Smart Grids: Another Example of Wireless Technology Benefits

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:30:00 -0500

When Congress tasked the FCC with developing a National Broadband Plan that includes “a plan for the use of broadband infrastructure and services in advancing . . . energy independence and efficiency,” we were pleased that the Commission identified “smart grids” – the integration of information and communication applications with the electric power grid – as a promising way to achieve these objectives.

Then, late last month, President Obama announced $3.4 billion of stimulus grants that will be allocated to 100 smart grid projects tasked with modernizing America’s energy efficiency and increasing reliability on renewable resources (e.g. wind and solar power).

Clearly, smart grid technology has captured the nation’s attention for its numerous benefits and promising potential.

In our comments to the FCC last month, we highlighted wireless communications as a critical component of smart grid deployments. Commercial wireless networks can satisfy, and are currently satisfying, the communications requirements of smart grid applications.

The benefits of smart grid technology can be profound, and wireless is an important part of the equation. A joint report by Accenture and Vodafone found that wireless technology can be used to:

Reduce carbon emissions in European Union (EU) member countries by 113 metric tons per year in carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e).
Cut energy cost by £43 billion (approximately $70 billion), with more than 80% of these savings attributable to machine-to-machine communications.

But when thinking about deploying wireless communications for smart grids, we ask policymakers to consider these two points:

If net neutrality rules were applied to wireless, it is an open question regarding how a non-discrimination regulation would impact devices like smart meters or supervisory control and data acquisition (“SCADA”) system equipment. Further, if a provider or vendor devises an innovative smart grid communications technology or transmission algorithm to limit the impact of network congestion, would such a technology be permissible under new rules? If so, must the details be fully disclosed? It also is entirely plausible that certain communications in a smart grid solution will require prioritization. An overreaching network management policy may jeopardize the innovation for smart grid development and deployment.
With the increasing demand for more spectrum, it would be inefficient to dedicate spectrum for smart grid-specific networks when commercial networks can and are already satisfying smart grid systems.

Wireless Goes Green!

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 13:13:00 -0500

Smart Energy is the International CTIA WIRELESS 2009® theme for Day 3, and The Honorable Al Gore is leading this day off with his timely keynote address. This is the last day of this year’s show, so before you leave, check out our green exhibitors, such as AFL Network Services, Inc., Black & Veatch, BridgeWave Communications, dotMobi, DragonWave Inc., EDX Wireless, Embarc Information Technology P-Ltd., ESRI, Generac Power Systems, NetComm Ltd., Novotech, Polyphaser Corporation/Transtector Systems, ReliOn, TekData Inc., Teletracker Inc., Wireless Applications Corp., and Wyless Group.

I also had the pleasure of interviewing Anne Larilahti, who is the Global Head of Environmentally Sustainable Business at Nokia Siemens. Please watch below for more about green initiatives and smart energy in the wireless industry.

(Video clip removed from RSS feed - click blog entry link above to view)

/div>

CTIA - The Wireless Association® Blog - Smart Energy

Smart Grids: Another Example of Wireless Technology Benefits

Wireless Goes Green!