Championing the shake-up of the UK’s energy infrastructure, a new cross industry body will today outline plans to develop and deliver the much-anticipated smart grid. By combining key players from the energy sector, ICT companies, environmental organisations, Government, regulators and consumer groups, SmartGrid GB will transform the way energy is generated, distributed and consumed in the UK.
Lead by Intellect, the trade association for the UK’s technology sector, and key stakeholders from the utilities industry, SmartGrid GB will promote the consumer, environmental and economic benefits of implementing a smart grid. The group will also provide Government with policy advice and direction on what actions are required and how smart grid can be effectively delivered.
Speaking at the SmartGrid GB launch at the Royal Academy of Engineering in London, Charles Hendry, Minister of State for Energy and Climate Change said, “The implementation of the smart grid will be of critical importance to the UK’s future. It will be essential for meeting our future energy demands, ensuring our energy supply remains secure and resilient, and reducing our overall carbon emissions. Making the smart grid a reality is therefore absolutely essential for the UK and a top priority for Government.
“To make the smart grid happen we need to bring people and organisations together. We need to understand all of the possibilities available and set out a common vision of what can be achieved, and we need to ensure that ongoing actions are effectively coordinated. That is why I am delighted that the industry has come together to form this new forum and why my department is committed to working closely with Smart Grid GB.”
Robert McNamara of Intellect said, “Developing a smart grid is vital if the UK is to fully exploit the exciting developments in electric cars, microgeneration, smart metering and meet our carbon reduction targets. Success in smart grid will create new jobs and drive innovation.”
“The implementation of a smart grid in Britain is crucial for the future competitiveness of the British economy,” said Gavin Jones of IBM and acting Chair of SmartGrid GB.
The UK’s smart grid will transform the energy generation, distribution and consumption by adding more intelligence and efficiency to the network and what is connected to it.
