Sensus is incorporating encryption and key management technologies from IBM into its FlexNet Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system in an effort to advance data security as a critical component of the smart grid. The initiative will further enhance the existing security capabilities of the Sensus network infrastructure.
Johnson Controls, a global leader in delivering solutions that increase energy efficiency in buildings, has completed the previously announced acquisition of EnergyConnect Group, Inc., a leading provider of smart grid demand response services and technologies. The acquisition was completed on July, 1, 2011.
The acquisition enables Johnson Controls to help building owners and operators manage how much energy their buildings consume and when the energy is consumed – a critical feature of connecting smart buildings to the smart grid.
In conjunction with the semi-annual Global Intelligent Utility Network Coalition (GIUNC) meeting, IBM has announced its collaboration with Korea Electric Power Company (KEPCO), on the building of the Total Operations Center at the Jeju Smart Grid Test-Bed Demonstration Complex. The center will allow the 160 companies and 11 consortia members operating at the Jeju Complex to collect and manage information on all international markets, and monitor smart grid systems and data exchange.
IBM In conjunction with the semi-annual Global Intelligent Utility Network Coalition (GIUNC) today announced its collaboration with CPFL Energia Holdings, the largest privately owned energy provider in Brazil, to make its energy networks more efficient and resilient. Together, the two companies will develop a smart grid strategy that drives operational efficiency and optimizes the communication network to improve customer service and workforce management.
Tropos Networks and Itron have announced that Avista has selected their jointly developed Smart Grid solution as part of the $38 million Smart Grid Demonstration Project in the city of Pullman, Washington, and the nearby community of Albion. The goal of the project is to use smart technologies to automate part of the energy distribution system to increase system reliability and reduce outage time, incorporate renewable energy sources, and provide customers with more tools and information to monitor their energy usage.
GE has announced the start of another phase in its "GE Ecomagination Challenge" initiative. Yesterday they and a group venture capital partners launched the second round of funding, titled the "Powering Your Home" phase, where they will be investing up to $63 million in 10 innovative home energy technology companies. Seen as one the Largest open innovation challenge of its kind, so far it has approximately 5,000 submissions from 74,000 innovators.
Research firm Northest Group has release its latest report on the smart grid market in developing countries title “South America Smart Grid Market Forecast (2011-2020)”. Accroding to the firm the smart grid market in the region will value at $25.1 billion and up to 104.5 million smart meters deployed by 2020. Brazil, Chile and Argentina are highlighted as the countries to begin large-scale roll out, with Brazil being first.
The City of Brasov, Romania will deploy over the next three years Echelon energy control technology for smart, networked street lighting systems citywide, Echelon announced today. The decision follows the city's yearlong test of the technology in a neighborhood that led to the city saving 28% on its energy bills and 40% on maintenance costs. Brasov also achieved more control over its streetlights and gained the ability to efficiently distribute power to other applications on the grid.
Digi Internationaltoday announced that Efficient Energy America, Inc. (E2America) is using its iDigi Device Cloud, ConnectPort X4 gateways and XBee ZB ZigBee modules to wirelessly enable the E2 intelligent commercial building control system. Installed in restaurant chains and other commercial buildings across the U.S. E2America's Smart Grid efficiency technology currently reduces energy consumption and demand by optimizing HVAC efficiency. On average, customers experience annual savings of $7,000-$8,000 per site.