Growing International Smart Grid Coalition Welcomes Norwegian Smartgrid Centre

WASHINGTON, July 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Smart Grid Federation (GSGF), an international collaborative effort among national and regional smart grid associations, today announced that Norwegian Smartgrid Centre has joined the Federation. The Norwegian Smartgrid Centre is a coalition of diverse companies representing the electric R&D communities, systems operators, and technology providers, leading efforts in research, teaching, business development and commercialization to make the Norwegian electric industry more competitive in the global community.

"The Norwegian Smartgrid Centre is a superb addition to the rapidly growing Global Smart Grid Federation. Norway will play a crucial role in Europe's ambitious plans to enable long term, sustainable economic growth by overhauling its energy system. Not only does Norway have a diversified and rich energy portfolio, many believe that Norway's reservoirs will become Europe's 'green battery', balancing power as an increasing amount of intermittent renewable energy sources will come on line," said Guido Bartels, GSGF Chairman. "The work planned by the Centre and its soon to be completed Norwegian Smart grid Laboratory, will have a direct impact on the direction of the global smart grid community," he added.

"The Norwegian Smartgrid Centre is thrilled to be joining the Global Smart Grid Federation," said Jan Onarheim, Manager of the Centre. "Norway is transitioning to a more intelligent electricity system. The use of innovative communications and smart grid technologies will be keys to the success of this energy transformation. Joining the GSGF will enable us to communicate the challenges and successes we experience domestically and learn how other nations are tackling similar energy challenges."

The Norwegian Smartgrid Centre is the 12th member of the GSGF, joining Danish Intelligent Energy Alliance, EDSO for Smart Grids (European Union), GridWise Alliance (U.S.), India Smart Grid Forum, Israeli Smart Energy Association, Japan Smart Community Alliance, Korea Smart Grid Association, Smart Grid Australia, Smart Grid Canada, Smart Grid GB (Great Britain), and Smart Grid Ireland.

For more information about the Global Smart Grid Federation, please visit: www.globalsmartgridfederation.org.

Media Contact:
Rich O'Neill
Global Smart Grid Federation
+1-202-530-9740
roneill@gridwise.org