

Inside the ‘crazy grid’: why the future of energy needs everything, everywhere, all at once
28 snips Jul 8, 2025
Quinn Nakayama, Senior Director of Grid Research and Innovation at PG&E, dives into the complexities of the 'crazy grid'. He explains how California's electricity system is adapting to new demands like variable renewable energy and electric vehicles. The discussion touches on the role of AI in increasing power demand and grid management. Nakayama debates the effectiveness of Virtual Power Plants and highlights the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades to meet rising consumption patterns, especially with the growing influence of data centers.
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Defining the 'Crazy Grid'
- The electricity grid is undergoing simultaneous multiple challenges: electrification of transport and buildings, climate change impacts, and variable renewable integration.
- Quinn Nakayama calls this convergence the 'crazy grid' era, requiring new ways to manage and innovate.
Grid Planning Uncertainty Challenge
- Planning and operating the grid now requires managing high uncertainty and variability in load due to new technologies like EVs.
- Quinn compares it to landing a jet fighter blindfolded on a moving aircraft carrier, emphasizing the unpredictability.
Quinn's EV Personal Experience
- Quinn Nakayama shares his personal experience switching from a BMW 335i to a Tesla Model Y, highlighting EVs' superior power and performance.
- This anecdote illustrates how EVs outperform traditional internal combustion engines, encouraging their adoption.