Answer: The rise of renewable energy like solar and wind is fundamentally changing how substations are designed and operate. Traditional substations were built for one-way power flow from large power plants to consumers. Now, they must handle bidirectional power flow as energy from distributed sources (like rooftop solar) is sent back to the grid. This requires the use of smart substations equipped with automated controls and real-time monitoring to manage fluctuating power levels and maintain grid stability. These modern substations also often incorporate Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to store excess renewable energy and release it during periods of high demand, a key component for a resilient grid.