wireless communications
OKI Electric Industry, a Japanese telecommunications manufacturer, has developed a wireless communication system designed for use in smart communities, smart houses and smart meters. The system is designed to use the 920-megahertz (MHz) communication band that’s scheduled to open in Japan in July 2012. The development is significant for
photovoltaics
Electricity generated by solar photovoltaics (PV) could cost about the same as regular grid-based electricity in some parts of Europe by 2013, according to a new study by the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA). Furthermore, by 2020, solar PV electricity will have reached grid parity across Europe, the study finds.
photovoltaics
Large-scale batteries have an increasing role to play in smoothing out the integration of solar photovoltaic (PV) energy into power grids, according to battery-maker Saft. The company is displaying a number of its latest battery innovations at the European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference in Hamburg. One of its technologies, the
wind energy
GE is using MRI — magnetic resonance imaging — technology to research ways to dramatically boost the energy-generating capabilities of wind turbines. Part of a two-year, $3-million project from the US Department of Energy (DOE), the effort is aimed at developing a wind turbine generator that could support large-scale generation in the
microgrid
The UK’s Nottingham University plans to use a hydrogen-based system to store renewably generated energy in a residential microgrid. The deployment is part of the university’s Creative Energy Homes (CEH) project, which aims to stimulate ideas for sustainable design and promote new ways to provide affordable, environmentally sustainable
smart metering
Denmark now has its first cloud-based smart metering solution, targeted at small utilities and communities that previously found such technologies out of their financial reach. Smart-grid firm Echelon announced this week that Eltel Networks, one of its value-added resellers, has teamed up with Danish utility co-op EnergiMidt to offer the
power conversion
GE has completed its $3.2-billion acquisition of a power conversion and automation company whose technologies are widely used to help deliver energy from renewable sources. Based in Massy, France, Converteam produces power electronics, motors, generators and other systems designed to provide high-efficiency, lower-emission electric alternatives for customers in a
solar energy
The US Department of Energy (DOE) will send more than $145 million to dozens of projects across the country focused on speeding up advances in solar energy technologies. Funding will go to 69 projects in 24 states aimed at increasing efficiency, lowering costs and improving materials, manufacturing processes and supply
interoperability
Energy consulting, testing and certification firm KEMA plans to use Green Energy Corporation’s GreenBus software platform to support its Smart Grid Interop Lab. An advanced test facility that offers independent verification of smart-grid device interoperability, the KEMA lab was designed to help utilities manage risk exposure, verify business case
Technology
Twenty-five fledgling enterprises around the globe have been singled out by the World Economic Forum as the most innovative technology startups. The companies named “Technology Pioneers 2012” are all likely to have “a critical impact on how business and society work,” according to the World Economic Forum. Clean-energy and clean
smart metering
Starting next month, British Gas will begin rolling out “stylish” touch-screen displays designed to help its customers see how much energy they’re using and better identify ways to control their power bills. According to British Gas, the displays are “the first of a new generation” of small, fully portable
grid management
Oracle Utilities has extended its smart-grid capabilities with the release of Oracles Utilities Network Management System 1.11, which offers new features to help electricity companies improve distribution grid management. The new offering enables utilities to get a real-time view of grid activity to better align electricity generation with demand.
