Plant Management Institute

The term "five nines"—or 99.999% reliability—is often cited as a benchmark in critical power applications, yet its true meaning and practical implications are not always well understood. This presentation demystifies the concept by explaining the fundamental math and logic behind reliability calculations, using intuitive examples rather than dense statistical theory. We’ll explore how different reliability levels translate into expected downtime over various timeframes, and what that means for operators of mission-critical infrastructure.

Moving from theory to practice, the talk will present realistic reliability calculations for onsite power generation configurations, including single-unit and multi-unit setups. We will examine how component selection, maintenance practices, redundancy schemes, and system architecture all contribute to—or detract from—achieving ultra-high reliability. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of what “five nines” really entails, and actionable insights into how to design and operate power systems that deliver on this demanding standard.

Across the U.S forecasted demand growth is at its highest level in the past two decades. Simultaneously, grid operators are facing a growing gap between their system’s installed nameplate capacity and the accredited capacity resources can deliver during the highest-risk hours.

Consequently, RTOs are publicly recognizing the value of specific types of generation and evolving resource adequacy rules to emphasize reliability, flexible and dispatchable resources. Reciprocating internal combustion engines (RICE), belong at the top of the resource adequacy solution stack for both cost and reliability. As a flexible and modular dispatchable resource, RICE is among the few technologies that can provide reliable capacity while balancing real-time uncertainty. A review of EIA information shows engine power plants consistently demonstrate strong rated capacity performance across markets, averaging 12% better during summer months compared to competition. 

RICE’s competitive edge is ascribed to its resilient technological attributes. Those include stable output as temperatures climb above 100°F, the ability to operate on low gas pressure and having high part load efficiency. Additionally, the RICE plant modular engine systems design enables maintenance to be performed in rotation while at the same time providing redundancy that eliminates the likelihood of catastrophic, whole-plant outages.

As utilities look to manage unprecedented load growth and mitigate costs, resource adequacy policies must incentivize generation resources that supply the capacity they claim at the times electricity is most needed. With resiliency-minded attributes and unmatched flexibility, RICE systems deliver on their capacity promise.

Data Centers have joined Renewable Energy as one of the leading topics on the Transmission Operator and Utilities minds. Their growth in number and increasing load requirements are attractive streams of potential revenue. But are there more challenges to just finding equipment in order to increase generation capacity to support these new loads? Ironically, Data Centers are proving themselves to be more like Renewables than originally considered. Like Renewables, Data Centers can be quite unpredictable, but in completely different fashions. While Renewables may abruptly stop generating electricity when the sun does not shine or the wind stops blowing, Data Centers may abruptly cut their electricity demand when data transfers complete or inquiries finish. This segment draws parallels between these two dynamics and how it affects generation equipment in earnest, and how certain technologies are best suited for this increasing unpredictability.

The industrial metaverse is the latest craze sweeping the energy industry, offering a unique opportunity for businesses to transform how they design, manufacture, and interact with their physical machines, factories, and grids. But what’s at stake for energy owner-operators and EPCs? This session cuts through the hype to explore what the industrial metaverse truly is and how it is poised to transform energy operations in the coming years.

By examining the real-world applications and strategic potential of the industrial metaverse, attendees will discover how this technology can drive digital transformation, enhance profitability, and ensure sustainability across the energy sector. The session will provide critical insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, equipping participants with the knowledge needed to navigate this rapidly evolving landscape.

The session will include a short introduction followed by a panel discussion. This interactive segment will offer an opportunity for deep exploration of industrial metaverse topics and active audience engagement. Join us to uncover the transformative power of the industrial metaverse and prepare your business for the next era of energy innovation.

As the energy landscape rapidly evolves—driven by decarbonization goals, grid instability, and rising demand—mission-critical facilities must adapt their infrastructure strategies to maintain uptime, flexibility, and resilience. This session brings together perspectives from both the field and the front lines, highlighting how facility teams and energy partners are navigating this complex transition.

Through discussion and operational insights, we’ll explore what’s working (and what’s not) in real-world deployments of distributed energy resources, microgrids, battery storage, and automated transfer systems. The conversation will examine the human and technical factors behind resilient infrastructure—from early-stage planning and interconnection challenges to lifecycle maintenance and system integration across diverse sites.

This session will offer practical takeaways and lessons learned from projects that sit at the intersection of traditional and next-generation power. Join us to explore how end-users and engineers can collaborate more effectively to meet today’s reliability standards and tomorrow’s sustainability targets.