Global Smart Grid Federation Publishes Report on Leading Smart Grid Projects Around the World

LONDON, April 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Smart Grid Federation (GSGF), a collaboration among national and regional smart grid associations from around the world, announced the release of its inaugural report on the global state of smart grid.. The report investigates the key challenges facing deployment of smart grid as well as highlights leading projects from around the world. The report is based on extensive research from current GSGF member markets; Australia, Canada, Continental Europe, Great Britain, Ireland, Korea, Japan and the United States.

"The report provides industry leaders with real-world best practices that can be applied to their own projects," said Guido Bartels, GSGF Chairman.  "…it also provides policy makers with insights into successful national smart grid activities, while providing regulators with models of innovative regulatory constructs that enable cost effective investments. This report is a clear indication of the consumer and system benefits gained through global collaboration as we work to transform the world's electricity systems."

Albert Cheung, Head of Energy Smart Technologies at Bloomberg New Energy Finance, said, "The report gave very insightful perspectives on the individual national context for smart grids in each of the countries profiled.  I compliment GSGF for its practical approach to global collaboration and sharing of best practices".

The report interviewed leading smart grid project managers around the world and reached a few key conclusions:

• The funding of national security objectives, environmental policy goals and job growth is being passed from the tax payer to the electricity rate payer.
• Engaging consumers from the beginning of the smart grid deployment process is a key to success. Utilities should be less technocratic in their approach and employ best practices from other consumer-centric industries.
• As smart grids increasingly become the mechanism to meet environmental, security and economic goals, there is a role for governments to work closely with utilities in stating the value of consumer participation.

The report can be downloaded from the GSGF website at www.globalsmartgridfederation.org

Established in 2010, GSGF is committed to creating smarter, cleaner electricity systems around the world. By linking the major public-private stakeholders and initiatives of participating countries, the federation shares best practices, identifies barriers and solutions, fosters innovation, and addresses key technical and policy issues.

In addition, GSGF works with the International Smart Grid Action Network (ISGAN), an intergovernmental organization to address the broad challenges of deploying smarter grids. This nexus of public and private sector provides a forum for communication and collaboration, which will facilitate consensus-building within the international community to address electricity system and climate change concerns.

Member organizations of GSGF include Smart Grid Australia, GridWise Alliance (U.S.), EDSO for Smart Grids (EU), SmartGrid Ireland, Japan Smart Community Alliance, Korea Smart Grid Association, Israel Smart Energy Association, Smart Grid Canada, SmartGrid GB (Great Britain), and India Smart Grid Forum.

Global Smart Grid Federation
Contact: Rich O'Neill
Email: roneill@gridwise.org
Website: http://www.globalsmartgridfederation.org/