Aspen Technology Partners with Omaha Public Power District to Support 2050 Net Zero Carbon Vision

Rhea-AI Summary

Aspen Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:AZPN) has expanded its strategic partnership with Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) to support the utility's goal of net zero carbon production by 2050. AspenTech will provide its Digital Grid Management (DGM) software suite to monitor, schedule, and control distributed energy resources (DERs) on OPPD's grid while maintaining reliability for 885,000 people across 5,000 square miles in Nebraska.

OPPD will use AspenTech OSI Distributed Energy Resource Management System™ to manage DER assets within a single platform, integrating with AspenTech's generation, transmission, advanced distribution management, and outage management systems. This comprehensive solution aims to provide real-time control and optimization across OPPD's grid, supporting its transition to renewable energy while ensuring dependable service.

Positive

• Expansion of strategic partnership with a major U.S. public utility
• Implementation of AspenTech's Digital Grid Management software suite
• Integration of multiple AspenTech systems for comprehensive grid management
• Support for OPPD's net zero carbon production goal by 2050

Negative

• None.

Insights

Energy Transition Expert

OPPD's partnership with AspenTech marks a significant step towards achieving its 2050 net zero carbon vision. The implementation of Digital Grid Management (DGM) software is important for managing the complexities of integrating distributed energy resources (DERs) into the grid. This move aligns with the broader industry trend of utilities transitioning to cleaner energy sources while maintaining grid reliability.

The key challenge OPPD faces is balancing the intermittent nature of renewable energy with the need for consistent power supply. AspenTech's DGM suite, particularly its Distributed Energy Resource Management System, will be instrumental in addressing this challenge by providing real-time control and optimization across OPPD's grid.

This partnership could potentially accelerate OPPD's decarbonization efforts, positioning them as a leader in the utility sector's clean energy transition. However, the success of this initiative will depend on effective implementation and integration of the software with existing systems, as well as OPPD's ability to adapt its operations to fully leverage these new capabilities.

Utility Operations Analyst

The expansion of OPPD's partnership with AspenTech is a strategic move that addresses several operational challenges. By integrating AspenTech's DGM suite across transmission and distribution operations, OPPD is creating a unified platform for asset management. This integration is important for optimizing grid performance and reliability, especially as the utility incorporates more renewable energy sources.

The comprehensive real-time control provided by the DGM suite will enable OPPD to respond more quickly to fluctuations in energy supply and demand. This agility is essential when dealing with the variability of renewable energy sources. Moreover, the integration with existing systems for generation, transmission and outage management will enhance OPPD's ability to maintain service continuity for its large customer base across a vast geographical area.

While this technology investment is promising, OPPD will need to ensure proper staff training and change management to fully realize the benefits of this advanced grid management system. The utility's success in leveraging this technology could serve as a model for other utilities aiming to balance decarbonization goals with operational efficiency and reliability.

One of the Largest U.S. Public Utilities Aims to be a Clean Energy Leader with the Help of AspenTech Digital Grid Management Software

BEDFORD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Aspen Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:AZPN), a global leader in industrial software, today announced an expansion of its strategic partnership with Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) to support the utility’s goal of net zero carbon production by 2050. AspenTech will provide its Digital Grid Management (DGM) software suite to monitor, intelligently schedule and control distributed energy resources (DERs) on OPPD’s grid while maintaining reliability for a population of 885,000 people across 5,000 square miles in the state of Nebraska.

OPPD will use AspenTech OSI Distributed Energy Resource Management System™ across both transmission and distribution operations to plan for and manage DER assets within a single platform. The solution, a key component of AspenTech’s DGM suite, will integrate with AspenTech generation, transmission, advanced distribution management and outage management systems, giving the utility comprehensive real-time control and optimization across its grid.

“As we move toward net zero carbon production by 2050, OPPD sees an exciting opportunity ahead to be a decarbonization leader,” said Doug Peterchuck, Director, Enterprise Operational Technology, OPPD. “Renewable energy can be unpredictable, which is why we need technology that will help us optimize DERs, including flexible loads, with precision and make significant progress toward our clean energy goals – all while ensuring we continue to provide the community with dependable service.”

“Leading utilities like OPPD require a secure, enterprise-grade platform that can meet new demands driven by the energy transition and an expansive customer base,” said Sally Jacquemin, VP and GM, Power and Utilities at AspenTech. “Seamless integrations across AspenTech’s DGM suite give OPPD the transparency and flexibility needed among operational teams to ensure grid resiliency while it drives toward a more sustainable future.”

The selection of AspenTech’s DGM software to support OPPD’s net zero carbon production goals is the latest milestone in a six-year partnership between the companies.

For more information, visit the following webpages:

• AspenTech’s Digital Grid Management Suite
• Omaha Public Power District

About Aspen Technology

Aspen Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: AZPN) is a global software leader helping industries at the forefront of the world’s dual challenge meet the increasing demand for resources from a rapidly growing population in a profitable and sustainable manner. AspenTech solutions address complex environments where it is critical to optimize the asset design, operation and maintenance lifecycle. Through our unique combination of deep domain expertise and innovation, customers in asset-intensive industries can run their assets safer, greener, longer and faster to improve their operational excellence. To learn more, visit AspenTech.com.

© 2024 Aspen Technology, Inc., AspenTech, the Aspen leaf logo, AspenTech OSI Distributed Energy Resource Management System™ are trademarks of Aspen Technology, Inc. All rights reserved.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240813988348/en/

Media

Stephanie Jackman

AspenTech

+1 781-221-1965

Stephanie.Jackman@aspentech.com

Source: Aspen Technology, Inc.

FAQ

What is the purpose of AspenTech's partnership with Omaha Public Power District (OPPD)?

AspenTech's partnership with OPPD aims to support the utility's goal of achieving net zero carbon production by 2050 through the implementation of Digital Grid Management software for monitoring, scheduling, and controlling distributed energy resources.

How will AspenTech's software help OPPD manage its power grid?

AspenTech's Digital Grid Management suite, including the OSI Distributed Energy Resource Management System, will provide OPPD with real-time control and optimization across its grid, integrating generation, transmission, distribution, and outage management systems.

What area does OPPD serve and how many customers are affected by this partnership?

OPPD serves a population of 885,000 people across 5,000 square miles in the state of Nebraska. The partnership with AspenTech (AZPN) will help maintain reliable service for this customer base while transitioning to cleaner energy sources.

How long has the partnership between AspenTech (AZPN) and OPPD been in place?

The partnership between AspenTech and OPPD has been in place for six years, with the recent expansion to support OPPD's net zero carbon production goals being the latest milestone in their collaboration.