New Year's Resolutions Abound

It's that time of year --- to look back, to look forward ---- to do the hokey pokey and, if you've been bad (like having one too many cookies after dinner), to turn yourself around. It's only a few days after Christmas and my exhaustion has already transferred from a weariness of Christmas specials to a weariness of "2009 in review" shows.

The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) got in on the act today by issuing a release that looks forward at 2010. They discuss a number of exciting options, including the possibility that 2010 will have wind energy being #2 in new generating capacity for the sixth year in a row. For a complete look at the release, click here.

While AWEA is hoping for renewable jobs folded into legislation and more powerful wind turbines, it's more likely that 2010, like 2009, will be the year of the smart grid, with renewables being a happy tangential rather than a real focus. The one potential difference between the smart grid of 2009 and the smart grid of 2010 is probably similar to those Christmas gifts we all received last week: The excitement of the gift's potential wanes with the hassle of piecing it together and making sure it works with our Wi, iPod, iPhone, Mac, Playstation 8,000, etc.

Smart grid 2010 will have the sophomore slump, so to speak. While the freshman enthusiasm may still simmer under the surface, the reality of all those components that need to fit together will, inevitably, put a bit of a dip in the thrill.

As we start to move from unbridled "yes, let's do it" to tempered "oh goodness, what have we gotten ourselves into?" we need to remember that this, too, shall pass. We'll figure out the gadgets and gizmos and issues and, in the end, that enthusiasm will return and this time of concern will be just a blip on the chronological radar. As we approach this time of balance and contemplation, however, it's all the more important to share information, take in a conference or two (like DistribuTECH or POWERGRID Europe) and buckle down for a less-exciting, but more fulfilling year of putting some meat on the smart grid bone structure.

My prediction for the smart grid in 2010 is more walk and less talk. Significant strides will be accomplished.