ICT for Energy Efficiency

During a conference held in Brussels on IT technologies employed as a tool to improve energy use, Enel's Infrastructure and Networks Director, Livio Gallo, gave a speech on Enel's experience regarding Smart Grids and the Italian Smart Metering

A European meeting to discuss energy efficiency with the aim of promoting ICT as a tool to improve the use of energy and make it more eco-friendly. This, in short, was the focus of the debate that took place in Brussels on February 23rd. and 24th., within an event organized by the Information Society and Media Directorate General Directorate of the European Commission, together with the EU Council Spanish presidency.

The occasion was significant because it involved energy experts and policy makers, and was attended by local and regional government representatives, industrial areas (ICT, construction, transportation, electricity distribution) and civil society.

Among the many conferences and best practices, the Smart Metering session regarded three case studies, including Enel's, presented by the Infrastructure and Networks Director, Livio Gallo.

"We discussed new technologies - said Gallo - and how smart grids and distributed generation are gradually changing the traditional production and consumption concept."

In his speech - "Smart Metering and Smart Grids: Enel's experience" - Gallo mentioned the benefits and progress of Enel's electronic meter, how the Company was a pioneer in smart grids and the recent extension of the communication protocol Meters and More to other utilities and international companies, who will be invited to join it.

Gallo explained that "Enel and Endesa established the association METERS AND MORE, to share management standards throughout Europe. "Thanks to METERS AND MORE, global advanced metering solutions will be made available across Europe. This is an important step in the development of the smart grid vision".

Other sessions discussed "smart" sustainable towns, the ICT4E projects, sustainability objectives and ICT investments.

The first day ended with the award for the best ICT4E project: the objective of the competition was to promote ICT innovation, with projects that help improve energy efficiency and are capable of attracting investment from businesses and citizens. The award was presented by Livio Gallo and Henrik Rasmussen, Head of EMEA Industries, SAP.

The second day focused on "smart" buildings, transport logistics and electric vehicles, infrastructure challenges and regulatory framework for the development of new smart grid business models. The event ended with the conference plenary, chaired by Florin Lupescu, ICT Addressing Societal Challenges Director of the European Commission.