Global - Smart Grids - Overview 2008 - Document Details

There has been a global underinvestment in utility infrastructure. It is dumb, outdated and in desperate need of an upgrade. The latest development is the concept of smart grids – an intelligent IP overlay over the electricity grid, with sensors and other equipment. This will allow utilities to much better manage their network, limit electricity loss, prevent outages, loadshed and provide customers with in-house information and tools (smart meters) to better manage their own energy use. In addition, utilities will be able to reduce their carbon emissions, which will offer interesting opportunities on the carbon trading market. This report provides an overview on Smart Grids including analyses and information on global smart grid activities, including a brief case study on two of the market leaders. For further analysis on environmental issues in relation to Smart Grids, see separate reports. Further information on BPL is also available from separate reports.

1. Synopsis
2. Introduction
3. What is a smart grid?
4. Current grid outmoded and outdated
5. Old technologies, and no young engineers
6. Utilities need to be modernised
7. In favour of smart grids
- 7.1 Open standard required
- 7.2 40-year-old proprietary solutions are not smart
- 7.3 Countries should go for smart solutions
- 7.4 So what is the solution?
- 7.5 Let’s make smart decisions
- 7.6 The broader picture
8. Smart grid analyses 2008
- 8.1 Catalysts for change
- 8.2 Leadership is all that is needed
- 8.3 Carbon trading
- 8.4 Narrowband will foreclose maximising energy management
- 8.5 Excess capacity can be used for other broadband services
9. Overview of smart grid activities around the world
- 9.1 Cost of smart meters
- 9.2 Case study 1: Australia
  - 9.2.1 Launch of Smart Grid Australia
- 9.3 Case study 2: USA
  - 9.3.1 Backgrounder on GridWise
10. IBM’s Intelligent Utility Network Coalition
11. Smart Objects Alliance
12. Related reports