GE Energy Promotes Smart Grid Development in Northern Ireland

GE Energy (USA) is using its expertise and passion for grid modernization to promote the development of a smart grid pilot network in Northern Ireland. The pilot would allow for a greater number of renewable energy sources such as wind, wave and solar energy to be connected to the existing electrical network—reducing carbon emissions and ensuring energy security and reliability.

As chairman of SmartGridIreland, a group of international and local businesses facilitated by the Center for Competitiveness, GE’s Paddy Turnbull participated in SGI’s smart grid pilot proposal to Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster this March.

“Northern Ireland has many competitive advantages in early adoption of a smart grid pilot project,” said Turnbull. “The region is rich in natural resources, and there is an abundance of ICT skills. This project would put Northern Ireland into a leadership position along with the Shetland Isles, Southeast England as well as internationally where similar trials were being advanced."

Nothing has changed much in the past 100 years on how electrical energy has been supplied and distributed, but society and energy consumption has changed. Today, countries are facing global energy challenges like never before. GE supports smart grid development for modernizing the electric infrastructure to meet the world’s growing capacity, environmental and security needs. Using communications and advanced metering technologies, the proposed pilot project for Northern Ireland will demonstrate the benefits and opportunities of alternative supplies of energy while preparing consumers for the social changes taking place nationally.

The smart grid pilot plan, which was prepared after an extensive collaboration by the SGI network, sets out the case for the early local trial of smart grid technologies and was submitted to DETINI in November 2010. If adopted, this could help Northern Ireland achieve a leading position in this emerging technology sector and also accelerate progress towards the achievement of the European Union 20/20/20 targets.