*NOTE: Many of the links are available to members only. To access the links you must first log in at www.eutc.org.
EUTC 2008 4-7 November – Register On Site
EUTC 2008 is the only networking and educational event dedicated to European Utility Telecommunications and IT professionals managing the future of Information Communication Technology. Scheduled for 4-7 November 2008 at the Sana Hotel Lisboa, in Lisbon, Portugal, EUTC 2008 is going to be our biggest Annual Conference yet! The programme is available online along with speakers. If you are involved in ICT at energy and water utilities, you cannot afford to miss this conference.
European Commission Consultation on ICT for Energy Efficiency
EUTC's leadership, Miguel Sanchez Fornie, Chairman of EUTC's Board of Directors and Peter Moray, Director EUTC, were asked to participate in the European Commission Consultation on ICT for Energy Efficiency within Smart Distribution Networks. There were six industry groups invited to examine ICT for energy efficiency and the smart grid purpose. The group's purpose was to analyze all the elements involved in providing energy, from generation to end user and defines elements of information and communication technology (ICT). Once the different technologies were defined, the group then prioritized the different ICT elements that if invested in, would garner the most energy savings. For the results of the Smart Grid aspect of this consultation project, please read the complete report.
Alcatel-Lucent and Deutsche Telekom Launch Smart Metering Trial in Germany
Alcatel-Lucent announced plans jointly with Deutsche Telekom to roll out smart meters for electric and gas services to about 700 households in Friedrichshafen, Germany. The local utility company is responsible for actually installing the meters and selling the smart metering concept, which should aid households in managing their energy consumption more effectively. For more information on the trial, visit http://www.ibtimes.com/prnews/20080923/alcatel-lucent.htm.
Portugal Leading Way in Alternative Energy
A joint venture between Babcock and Brown Ltd., a global specialist asset manager, Energias de Portugal (EDP), Portuguese energy group EFACEC, and Pelamis Wave Power Limited launched a wave power plant off the coast of Portugal in September. Estimates show the wave power plant will offer 2.25 MW capacity making it more efficient than most solar power applications. The cost was $13.1 million US and is mostly in the cable linking the generators in the ocean with a substation on shore that enables the energy convert to something usable for the electrical grid. For more information on this, visit http://www.dailytech.com/Worlds+First+Wave+Power+Plant+Opens+In+Europe/article13049.htm.
GridWeek 2008 Presentations
UTC participated in the recent GridWeek 2008 conference hosted in Washington, DC. The conference is an in-depth look at Smart Grids both in the US and abroad. GridWeek has posted presentations online here http://gridweek.com/2008/default.asp#speakers, and we encourage you to download and review the presentations when you get a chance.
First Hydrogen Powered Home in U.K.
In the beginning of October, a house in the United Kingdom became the first permanent home to be powered by a hydrogen fuel cell using natural gas that is piped in to the home. The hydrogen cell produces 1.5Kw of electricity and pushes its unused power onto UK's national electrical grid. While there are some carbon dioxide emissions, it is still a reduction of almost 40% from a typical home. For more information, visit http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/oct/10/greenbuilding-greentech.
Current State of Green Jobs
With the push for more sustainable living, there are some jobs being created in the emerging green sector, although it seems that much of the job growth in this area is flowing into developed or rapidly developing economies such as China. The report outlines this ongoing change as well as factors that can influence the realignment of current jobs to become more sustainable. For more information, download the complete report here.
European Commission Seeks to Reduce Roaming on Text Messaging & Data Services
The European Commission (EC) submitted a recommendation to the European Parliament to reduce roaming associated with text messaging and data services on mobile phones in European Union Countries starting 1 January 2009. This reduction is similar to the EU Roaming Regulation of 2007 which limits the amount operators can charge customers for roaming calls in other EU countries. For more information on the regulation, click here.
Energy Commissioner Visits Solar Plants
Spain has two solar power plans funded by EU research programmes that were recently visited by Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs. Both programmes were created by Abengoa Solar, a Spanish company that has developed expertise in producing usable solar energy through solar power plants and photovoltaic systems. Solar power not only reduces CO2 emissions but the facilities add valuable jobs to the region.
Commission Examining Radio Spectrum
Radio spectrum in Europe is in short supply. Recognizing its diverse needs, the EC has acted to harmonize spectrum and use it more effectively. For utilities and other critical infrastructure entities, radio spectrum is critical for wireless devices that support various functions. In fact, the Commission has released several decisions harmonizing specific spectrum throughout 2008. All of these decisions are available online here. EUTC members should know that UTC Canada is working with Industry Canada for dedicated critical infrastructure spectrum in Canada. The Canadian spectrum agency is proposing changes to fixed-use rules for the 1800-1830 MHz band and priority use for the grid, which would help to enable Smart Grid systems.
