Alstom joins Energy Ministers in Smart Grid debate

On 1st February, EMBIX, the Alstom and Bouygues Joint Venture Company, took part in an "Intelligent Networks" roundtable discussion hosted by CEA-INES in Grenoble, France. Delphine Batho, French Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy and Geneviève Fioraso, Minister of Higher Education and Research were both present, reinforcing the importance of smart grids in meeting the nations sustainable energy goals. 

Smart grids efficiently integrate both renewable and traditional energy sources to supply consumers with a greener, more reliable source of electricity. While governments around the world are opting for smart grid solutions, the scale and the challenges involved are particular to each nation and network.

Eric L'Helguen, CEO of EMBIX, stated, "The strong penetration of renewable energy, desired by both the EU and France, must be the object of balanced measures so as not to be counterproductive in terms of global warming. Meanwhile, it is vital that we manage these intermittent energy sources using GHG[1]-free solutions, and that we ensure network security during periods of low production. Solutions exist at a local level, such as reducing consumption through Demand Response and by integrating energy storage, but there is still work to be done to setup the proper regulatory framework. 

Alstom Grid is already working with several participants from the event on smart grid demonstration and other projects. For example, roundtable host CEA - INES (National Institute for Solar Energy) and Alstom are creating a new laboratory dedicated to advanced energy storage solutions and to integrating solar energy into smart transmission and distribution grids.

Events such as this Intelligent Network roundtable will help to accelerate smart grid development by promoting cooperation between industry leaders. And Alstom Grid will continue to take a pioneering role, participating in smart grid demonstration projects such as Greenlys, Nicegrid and Reflexe. Thanks to these projects, advances are being made not only in technology, but in how to implement and administrate a new generation of flexible, more sustainable electricity networks.

[1] Greenhouse Gas Emission

Intelligent Network Round Table 01/02/13