PG&E and Smart Wires Enhance Grid Reliability, Capacity for Data Centers in San Jose
PG&E (PCG) and Smart Wires have partnered to enhance grid reliability in San Jose through advanced power flow control (APFC) technology. The project will increase capacity by over 100 megawatts at the Los Esteros electric substation, supporting new data centers in the Alviso community. Smart Wires' SmartValve devices will be installed by late 2025, mitigating thermal overloads by up to 34%.
The solution addresses CAISO's projected load increase of 500 MW in the San Jose area due to data center growth. This technology was chosen over alternatives like reconductoring and energy storage for its cost-effectiveness and rapid deployment capabilities. The system will continue to optimize power distribution even after a new transmission line is completed in 2032.
PG&E (PCG) e Smart Wires hanno collaborato per migliorare l'affidabilità della rete elettrica a San Jose attraverso la tecnologia avanzata di controllo del flusso di energia (APFC). Il progetto aumenterà la capacità di oltre 100 megawatt nella sottostazione elettrica di Los Esteros, supportando i nuovi data center nella comunità di Alviso. I dispositivi SmartValve di Smart Wires saranno installati entro la fine del 2025, riducendo i sovraccarichi termici fino al 34%.
La soluzione risponde all'aumento previsto del carico di 500 MW nell'area di San Jose da parte di CAISO, dovuto alla crescita dei data center. Questa tecnologia è stata scelta rispetto ad alternative come il riconductoring e lo stoccaggio di energia per la sua convenienza economica e la rapidità di implementazione. Il sistema continuerà a ottimizzare la distribuzione dell'energia anche dopo il completamento di una nuova linea di trasmissione nel 2032.
PG&E (PCG) y Smart Wires se han asociado para mejorar la fiabilidad de la red en San José mediante la tecnología avanzada de control del flujo de energía (APFC). El proyecto aumentará la capacidad en más de 100 megavatios en la subestación eléctrica de Los Esteros, apoyando a los nuevos centros de datos en la comunidad de Alviso. Los dispositivos SmartValve de Smart Wires se instalarán para finales de 2025, reduciendo las sobrecargas térmicas hasta en un 34%.
La solución aborda el aumento proyectado de carga de 500 MW en el área de San José por parte de CAISO debido al crecimiento de los centros de datos. Esta tecnología fue elegida sobre alternativas como el reconductorado y el almacenamiento de energía por su rentabilidad y capacidad de despliegue rápido. El sistema continuará optimizando la distribución de energía incluso después de que se complete una nueva línea de transmisión en 2032.
PG&E (PCG)와 Smart Wires가 첨단 전력 흐름 제어(APFC) 기술을 통해 산호세의 전력망 신뢰성을 향상시키기 위해 협력했습니다. 이 프로젝트는 Los Esteros 전력 변전소에서 100메가와트 이상의 용량을 증가시켜 Alviso 지역의 새로운 데이터 센터를 지원합니다. Smart Wires의 SmartValve 장치는 2025년 말까지 설치될 예정이며, 열 과부하를 최대 34%까지 완화합니다.
이 솔루션은 데이터 센터 성장으로 인해 CAISO가 산호세 지역에서 예상하는 500MW의 부하 증가에 대응합니다. 이 기술은 재도체화나 에너지 저장 같은 대안보다 비용 효율성과 신속한 배치 능력 때문에 선택되었습니다. 이 시스템은 2032년에 새로운 송전선이 완공된 후에도 전력 분배 최적화를 계속할 것입니다.
PG&E (PCG) et Smart Wires se sont associés pour améliorer la fiabilité du réseau à San Jose grâce à la technologie avancée de contrôle du flux de puissance (APFC). Le projet augmentera la capacité de plus de 100 mégawatts dans la sous-station électrique de Los Esteros, soutenant les nouveaux centres de données de la communauté d'Alviso. Les dispositifs SmartValve de Smart Wires seront installés d'ici fin 2025, réduisant les surcharges thermiques jusqu'à 34%.
Cette solution répond à l'augmentation de charge projetée par CAISO de 500 MW dans la région de San Jose due à la croissance des centres de données. Cette technologie a été choisie plutôt que des alternatives comme le reconductoring et le stockage d'énergie pour son rapport coût-efficacité et sa rapidité de déploiement. Le système continuera d'optimiser la distribution d'énergie même après la mise en service d'une nouvelle ligne de transmission en 2032.
PG&E (PCG) und Smart Wires haben sich zusammengeschlossen, um die Netzzuverlässigkeit in San Jose durch fortschrittliche Leistungsflusssteuerung (APFC) zu verbessern. Das Projekt wird die Kapazität in der Umspannstation Los Esteros um über 100 Megawatt erhöhen und unterstützt neue Rechenzentren in der Gemeinde Alviso. Die SmartValve-Geräte von Smart Wires sollen bis Ende 2025 installiert werden und thermische Überlastungen um bis zu 34% reduzieren.
Die Lösung adressiert den von CAISO prognostizierten Lastanstieg von 500 MW im Raum San Jose aufgrund des Wachstums der Rechenzentren. Diese Technologie wurde gegenüber Alternativen wie Rekonduktorierung und Energiespeicherung aufgrund ihrer Kosteneffizienz und schnellen Einsatzfähigkeit bevorzugt. Das System wird die Stromverteilung auch nach Fertigstellung einer neuen Übertragungsleitung im Jahr 2032 weiterhin optimieren.
- Increases grid capacity by over 100 MW to meet growing data center demand
- Provides immediate solution for power needs starting 2025, ahead of 2032 transmission line completion
- More cost-effective and faster to implement compared to alternatives (reconductoring and energy storage)
- Technology is modular and relocatable, allowing future expansion and reconfiguration
- Temporary solution until new transmission line completion in 2032
- Only addresses 20% (100 MW) of the projected 500 MW load increase in the area
Insights
PG&E's SmartValve deployment enables 100+ MW capacity increase for data centers, addressing near-term demand while awaiting 2032 transmission upgrades.
This partnership between PG&E and Smart Wires represents a significant technological solution to a pressing infrastructure challenge. The deployment of SmartValve advanced power flow control (APFC) technology at the Los Esteros substation will enable a capacity increase exceeding 100 megawatts – a substantial boost that addresses immediate data center power needs in San Jose's Alviso area.
What makes this particularly noteworthy is the strategic timing. With CAISO projecting up to
The alternatives considered – reconductoring or energy storage – were deemed too costly and time-intensive, highlighting the cost-effectiveness of the APFC approach. Beyond the immediate capacity boost, the modular and relocatable nature of SmartValve provides valuable operational flexibility. Once the permanent transmission infrastructure is completed in 2032, these units can be reconfigured to optimize the expanded network or redeployed elsewhere in PG&E's system.
This deployment demonstrates how utilities can leverage advanced technologies to maximize existing infrastructure rather than solely relying on more capital-intensive new construction. For the San Jose region, this means data center operators gain access to reliable power years earlier than would otherwise be possible, potentially accelerating digital infrastructure development in the area.
Deployment of advanced power flow control technology enables 100+ MW of additional capacity, ensures efficient power distribution for critical infrastructure
SAN JOSE, Calif. and
The project will boost capacity by more than 100 megawatts (MW) at the substation, which is located adjacent to new data centers under development in the Alviso community of San Jose. The installation of Smart Wires' SmartValve APFC devices is expected for completion in late 2025 and will reinforce critical infrastructure to keep these data centers operating.
"As the demand for data centers skyrockets, ensuring a reliable and efficient grid is more important than ever," said Joanna Lohkamp, CEO of Smart Wires. "Our work with PG&E demonstrates the significant impact of our SmartValve technology, dynamically redirecting power from overloaded to underutilized lines. This approach addresses current capacity constraints and optimizes existing infrastructure for the massive energy needs of data centers while also offering a scalable solution for future grid enhancements."
The California Independent System Operator (CAISO) projects a load increase of up to 500 MW in the San Jose area due to data center growth. While a new transmission line is planned for 2032, a near-term solution was needed to ensure reliable power delivery starting in 2025. After evaluating multiple options—including reconductoring and energy storage, both of which proved too costly and slow—CAISO identified APFC as the most effective, reliable, and timely approach. SmartValve devices deliver fast, high-impact upgrades that mitigate thermal overloads by up to
"Working with Smart Wires allows PG&E to efficiently address projected capacity needs while maintaining high reliability for our customers," said Chad Dupuis, Principal Electrical Engineer, PG&E. "This collaboration highlights our commitment to deploying innovative technologies that enhance our grid's flexibility, security, and resilience."
SmartValve provides a fast and cost-effective path to meet increasing electricity demand and allows utilities to dynamically manage capacity and load. This technology can be rapidly deployed, adjusted, or relocated to accommodate shifting energy needs and the integration of new power generation sources. Additionally, SmartValve's modular and relocatable design allows for future expansion or reconfiguration to accommodate evolving grid needs. Once the new transmission line comes online in 2032, SmartValve will continue to enhance its benefits by dynamically balancing power flows across the network.
About PG&E
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE: PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than sixteen million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and
About Smart Wires
Smart Wires is a leading grid enhancing technology and services provider. We help electric utilities unlock capacity and solve their critical grid issues, using our solutions to create a more flexible, reliable and affordable grid. This enables a faster, more cost-efficient path to meet growing electricity demand with clean energy generation, at the lowest cost to consumers. Headquartered in the Research Triangle of
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SOURCE Pacific Gas and Electric Company
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