Alstom Grid to play a key role in NiceGrid, one of the largest Smart Grid demonstration projects in France

Alstom continues to play a leading role in the development of smart grid demonstration projects throughout the world. The latest project, NiceGrid on Frances Côte dAzur, brings Alstom and ERDF (Electricité Réseau Distribution France) together with a consortium of experts that includes EDF SA, SAFT and other industrial partners, all contributing their specific expertise to test new energy management technologies while integrating renewable energies and batteries.

The NiceGrid project aims at launching a new type of eco-district near the Nice airport, and within the 10,000-hectare Eco-Valley National Interest Operation, a sustainable development zone in the Nice Côte dAzur metropolitan area. It will be deployed over four years and will directly involve 1,500 consumers. The French General Commission for Investment (CGI) and the French Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME) will help fund the 30 million project; while the European Union will be the other major public contributor.

The objectives of NiceGrid are firstly to design several local microgrids with integrated renewable energy sources (mostly solar photovoltaic panels) and electricity storage. In a region that currently produces only 40% of the electricity it consumes, the results will have widespread benefits. Additionally, it intends to give each customer an active role in managing their electricity production and consumption, providing local intelligence devices to regulate systems like public lighting. Finally, the project aims at lowering overall CO2 emissions in the eco-district while enhancing the quality of life and electricity supply.

Alstom is grateful for the opportunity to contribute its expertise and global experience in smart grid control rooms and distribution automation technologies. The NiceGrid project is one of 15 smart grid demonstration projects in which Alstom is actively participating around the world. Hand-in-hand with French and European Union government leaders and our partners, we look forward to jointly making the smart grid and smart cities a reality, said Grégoire Poux-Guillaume, President of Alstom Grid.

The NiceGrid project was launched with the support of French Prime Minister Francois Fillon who attended the signing ceremony on the 18th of June. The Prime Minister described the Smart Grid as an important pillar in the development of European Industry towards new business domains after nuclear, high-speed trains and aeronautics.

About Alstom

Alstom is a global leader in the world of power generation, power transmission and rail infrastructure and sets the benchmark for innovative and environmentally friendly technologies. Alstom builds the fastest train and the highest capacity automated metro in the world. It provides turnkey integrated power plant solutions and associated services for a wide variety of energy sources, including hydro, nuclear, gas, coal and wind, and it offers a wide range of solutions for power transmission, with a focus on smart grids. The Group employs 93,500 people in 100 countries and had sales of 20.9 billion in 2010/11.

Alstom Grid has over 100 years of expertise in electrical grids. Whether for utilities or electro-intensive industries or facilitating the trading of energy, Alstom Grid brings power to their customers projects. Alstom Grid ranks among the top 3 in electrical transmission sector with an annual sales turnover of more than 4 billion in 2011. It has 20,000 employees and over 90 manufacturing and engineering sites worldwide. At the heart of the development of Smart Grid, Alstom Grid offers products, services and integrated energy management solutions across the full energy value chainfrom power generation, through transmission and distribution grids and to the large end user.

Press Contact

Emmanuelle Helleux (Alstom Grid) Tel : +33 1 47 01 70 87

emmanuelle.helleux@alstom.com