Bill Lawrence, Chief Technologist, Energy & Cyber Services at Lockheed Martin, sat down with us for a conversation about the smart grid and why he is participating at TechConnect World.
Bill Lawrence, Chief Technologist, Energy & Cyber Services at Lockheed Martin, sat down with us for a conversation about the smart grid and why he is participating at TechConnect World.
Q: There are so many definitions of smart grid used in the industry. How do you define it?
A: “There are so many definitions, but to me it’s making the grid more autonomous and resilient about how we interact with communications. It’s an automation effort.”
Q: What do you feel are the challenges facing the development of smart grid?
A: Lawrence jumped right in on this one. “Cyber security!” he said. “The issue there is adoption and getting buy-in so that people see how important it really is. The more we do with smart grid, the more we need [cyber security]. It’s a national asset that we must protect.” He also mentioned the importance of efficient and affordable storage, through which many applications on the grid are enabled.
Q: What are the top solutions that, if provided, would have a significant impact on the way you work on the smart grid?
A: Harking back to his prior comments, Lawrence said, “we’re interested in cyber security – any innovative solutions in that.” He also perked up when talking about the microgrid, efficiency and sustainability. “We do a lot of work in that. That’s taking load off of the grid without causing people any less capability in terms of what they want to do with their electricity.” Lockheed Martin does a lot in solar, wind, biomass, fuel cells, wave tech and geothermal; “we’re in a bunch of different technologies, so I’m interested in alternate generation and generation technologies, especially in the microgrid application.”
Q: What are your goals in attending TechConnect World, and why have you agreed to participate?
A: Lawrence said he is excited to see what’s going on with the technology. “I’d like to promote the concept of smart grid in any way I can. I’m on the governing board for the Smart Grid Interoperability Panel, so I’m representing them and Lockheed. I’d like to develop relationships, as well.”
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