The Enel Group is developing smart grids focusing on technology and innovation and working on solutions that combine energy efficiency, environmental protection and life quality to be applied to a whole island, one of the Canaries, and to an area covering 1.7 million square metres at the Expo 2015..
The Group is developing two significant smart grid initiatives in Spain and Italy, specifically in one of the Canary Islands, La Graciosa, and for the the 2015 universal exhibition that will take place in the area between Milan and Rho.
When the exhibition will start on May 1st. 2015, its participants will appreciate the various projects that the Group is developing in order to turn the Expo into a smart city.
"The smart grid will need about 50 MW", said Ernesto Coppa, Heat of the north-western Unit of the Infrastructure and Networks division. "Thanks to the financial support granted by Enel Distribuzione, a mid- and low-voltage network and two power plants using renewables sources will be built. Also, the energy generated from these facilities will be integrated with the distribution network and with the charging infrastructure, thus improving the energy flows".
The project will apply cutting-edge technology, including innovative grid management and monitoring devices and energy storage systems.
Within the universal exhibition, Enel will install a smart city control centre, 7 primary booths and 14 remotely controlled secondary booths. These will be equipped with LED displays that will provide information on how they work. Also, visitors will continuously receive information thanks to special applications for smart phones and tablets, also viewed in augmented reality.
Electric mobility will be central at this smart city, and dozens of charging stations will be equipped with special displays that will provide information on the network’s energy management. Both visitors and exhibitors will have access to these stations, which will allow them to visit the area covering 1.7 million square kilometres, between Milan and Rho on 30 electric people movers, 50 hybrid buses, 50 electric shuttle buses and 50 electric cars.
Enel will provide light for the exhibition area with a LED public lightening network which is eco-sustainable and produces an extremely low environmental impact.
