Hot Topic: IEEE: Leading Smart Grid Efforts Globally

In early May 2009, IEEE announced a groundbreaking smart grid initiative for the power engineering, communications and information technology industries with the project approval of the IEEE 2030 Guide for Smart Grid Interoperability of Energy Technology and Information Technology Operation with the Electric Power System (EPS) and End-Use Applications and Loads (P2030).

Leveraging the technical breadth of IEEE and its open standards development process, IEEE P2030 will provide a knowledge base for understanding and defining smart grid interoperability of the electric power system with end-use applications and loads. It will involve the integration of energy technology and information and communications technologies, which are necessary to achieve seamless operation for electric generation, delivery, and end-use benefits that will permit two-way power flow with communication and control.

IEEE P2030 is sponsored by the IEEE Standards Coordinating Committee 21 (SCC21) and chaired by IEEE Life MemberDick DeBlasio, program manager at the National Renewable Energy Lab facility of the U.S. Department of Energy, and IEEE smart grid liaison to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

DeBlasio points out that, “The P2030 standards project will support NIST’s role to coordinate the development of smart grid interoperability standards.” He continued stating, “IEEE P2030 will provide urgently needed guidelines for smart grid interoperability, building on the many technologies used in the electric power system and merging these with communication, monitoring, and analysis technologies and capabilities.”

Read more about IEEE’s role in the development of Smart Grid standards.

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