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Alstom to play key role in one of the largest Smart Grid demonstration projects in France
04.08.2011 + + + Alstom continues to play a leading role in the development of smart grid demonstration projects throughout the world. The latest project, “NiceGrid” on France’s Côte d’Azur, brings Alstom and ERDF
(Electricité Réseau Distribution France) together with a consortium of experts that includes EDF SA, SAFT and other industrial partners, all contributing their specific expertise to test new energy management technologies while integrating renewable energies and batteries.
The NiceGrid project aims at launching a new type of “eco-district” near the Nice airport, and within the 10,000-hectare “Eco-Valley” National Interest Operation, a sustainable development zone in the Nice Côte d’Azur metropolitan area. It will be deployed over four years and will directly involve 1,500 consumers. The French General Commission for Investment (CGI) and the French Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME) will help fund the €30 million project; while the European Union will be the other major public contributor.
The objectives of NiceGrid are firstly to design several local “microgrids” with integrated renewable energy sources (mostly solar photovoltaic panels) and electricity storage. In a region that currently produces only 40% of the electricity it consumes, the results will have widespread benefits. Additionally, it intends to give each customer an active role in managing their electricity production and consumption, providing “local intelligence” devices to regulate systems like public lighting. Finally, the project aims at lowering overall CO2 emissions in the eco-district while enhancing the quality of life and electricity supply.
“Alstom is grateful for the opportunity to contribute its expertise and global experience in smart grid control rooms and distribution automation technologies. The NiceGrid project is one of 15 smart grid demonstration projects in which Alstom is actively participating around the world. Hand-in-hand with French and European Union government leaders and our partners, we look forward to jointly making the smart grid and smart cities a reality,” said Grégoire Poux-Guillaume, President of Alstom Grid.
The NiceGrid project was launched with the support of French Prime Minister Francois Fillon who attended the signing ceremony on the 18th of June. The Prime Minister described the Smart Grid as an important pillar in the development of European Industry towards new business domains after nuclear, high-speed trains and aeronautics.
Source: Alstom
Published in PennEnergy
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