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*NOTE: Many of the links are available to members only. To access the links you must first log in at www.eutc.org. To receive a password, fill out and submit the form that can be found under New Users at www.eutc.org.
EUTC 2007
The European Utility Telecom Conference is the largest gathering of telecommunications and technology executives from Europe's electric, gas and water utilities; and their technology partners who are focused on exploring the latest telecommunications and data networking business solutions and other business opportunities. Since 2003, the Conference has featured informative and provocative presentations on wireless networking, shared system solutions, European Commission regulatory drivers, security and reliability issues, and new telecom business opportunities for utilities. This year the conference is going to be our best yet! Scheduled to take place in Berlin from 4 – 7 November at the Swissotel, be sure to make your reservations to attend today. To register or find more information, visit eutc2007.eutc.org.
EUTC Benchmarking Study of Utility Operational Telecom Services
EUTC has just released the overview of the EUTC Benchmarking Study of Operational Telecom Services. The report, completed with the help of Mason Communications, is only available to EUTC charter members. Anyone interested in membership should contact peter.moray@utc.org.
Energy for A Changing World – Presentation by F. Barbaso, Deputy Director General, DG TREN
In a presentation at the Madrid Forum this past February, F. Barbaso, Deputy Director General, DG TTREN, gave an overview of the recent European Energy package. The main strategic objective of the European Energy package is to get a commitment from EU states of at least 20% GHG emission reduction by 2020, as compared to 1990 levels. To accomplish this, member states need to have an action plan that addresses renewable energy, energy efficiency, effective management of internal energy markets and effective external relations with EU neighbors. For more details, please see Barbaso's presentation here.
Integrated European Grid
On 30 April 2007, European regulators again published recommendations to build a cross-border electric grid for the EU. The European Regulators Group for Energy and Gas (ERGEG) stresses "...streamlined authorization processes for building new electricity lines as well as operation and security standards for a single EU grid;" as keys to making the integrated EU grid a reality. ERGEG also strongly supports the unbundling of transmission access to create a level playing field of access; an investment incentive which they believe will help the overall grid. To read more on this initiative, click here.
Smartgrids Energy Technology Hearing Summary
On 4 June 2007, the European Commission released a summary report on the Smartgrids Energy Hearing that took place on 22 March 2007. The summary outlines the fact that EU electric demand is expected to grow 1.5% a year until 2030. To meet this demand, the EU is pushing for a shift from national-based electric systems to an overall EU based electrical system which will be able to provide reliable power to the region and can make shifts based on demand. Additionally, the EU predicts that alternative, renewable energy sources will grow as a viable alternative to electricity generation. As for policy initiatives, security, sustainability and competitiveness are the driving goals to better ensure a consistent framework for upgrading the overall energy grid. Accomplishing these objectives will require a 390 billion euro investment in infrastructure, with 30% of this investment coming from public funds. To read more of the summary, click here.
European Strategic Energy Technology Plan
The European Commission released a presentation outlining the Energy Technology Plan (click here for the presentation). The key to this plan is presenting one voice for the EU Energy Policy initiatives and investments in alternative and renewable energy sources to support the future. The one essential element of the plan is the necessary investment in research and innovation. To achieve these goals, the commission stressed that it cannot be, "...business as usual." The EU is asking for comments from expert groups and individuals on what should be included in the Technology Plan. To participate, visit http://ec.europa.eu/energy/res/consultation/setplan_en.htm.
Cross-Border Electricity Exchanges
This report, published May 2007, analyzes Regulation No 1228/2003 which was put in place to establish equitable rules for cross-border electricity exchanges. Cross-border exchanges have increased only modestly since the rule was enacted, from 9.6% in 2003 to 10.3% in 2005, the most recent year for which the data is available. This shows that cross-border exchanges have yet to be fully utilized; mainly because regional harmonization of infrastructure and tariffs still have a way to go. Compatibility of security and reliability, connection, trading rules, transparency, reserve power and settlement issues are necessary for further integration. To read more, click here.
Unbundling Of Transmission and Distribution Systems
The EU continues to deal with is the issue of unbundling transmission and distribution systems of electricity and gas operators to provide fair access to more providers. This report, released in 2005, illustrates the legal and functional requirements on a state by state basis covering unbundling rules. To re-read this report, click here.
"Analysis of the Network Capacities and Possible Congestion of the Electricity Transmission Networks Within the Accession Countries" Report Review
In 2005, KEMA Consulting was engaged by the European Commission Directorate-General of Energy and Transport to pull together this report, "Analysis of the Network Capacities and Possible Congestion of the Electricity Transmission Networks Within the Accession Countries." While this report is not recent, it does deal with many issues that remain at the forefront of European Energy Policy. To re-read this report, click here.
European Parliament Approved Lower Roaming Charges Within the EU
In May 2007, the European Parliament approved a regulation which effectively lowered roaming charges for cellular phones used within the EU by up to 70%. This regulation, however, has no effect on tourists visiting the EU or EU residents using cellular phones outside of the EU, which remains expensive. This regulation is aimed at helping to reduce cellular charges for citizens and corporations that do business or have personal interests across the EU. The complete regulation can be found here.
Mobile Satellite Services Selected EU-Wide
On 22 August 2007, the European Commission adopted a proposal to select mobile satellite service systems at the European Union level. This opens up the potential for European-wide services and increased service to rural and other underserved areas, should it be adopted by the European Parliament. The proposal can be found here.
EU Continues to Fund ICT Research
Communications research continues in the Seventh Framework Programme slated for 2007-2013. Funding includes over 9 billion euros to develop cutting-edge technology. Monopolizing that funding is work on SmartGrids, more specifically stated as "defin[ing] and develop[ing] the network and service infrastructures of the future". For more information, read the overall information on the Seventh Framework Programme.
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