Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and Smart Wires announced a new project to enhance grid capacity and reliability in San Jose, targeting the growing energy demands of data centers under development in the Alviso community.

The project involves the deployment of Smart Wires’ SmartValve advanced power flow control (APFC) technology at PG&E’s Los Esteros electric substation. Once completed in late 2025, the installation will increase available capacity by more than 100 megawatts (MW) by redirecting power from overloaded to underutilized lines.

This move comes as 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 not expected until 2032, SmartValve offers a faster, more cost-effective solution compared to reconductoring or energy storage.

The SmartValve devices are designed to mitigate thermal overloads by up to 34%, enabling more efficient use of the existing transmission system. Their modular and relocatable design allows for future adjustments or expansion as grid needs evolve.

Chad Dupuis, Principal Electrical Engineer at PG&E, said the partnership highlights the utility’s focus on flexibility, security, and reliability. Joanna Lohkamp, CEO of Smart Wires, emphasized the scalable benefits of SmartValve for both current and future grid challenges.

Source: prnewswire.com