Virtualization of the Evolving Power Grid

Power grid information processing is becoming increasingly important as we transition to smart grid architectures that collect and analyze massive data. Groups at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed tools to help utilities manage the greater flows of information. But the data collection and analysis center itself could become a failure point during major disruptions when situational awareness is most desperately needed. Ultimately, cloud-computing infrastructure will allow for secure virtual information and analysis centers that can distribute results to a large number of analysts, including operational personnel, regardless of their physical locations.