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Big Data Goes Green

Updated: Mar 2

INTRODUCTION

A renewable energy farm that includes solar panels and wind turbines in a field of yellow wild flowers.
Renewable Energy Farm Image Provided by Wix.com

As a concerned citizen of the planet, I've always been interested in sustainable energy. We must transition to renewable energy sources to preserve our planet for future generations. That's why I was so excited to learn about the innovative ways sustainable energy companies use big data to improve their operations. Big data goes green with sustainable energy solutions!


Sustainable energy companies are all over the place. But unfortunately, many are unreliable operations that quickly fail. I have personally seen organizations in this category collapse. The organizations that perform the best and stand the test of time are the ones that drive decisions using valuable information. Useful information comes from data analysis. Data analysis is collecting, transforming, and loading bits of related attributes into meaningful stories. However, raw data alone is insignificant and obscure. Finding valuable data points and how they relate is what makes information significant. The sustainable energy companies below have invested time and money into finding these data points and formulating winning plans to transform the energy supply of our future.


In this article, I have selected three categories to focus on. They are solar suppliers, utility infrastructure, and energy providers. Today, I will discuss the top-performing companies in each class: SunPower, Siemens, and NextEra Energy.


How Sustainable Energy Companies are Harnessing the Power of Data

SunPower Uses Big Data for Solar Systems

Solar panels on a roof capturing photons from solar energy.
Solar Panels on a Roof Image Provided by Wix.com

One company that excels in providing residential solar energy is SunPower. They use big data to optimize the placement of solar panels, ensuring they are installed in the most efficient locations. By analyzing imagery and other data sources, they can identify the best areas for solar panels based on factors like sunlight exposure and weather patterns. Using data this not only maximizes the energy output of each panel but also reduces installation costs and makes solar energy more accessible to consumers. In addition, SunPower customers get access to system monitoring technology that allows them to visualize their electrical system from the comfort of their own homes or on the go.


Siemens Uses Big Data for Energy Infrastructure

Siemens is a well-known company that focuses on sustainable energy utilization. They use big data technology and offer advanced solutions and services to energy providers. Siemens is considered a leading player in the renewable energy sector. Their PSS® power system simulation and modeling software is a cutting-edge technology that examines power grids and generates digital twins, which helps create dependable energy infrastructure (Siemens, 2023). The video by Siemens included in this post describes the benefits of this software (Siemens, 2021). With these analytics, Siemens facilitates the development of sustainable utility infrastructure that can efficiently manage the surging energy demand of the present time.


NextEra Energy Uses Big Data for Net-Zero Strategy

This is a picture of five wind turbines lined up with a backdrop of the sunset. The sky is partly cloudy with a mix of sky blue, white clouds, and grey clouds. Wind turbines generate electricity for power grids.
Wind Turbines Image Provided by Wix.com

NextEra Energy is a prominent organization dedicated to achieving a carbon-neutral America. Also affiliated with NextEra Energy is Florida Power and Light (FPL). What sets them apart is their adoption of big data analytics to create their Net-Zero Carbon Blueprint (2023). This comprehensive strategy focuses on improving infrastructure by analyzing and modeling commercial energy utility data. In addition, Aurora software has played a pivotal role in propelling NextEra Energy to the forefront of the industry by providing data-driven predictions for a future carbon-free energy grid in America (NextEra, 2023). This software is a tool used in forecasting and analyzing energy data. In addition, it can produce GIS visualizations. It is inspiring to see how NextEra Energy is utilizing innovative technology to help pave the way toward a sustainable future for all. It is awe-inspiring to see how NextEra Energy is utilizing cutting-edge technology to help pave the way toward a sustainable future for all.


CONCLUSION

I'm excited to see how sustainable energy companies use big data to drive positive change. By harnessing the power of technology, these companies are making renewable energy more efficient, accessible, and affordable than ever before. This trend will continue, and we can transition to a more sustainable and equitable energy system for all.


Big data is the key to unlocking the potential of sustainable energy. By analyzing data, companies can make informed decisions that benefit both the environment and their bottom line. As technology continues to advance, I believe we will see even more innovative uses of big data in the sustainable energy sector. I'm excited to see what the future holds for this industry and the positive impact it will have on our planet.


ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Sondra Hoffman revised this blog post in collaboration with AI technology. The AI large language model developed by OpenAI, called ChatGPT, was used to generate ideas, generate an outline, and assist with graphics.


Any AI-generated text has been reviewed, edited, and approved by Sondra Hoffman, who takes full responsibility for the content of this publication.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sondra Hoffman is a seasoned MIS professional with over ten years of experience in strategic planning, implementation, and optimization of MIS solutions. She is passionate about helping small businesses thrive through technology and data management. Connect with her on LinkedIn to learn more about her professional background.


CONTACT ME

Contact me today for a consultation on improving your existing information system. Cost-effective approaches are available to drive your business with data.



REFERENCES

  • NextEra Energy. (2023). Net-zero carbon blueprint. https://www.nexteraenergy.com/content/dam/nee/us/en/pdf/NextEraEnergyZeroCarbonBlueprint.pdf

  • NextEra Energy. (2023). Real zero. https://www.nexteraenergy.com/real-zero.html

  • Siemens USA. (2023). PSS® power system simulation and modeling software. https://www.siemens.com/us/en/products/energy/grid-software/planning/pss-software.html

  • Siemens. (2021, October 20). PSS® time-based modeling: Managing the changing electrical grid [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-OLBlYxZBk


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