Putting the ‘Smart’ into Smart Grid

With climate change at the top of the political agenda, governments across Europe are introducing radical emission reduction targets. As part of the drive, the UK is moving towards a smart grid model for its energy market. The smart grid is a simple idea: an intelligent power generation and distribution system that automatically balances and controls supply and demand to make maximum use of energy at minimal cost.

While the idea is simple, there are significant challenges concerning implementation and impact. It will drive a fundamental change in the way we all consume energy and this starts with smart meters. The two-way communication channel between suppliers and consumers, means that consumers can play a far more active role in the supply chain, taking greater control over their energy consumption, emissions and costs.

Broadband Powerline (BPL) technology provides bi-directional transmission of consumption and control data in real time, turning existing electricity grids into an internet protocol-based communication platform. Every power line becomes a broadband data interface and power grids turn into intelligent systems.

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