On cloud-based systems and distributed platforms for smart grid integration: Challenges and prospects for Ghana's Grid Network

Abstract

Advances in cloud computing and distributed systems are enhancing the advantages that computing delivers to systems that can be integrated with computers due to their multitasking ability. This is already the case when discussing Smart Grid (SG). This enhancement can be applied to drive efficiency in energy management systems in electricity generation, transmission and distribution. As electricity has become the de facto main source of energy worldwide, it is to be expected that all nations, including developing nations such as Ghana, seeks to constantly improve their electrical energy capabilities through the integration of computing and network infrastructure. The integration of SG with cloud computing however presents some complexities which need to be addressed to ensure secure implementation of the SG in the cloud. This paper presents important issues which need to be addressed to ensure security in distributed cloud-based energy systems. The paper also discusses how cloud computing and blockchain could be leveraged to improve on Ghana's current inefficient distribution and transmission networks. An architecture for achieving decentralization in Ghana's grid network is subsequently proposed.