Smart Grids are redefining the electricity future. Worldwide experts in the field will gather to share their know-how with the Middle East in Dubai this December. [image via GDS digital]
When temperatures soar, so does electricity consumption. At the peak of a scorcher day, everyone at home or in their offices hikes up their air-conditioning units at the same time, putting enormous pressure on regional and national grids. Another challenge that utilities face is incorporating renewable sources of energy, such as solar power, into the same electricity network. An emergent solution to both problems? Smart grids. What are smart grids?
Smart grids transport energy from suppliers to consumers using 2 way digital technology. Combined with smart meters, users can control appliances at home to save energy, and reduce costs.
When air-conditioning junkies hike up their units at peak periods, their habit is rewarded with higher prices. Smart meters and smart grids allow consumers to keep track of these costs and adjust their use accordingly.
In addition to incorporating renewables and using electricity transmission lines that are better conductors of electricity and therefore more efficient, smart grids are capable of keeping track of exactly how much electricity moves through the system.
Sharing is caring
However, this is an emergent technology and kinks are still being worked out. The Smart Grids Middle East conference will give utilities from the USA, Europe, and the Middle East an opportunity to compare notes with the most experienced and knowledgeable members of the field.
“You will learn from real life case studies on how to plan for, implement, and scale-up your smart meter project, and how the smart grid will affect the way you do business,” according to the conference literature.
Industry smarts
Hosted by Metering International Magazine, the conference will feature pre-conference workshops, panel discussions, and dynamic smart metering and smart grid sessions. Guest speakers will include: Eng. Ali bin Abdulla Al Owais, from the Ministry of Energy – UAE, Saeed Nassouri from ADWEA, and Shafi Zeitoun, from Saudi Aramco.
“The conference aims to highlight the current achievements gained in the smart grids/ smart metering space in the Middle East and best practices from utilities from all over the world,” according to organizers.
Last year’s conference drew representatives from Jordan, cyprus, Sudan, Palestine, Kuwait, Dubai, and Oman, thereby strengthening the entire region’s smart grid enthusiasts network.
To be held from December 6-8, 2010 at the Shangri-la Hotel in Dubai, industry analysts, regulators and utilities are invited to register before 16 September, 2010, in order to receive up to $400 USD off registration costs.
Visit the spintelligent events website in order to register early and receive your discount.
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Author: Tafline Laylin
As a tour leader who led “eco-friendly” camping trips throughout North America, Tafline soon realized that she was instead leaving behind a trail of gas fumes, plastic bottles and Pringles. In fact, wherever she traveled – whether it was Viet Nam or South Africa or England – it became clear how inefficiently the mandate to re-think our consumer culture is reaching the general public. Born in Iran, raised in South Africa and the United States, she currently splits her time between Africa and the Middle East. Tafline can be reached at tafline (at) greenprophet (dot) com.
