IBM joins new UK smart-grid organization

IBM has become the latest member of a new cross-industry group set up to promote a smarter energy grid in the UK.

Launched earlier this month, SmartGrid GB includes companies in the energy and information/communication technologies sectors, as well as consumer advocacy groups and government. agencies. The organization’s creation was led by Intellect, a trade association for the UK’s technology sector, along with key players in the nation’s utilities industry.

“No one organisation can achieve this on their own and there is a growing need for collaboration across the public and private sector to create a shared vision,” said Stephen Leonard, chief executive for IBM UK and Ireland. “SmartGrid GB aims to create this vision and a common strategy to understand and develop the country’s energy system.”

“Economic growth, energy security and a sustainable energy future are all dependent on drastically modernizing and expanding our electric systems around the world,” said IBM’s Guido Bartels, who is also chairman of the Global Smart Grid Federation. “We can now see an increasing number of countries recognizing that ‘smart grids’ are foundational for a successful transition to a carbon-free economy.”

IBM is currently advising three of the UK’s six largest energy retailers on transforming their business in preparation for smart metering.