Technology

What It Takes for Future-Ready Power Distribution

Source

IEEE Spectrum

Published

Jun 3, 2026

TL;DR

AI Generated

Leading utilities are now focused on how quickly and at what scale they can modernize power distribution, according to Black & Veatch. The company emphasizes the importance of a bold vision for distribution in the face of a more complex grid. Nick Lehnert, Associate Vice President at Black & Veatch, highlights the shift towards prioritizing grid modernization and distributed energy resources for grid resilience. This push for future-ready power distribution reflects a changing landscape in the energy sector.

Read Full Article

Direct-to-Cell Technology: Enabling Satellite Connectivity for Legacy Devices

Direct-to-Cell (DTC) technology leverages low earth orbit (LEO) satellites to provide LTE connectivity to legacy devices without requiring hardware or software modifications. These satellites, orbiting at altitudes between 340 km and 570 km, use phased array antennas to create narrow beams for ground coverage. DTC addresses coverage gaps in remote and disaster-prone areas by compensating for Doppler shift and round-trip time, enabling existing smartphones to connect seamlessly. Spectrum sharing agreements between mobile and satellite operators, along with regulatory frameworks like the FCC SCS, facilitate the deployment of DTC services. While DTC serves as an interim solution for rapid satellite service deployment, the long-term vision involves transitioning to 3GPP NR-NTN for a unified 3D network architecture under 6G technology.

IEEE Spectrum•

1 day ago

IEEE President’s Note: Designing a Safer Digital World for Kids

IEEE President Mary Ellen Randall emphasizes the importance of designing a safer digital world for children by setting child-friendly standards for the Internet. This initiative aims to protect kids from online dangers and ensure a secure online environment. By establishing these standards, IEEE is taking proactive steps to safeguard children's online experiences and privacy. Randall's leadership in prioritizing child safety in the digital realm highlights the organization's commitment to creating a more secure online space for the younger generation.

IEEE Spectrum•

2 days ago

Why Sardinians Are Fighting the Renewable Energy Transition

Sardinians are resisting the renewable energy transition due to 2,700 years of invasion and exploitation. An old Sardinian coal mine is being converted into a data center powered by a pumped hydro and battery system, showcasing a shift towards renewables. Energy Vault executive Luca Manzella guided Energy editor Emily Waltz through this transformation. The history of invasion and exploitation sheds light on the resistance to embracing renewable energy in Sardinia.

IEEE Spectrum•

2 days ago

This DIY Bipedal Robot Used Pneumatic “Air-Muscles” Instead of Motors

A headless, armless bipedal robot called the Shadow Walker was created by a hobbyist group in the late 1980s, using pneumatic "air-muscles" instead of traditional motors. The creators of the Shadow Walker later went on to establish a pioneering robotics company. This DIY project showcased an innovative approach to robotics and highlighted the potential of using pneumatic technology in creating humanoid robots.

IEEE Spectrum•

3 days ago

Direct-to-Cell Technology: Enabling Satellite Connectivity for Legacy Devices

IEEE Spectrum•

1 day ago

IEEE President’s Note: Designing a Safer Digital World for Kids

IEEE Spectrum•

2 days ago

Why Sardinians Are Fighting the Renewable Energy Transition

IEEE Spectrum•

2 days ago

This DIY Bipedal Robot Used Pneumatic “Air-Muscles” Instead of Motors

IEEE Spectrum•

3 days ago

What It Takes for Future-Ready Power Distribution

TL;DR

Similar Articles

Direct-to-Cell Technology: Enabling Satellite Connectivity for Legacy Devices

IEEE President’s Note: Designing a Safer Digital World for Kids

Why Sardinians Are Fighting the Renewable Energy Transition

This DIY Bipedal Robot Used Pneumatic “Air-Muscles” Instead of Motors

We use cookies

What It Takes for Future-Ready Power Distribution

TL;DR

Similar Articles

Direct-to-Cell Technology: Enabling Satellite Connectivity for Legacy Devices

IEEE President’s Note: Designing a Safer Digital World for Kids

Why Sardinians Are Fighting the Renewable Energy Transition

This DIY Bipedal Robot Used Pneumatic “Air-Muscles” Instead of Motors