GE completes purchase of Irish smart-grid firm

GE has finalized its acquisition of FMC-Tech, a smart-grid technology provider based in Ireland.

The acquisition, first announced in May, expands GE’s presence in the emerging smart-grid market in the UK and Ireland. FMC-Tech provides real-time monitoring capabilities for power lines. ESB Networks, an Irish electricity distribution operator, has worked with FMC-Tech on pilot trials of the company’s intelligent network sensors. According to ESB, the deployed test system has been effective in monitoring networks and detecting faults, which has helped lead to a significant reduction in outage times.

GE is also working with Smart Grid Ireland (SGI), a group of international and local businesses working to promote the benefits of a smart grid for sustainability and regional economic growth. The SGI has proposed that the government consider a smart-grid pilot that would allow for a greater number of renewable energy sources such as wind, wave and solar energy to be connected to the existing electrical network.