Sensing and Predictive Analytics

NREL measures weather resources and power systems, forecasts renewable resources and grid conditions, and converts measurements into operational intelligence to support grid operations and planning.

Photo of solar resource monitoring equipment

Grid operations involve assessing the grid's health in real time, predicting its behavior and potential disruptions, and quickly responding to events—which requires understanding vital parameters throughout the electric infrastructure, from generation to the end user. NREL research is improving sensing and predictive analytics across these spatial scales and at multiple timescales—from microseconds to hours and days—to support advances in power system operations and planning.