Scott MacKenzie hosts an industrial podcast featuring Matt Burton, VP of Software Sales for Siemens' US and Mexico grid software. They discuss the shift from linear to non-linear power systems due to distributed energy resources (DER). Burton highlights the need for technology and change management to adapt to this new landscape. He emphasizes the importance of data management for efficiency and the role of regulatory bodies in facilitating these changes. Burton also notes the global nature of these challenges, with similar issues in Europe, Australia, and Asia. He concludes by discussing the potential for small modular reactors and the future of load growth and power conditioning.

Action Items

• [ ] Attend the Distributech conference next year to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies in the power industry.
• [ ] Reach out to Matt Burton at Siemens (matt.burton@siemens.com) to discuss grid software solutions.

Need

• Data management: centralizing data to improve efficiency and reduce manual updates.
• Managing distributed energy resources and their impact on the grid.
• Addressing load growth, particularly from data centers and sensitive industries.
• Dealing with aging infrastructure and orchestrating diverse assets.
• Maintaining grid stability with increased renewable and inverter-based resources.
• Ensuring power reliability for sensitive industries like chip manufacturing and data centers.

Sentiment

• The tone was positive, discussing exciting developments in the power industry.
• Matt expressed optimism about industry changes and technological advancements.
• Scott described the event as “exciting” and “dazzling”.

Outline

Introduction and Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast

• Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry professionals and innovations.
• Scott thanks the listeners for joining and highlights the importance of celebrating industry professionals.
• The podcast is sponsored by Siemens, specifically Siemens Smart Infrastructure and Grid Software.
• Scott mentions the current broadcast location at Distribute Tech in Dallas, Texas, and encourages listeners to attend next year.

Introduction of Matt Burton from Siemens

• Scott introduces Matt Burton, VP of Software Sales for US and Mexico Grid Software at Siemens.
• Matt provides a brief introduction about his role and responsibilities at Siemens.
• Scott and Matt engage in a light-hearted conversation about their physical activities and health.
• Matt explains his involvement in various aspects of grid software, including transmission, distribution planning, and distributed energy resources.

Challenges and Changes in Grid Software

• Scott discusses the linear nature of traditional power systems and the challenges of managing distributed energy resources (DER).
• Matt explains the shift from centralized generation to distributed energy resources and the impact on the power grid.
• Scott expresses concerns about the complexity of managing a non-linear power system and the need for technology solutions.
• Matt emphasizes the importance of both technology and people in adapting to these changes.

Change Management and Regulatory Environment

• Scott highlights the significant change management required in the power industry due to the dynamic nature of the current system.
• Matt discusses the consulting practice at Siemens, which helps integrate software and power systems expertise.
• Scott inquires about the regulatory environment and its role in driving change.
• Matt explains the need for regulatory frameworks to support regional connections and transmission line build-outs.

Data Management and Efficiency

• Scott and Matt discuss the importance of data management in driving efficiency in the power industry.
• Matt explains the challenges of managing data across multiple teams and the benefits of centralized data management.
• Scott emphasizes the need for reliable and clean power for consumers and manufacturers.
• Matt mentions the role of regulatory agencies in keeping up with the rapid changes in the industry.

Load Growth and Technological Solutions

• Scott and Matt discuss the significant load growth expected in the future and its impact on the power industry.
• Matt explains the role of software and hardware in addressing the challenges of load growth.
• Scott compares the traditional large generators to smaller, more efficient generators and the benefits of distributed generation.
• Matt highlights the advancements in power conditioning devices and analytics to stabilize the grid.

Deployment of Solutions and Global Perspectives

• Scott asks about the timeline for deploying solutions and the speed of the process.
• Matt explains that the deployment time depends on the complexity of the project and the expertise available at Siemens.
• Scott inquires about the global perspective on distributed energy resources and renewable energy.
• Matt confirms that distributed energy resources are a global issue, with similar challenges in Europe, Australia, and Asia.

Challenges in Mexico and Future Outlook

• Scott asks about the specific challenges faced by Mexico and Central America in managing their power systems.
• Matt explains the aging infrastructure and the need for better management and orchestration of assets in these regions.
• Scott and Matt discuss the importance of reliable power for data centers and other critical loads.
• Matt shares his optimistic outlook on the future of the power industry, including significant load growth, increased efficiency, and new generation resources.

Conclusion and Contact Information

• Scott thanks Matt for the insightful conversation and asks how listeners can get in touch with him.
• Matt provides his contact information, including his LinkedIn profile and email address.
• Scott encourages listeners to attend Distribute Tech and highlights the importance of the event for industry professionals.
• The podcast concludes with a reminder of the podcast's mission to amplify industry messages and bring more opportunities.