While many are taking the traditional approach and investing in the smart grid infrastructure and its development process, a consortium of energy industry partners are taking a different spin on things.

Specifically, a collaboration of companies recently submitted a proposal for research and support funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, in efforts to build “Smart Grid – the Game.”  

According to company officials, the proposal is focused on studying the potential value of gaming technology to teach and select the next generation of system operators and engineers.

“We believe that a gaming platform could be the perfect complement to other methods as the industry reinvests in the systems and training necessary to rebuild and refocus the energy grid. This grant will give us a chance to study that idea, and to perhaps prove it,” Matt Sadinsky, System Operations Success, International co-founder and chairman, said. 

Going on the idea that gaming may be a more effective way of teaching principles and situational awareness, the group of energy companies are focusing on the idea that this will attract more professionals in the industry. 

According to David Walden, energy systems manager of Southern California Public Power Authority, another company involved in the Smart Grid – the Game, these proposed situational simulations are ideal for prospective training on new technologies while demonstrating competence in Power System fundamentals and mastery of NERC and Smart Grid Standards.

“We look forward to participating in this project and improving the perception of what it means to work in the power industry and to providing innovative and challenging training and educational programs,” Walden added.

This project was proposed under Topic B, or Smart Grid Workforce Training, of the U.S. Department of Energy Workforce Training for the Electric Power Sector Grant. Results of funding the proposal are expected to be announced by Jan. 31 of next year.