Operations Solution builds on a strategic research and development initiative between E.ON, ABB and Ventyx to define next-generation smart grid IT solutions. The new solution will offer global utilities a best-practices model that can help ensure greater operational efficiency in the face of increasingly complex power networks worldwide – helping them to meet rising energy demands, increase renewable generation and provide consumers with the tools to make smart energy choices.

"There is tremendous pressure on distribution utilities to maintain system reliability and security, while at the same time meeting sustainability goals and providing customers with greater choice," said Rick Nicholson, vice president, transmission and distribution solutions, Ventyx. "We are collaborating with some of the most innovative grid operators to build a single solution that offers them the visibility they need – from source to socket – to make distributed and renewable energy resources a seamless part of their grid operations. It will also allow them to more easily integrate new technologies, such as energy storage and plug-in electric vehicles, to drive greater control over capacity, efficiency, sustainability and customer engagement, while exceeding customers' reliability expectations."   

The Ventyx Distribution System Operations Solution integrates and optimizes the value of distributed generation and demand response assets in a smart grid. It can help utilities move from a grid that requires reactive processes and disjointed manual interventions to a holistic and self-healing interconnected grid. The comprehensive solution enables the transformation of the entire distribution system operations process, and features robust SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition), DMS (distribution management system), voltage optimization and demand response management capabilities.

Taking place this week, the Ventyx World 2013 customer conference in San Francisco is the first annual gathering of the global Ventyx customer community to share best practices in asset-intensive industries for minimizing risk, maximizing efficiency and driving bottom-line results. For more information, please visit http://www.ventyxworld.com.

About Ventyx

Ventyx, an ABB company, is a world-leading supplier of Industrial Enterprise Software for essential industries such as energy, mining and public infrastructure. Ventyx solutions bridge the gap between information technologies (IT) and operational technologies (OT), enabling clients to make faster, better-informed decisions in both daily operations and long-term planning strategies. Some of the world's largest organizations rely on Ventyx solutions to minimize risk, enhance operational and financial performance, and execute the right strategies for the future. For more details, see www.ventyx.com.

SOURCE Ventyx